X-Champions Issues
Issue #10 - 5 x 5 x 5
As the heroes approach the strange, slightly glowing, massive strange heap, they're concerned to realize they're minus two. But even that pails in the Troll's mind as he discovers on the phone that Aela won't come out to help - because she's pregnant! At the same time, while on the cell with The Captain, Hamlet learns that The Captain (Marty Davis) must be off to follow up on a dying relative he never knew he had. Hamlet bids Marty good luck and assures him they can handle the situation.
As Spectrum continues her mental dialogue with the heap, she learns that it wants to protect the small things, small animals. She's unclear for a bit if it means things now small to it or things formerly small to it. After carefully digging, she learns that the heap has lost the lake it protected. When Spectrum mentions this aloud and describes the lake, the Troll and Sammy realize it's the same body of water they found the Babble Fish in. Sammy rushes off to find out what happened there. Meanwhile, Buffy insists they have to kill the beast and starts to quietly put a ring of combustible material partially around it. Hamlet warns her to stop but she disappears into the woods. All the while the Heap moves towards Spectrum as it grows to trust her, feeling her easy mind. Buffy sets a blaze but the heroes ignore this; the Heap moves away from it of course. Buffy, disgusted as she exhorts the heroes to actions, throws a stake into the Heap from behind Hamlet's car. While it doesn't appreciably hurt the thing, it does cause it to strike out at Buffy. She dives into the cover of the forest as a tendril smashes into the car, smashing it and making a big searing hole. Hamlet attempts to stop Buffy by turning her to stone but misses her as she hides away.
The Justice Squad hopes their troubles are subsiding - but those hopes are dashed as a unmarked pure black copter approaches. Hamlet recognizes this as no doubt something of the league of the "men in black", men who squash the truth and often squash those who witness the truth. Spectrum approaches the copter as someone shouts on a bullhorn that this is the site of a federal operation and to clear out. The Heap tells her that it will protect her and wants to damage the copter, but she persuades it that all is well. Using her experience in the law and bureaucracy, she persuades the federal agents to let them continue to subdue and guide the beast. Uncertainly the agent agrees to stand back.
Miles away, Sammy has found the lake and sees grave devastation. Many animals are dead, a few are mutated. A strange slightly glowing liquid gunk carpets the area. He sees barrels that no doubt released the stuff. He calls the other Justice Squad members on the phone and as advised examines the barrels closer, scratching paint to see if there are any markings. The chemical coating stings him and he finds nothing. As near as they can tell the barrels were dropped from some height and their contents spilled out. Sihn advises him to find the Ugly Thespian to find out more and help with the Heap.
Given this news and knowing that at least the lake is there, Spectrum continues her mind-meld with the Heap and guides it to the lake, taking the main road. Hamlet calls Spectrum on the cell and truncates his message, realizing that the cell communication is being monitored by the feds. She then reaches her mind to Laughton's and he advises her to tell the agents to drop all their weapons but she determines it's unwise to push the agents further. They do agree, though, to follow her lead and stay back a bit from the big thing. As the Heap moves on it, the tar crackles and burns. As they go down the road Sihn and Laughton, bringing up the rear on foot, realize that two unusually large vehicles are approaching and look to be part of the federal operation. They tell Spectrum who convinces the agents not to bring any more to bear, lest the Heap cause damage. They again hesitantly agree.
Laughton, distrusting the federal agents, calls Fritz Cunningham, the reporter whom he recently saw in O'Malley's Toxic Neon Bar, and finds he's nearby at the Aquarium, covering a more mundane part of the scare on the island. No sooner does he get out the location of where he is and going than the cell phone service goes dead - no doubt a trick of the mysterious federal agents. Laughton worries about what they're walking into.
Meanwhile Sammy has found the Ugly Thespian, who doesn't know much but did see the aftermath a few moments after the chemical dumping happened. He describes that as far as he could tell these barrels fell from the sky and burst open, spewing forth such quantity that the lake swelled and washed out many of the things there into Lake Michigan - including the Heap. Although the Thespian is concerned about who else might be around, he remembers the Justice Squad and knows he can trust them. He's willing to help the Heap Thus shortly Sammy approaches the gang as the proceed down the road. He is flying as a great eagle hoisting the Ugly Thespian. They see the helicopter following the Heap and the Ugly Thespian gets scared, so they duck into the woods. Soon the Heap's mind finds his familiar mind and it calms the Heap, though the Thespian is quite scared by the strange agents. Sammy and the Thespian stay in the woods, out of sight, following the Heap. Spectrum is aware due to her link with the Heap.
The slow-moving convoy finally makes it back to the lake. The Heap settles in the middle of it, sinking down into the polluted water and silt. Immediately Eliot Sihn begins collecting samples from the area. All watch in awe as the Heap slowly heals the area, shrinking in size gradually as it does so. Even some small animals appear to come back to life. As this unfolds the federal agents announce from the helicopter that all parties must leave for them to properly secure the area. The Justice Squad debates whether they should obey: Sihn maintains they shouldn't risk disobeying the feds and it's not their concern; Laughton feels the feds shouldn't be left to their own devices. The Ugly Thespian, cowering in the woods nearby with Sammy, wants to head home but Sammy convinces him to wait, that he's protected. Spectrum continues to try to keep the Heap calm; it notes the Troll collecting samples and feels threatened. Spectrum responds that he's simply a scientist doing studies but the Heap knows this word "scientist" as something horribly evil and immediately strikes out at the Troll, who dives into the woods to avoid the deadly strike. Carefully Spectrum re-explains and smoothes it over. However, the agents in the copter begin making threats and the heroes can hear ominous rumblings of a large vehicle or two approaching.
Sammy and the Ugly Thespian hear a stranger approaching in the woods and see a man with a camera, whom Sammy recognizes as Fritz. Fritz makes his way to the clearing and the lake, at first startling those who see him until recognition sets in. As he begins taking pictures the agents become alarmed and threaten to fire but Fritz pulls out a cartridge from the video-camera and tosses it to Hamlet, who moves into the woods. Then he continues to take more pictures. And in the distance more reporters have come through the woods; the agents quickly and without a word leave.
And the cell phone disruption is lifted. Hamlet calls Buffy, who quietly answers. He explains the situation though she seems unrepentant for having tried to kill the Heap. And she shouts over to Hamlet - she's only a few yards away. Hamlet steps out to speak to the media, presenting the Justice Squad in a good light and indicting the federal government as the unidentified agents. Some reporters seem to believe the agents were Magneto's terrorists and ask about the Justice Squad's link to him. Word has also spread that ABC may have dumped the chemicals, which Sihn suspects from the hybrid biochemical nature of the spill - and later believes more firmly based on lab results.
From the shadows, Lemmy Bernstein, the Purple Hat gangster who helped the Justice Squad, appears. He's been living in the swamp and seems to have several strange growths but despite that is happy. He finds Sihn and explains what he saw, which was a helicopter drop the barrels from a great height. He recognized one of the men in the copter, a man named James Wheaton whom he once did a job for. He's sure Wheaton is associated with ABC. He then disappears back into the swamps, thanking Sihn again for their help and wishing the Justice Squad the best.
While Laughton talks to the media, Buffy and Suzanne (Spectrum) talk and begin to bond a bit, setting aside Buffy's chilly reception of the more-beautiful older heroine. Buffy's questions are still none-too-politic, as she asks what it's like to get "old" but Suzanne patiently discusses college days and growing up. Buffy's impatient to leave the scene and Suzanne agrees - neither are interested in cultivating public relations. They're both doers, not talkers. After a while the young vampire slayer interrupts the boastful Laughton as he plays to the receptive Lisa Walters, rudely asking that they leave now as it's a "school night, you know". Laughton agrees but gets caught up in a few more media questions as Spectrum and Buffy get a head start, Spectrum taking Buffy off with her in flight. Shortly thereafter Sammy returns the Thespian to his home, though they're worried that the mysterious agency may destroy the area, and he flies off with Laughton and the Troll.
Everyone returns home quite late and catches up on some needed rest (except Sihn - who needs no rest and does so only as a courtesy/convention now for Aela). It's early Monday, the wee hours, and for some the work/school week lies ahead. For Laughton it's earmarked already as a bad week - Maddy Hayes, owner of the Blue Moon organization of which he's a franchisee, comes to town mid-week for an accounting of the chaotic affairs of the agency.
The week begins uneventfully but on Tuesday Sammy gets an invitation to a full-blown feast at Baroni's, the restaurant linked to crime boss Eduardo Tocci. He's approached carefully when alone at the Laughton and Davis agency and escorted in a limo. While there Eduardo shows up and cultivates Sammy's friendship, explaining how his organization is oft-misunderstood and fights the "worst evil". Sammy nods in agreement; he's seen how the public has reacted unfairly to the Troll's efforts and Eduardo makes a lot of sense to him. Eduardo goes on to explain that Sammy's cohorts seem to misunderstand him as well, so he appreciates Sammy's confidence. And he looks forward to hosting an occasional feast for Sammy. Sammy returns to Laughton and Davis a bit unusually heavy, resembling in some ways the later Elvis.
By Wednesday AM Maddy is in town and appears in the offices with her company's chief accountant, the COO of the Los Angeles (head) office, and a "personal assistant" whose role is not clear but is an unusually handsome man. She locks the group into a conference room with Laughton for the whole day. During that time, dedicated to financial issues, she questions the money funneled into nearby O'Malley's Toxic Neon Bar as well as the non-productive time Hell spends on the company dime. Hamlet struggles to defend the agency, including mentioning the number of intangibles gained in terms of contacts and additional leads generated by Hell's work and at O'Malley's. Maddy is rather skeptical.
Hamlet receives welcome relief as a visibly nervous Velda (referring to Hamlet as "sir", something she never does), interrupts the meeting to mention his "appointment" has arrived. He walks into the lobby to find several lawyers representing the federal Department of Education - just as Suzanne Palmer (Spectrum) stops by the offices to finalize a meeting time with Maddy Hayes. Suzanne is hoping to get a job despite Hayes' freeze on new hires (Laughton having just already hired another investigator prior). But Hamlet takes advantage of her timing to introduce her as his lawyer, as he's receiving a restraining order forcing Jonas Hell and Laughton and Davis to stay away from DOE grounds. Palmer slips Hamlet a business card with her expensive rate written on the back. As she listens to these high-powered lawyers openly threaten Laughton should Hell continue his investigation, she ups the rate on the fly. Laughton is nonplussed - expensive legal care against the federal government only seems fair. When Suzanne questions if the lawyer is indeed threatening, he simply lies to their faces, backed by his own crew. All nod in understanding and Laughton gets out of the frying pan in the lobby and back into the fire in the conference room. Suzanne decides to come back later.
Wednesday late in the day Suzanne finally hooks up with Maddy. Hamlet is distressed to find Caruthers has been brought into the interview by Maddy and seems to have some role in the decision process. Maddy warms up to Suzanne, asking her if she's ever been a model and mentions her own past in the field. Caruthers takes the bad cop approach, asking several pointed questions that reveal Suzanne's lack of expertise in the investigative field. Hamlet points out that her skills include legal research abilities, knowledge, and connections, all of which are needed in the office. Suddenly Caruthers seems to change his mood - Suzanne's mysterious other side overpowers her momentarily and imposes itself, forcing Caruthers to change his mind and embrace her for the job. They all agree that Suzanne can start work as soon as she leaves the DA's office.
Thursday sees more of the same as that day is spent focusing on "operational" and administrative issues. Maddy's unhappy with the unusual publicity, though Hamlet notes it's been good for business. She also wonders aloud if Hell should be let go. As the discussion continues, Hamlet gets another break as Velda, slightly more nervous this time, comes in and announces he's got another important appointment he's "forgotten". As Laughton leaves the conference room, Velda settles down to the table, attempting to distract Maddy and her entourage with her Elvis scrapbook...
Even more high-powered lawyers, having arrived in two limousines, are in the lobby. Sihn shortly arrives upstairs, having been tipped off by the now high-strung Velda, and as luck would have it Suzanne Palmer is again there, arranging some transitional items. These lawyers, led by the dapper and high energy August Romans, are from ABC Corporation and are serving yet another restraining order, this one forbidding Laughton from coming within 500 yards of X2783, the property of ABC Corporation, otherwise known as "Sammy" (he adds the quotes in speech for emphasis). They've determined via Suzanne's registration paperwork for Sammy that he exists and it's ABC's position that this mutant displays all the hallmarks of the accidentally released specimen X2783. They claim Laughton's a bad influence on their property, misdirecting it. Concurrently they are going to court to regain possession of their property. Suzanne and Laughton see several holes in the litigation; generally the courts have been extremely liberal in defining sentience and sentience disallows a mutant being treated as property. Typically mutants are also presumed sentient until proven otherwise and the restraining order may not be valid on that basis, though at least one judge feels otherwise. As the lawyers find out who Suzanne is and she's designated as the legal representative on Sammy's registration paperwork, they server her with the summons for the repossession case. That begins on December 15th and currently it's assigned to a judge quite favorable in the past to ABC, Suzanne notes. Meanwhile Sihn has his mutant detector and notes that one of the lawyer's seems to fit its search pattern, looking like some sort of mentalist. He warns Hamlet.
In the midst of this Maddy comes out of the conference room and sourly notes to Hamlet this is exactly the sort of things she doesn't care to see, adding insult to injury.
Everyone other than Maddy, whose unaware of the whole situation, turns and stares at Sammy as he, in his normal-looking guise, unsuspectingly walks into the offices. The lead lawyer for the ABC delegation, a man named Arthur Remington, smiles smugly at Sammy. Shortly the ABC lawyers leave and Maddy resumes the conference with Hamlet - to explain to him that she's naming Caruthers to a COO role in the Detroit office with a direct line to her and a dotted line to Hamlet. And to make it worse she expects Laughton to put together a "credible" congratulatory party for Caruthers on Friday.
Late Thursday Hamlet sees Jonas Hell and asks him to cool the investigation on the NEA and the DOE for a while. Jonas is uncertain but understands Hamlet's explanation that Hell must be getting somewhere and it's best to let it cool down and then resume when they don't expect it. As he figures there's not much else to do (such as legitimate case work), Hell asks for Friday off. Laughton, a bit annoyed, fairly patiently explains he needs to put in some billable hours and in fact Maddy wants to fire him. Hell sighs and says he still needs the day off due to the fact he's finally gotten a date with Velda. But Laughton presses on and also lets Hell know the bad word that they have to give a promotion party for Caruthers and everyone must be there.
Laughton also lets Sammy know about the party and that he's prepared a whole separate cake and snacks table just for him. He reiterates, "There's the Sammy table and there's the everyone else table. You don't eat from the other table, you just eat from the Sammy table. Okay?" Sammy eagerly agrees and is happy to know he'll get plenty of food.
However, as Friday comes and the office party kicks off, Sammy can't restrain from the tempting food at the other table - particularly as there wasn't nearly enough on his own (from his way of thinking). Fortunately he's spared Laughton's exasperation as Velda sneaks him many treats from the "everyone else" table. The party is hardly a success as Caruthers gives a mundane cheesy speech looking forward to his new role. He attempts to put a "team" spin on it but his co-workers just aren't impressed by the effective but nebbish investigator. And Laughton's known lack of support doesn't help.
Also that Friday Suzanne Palmer turns in her resignation to the DA's office, anxious to leave the listening devices and increasingly strained office politics behind.
Later that day Velda asks Sammy what he's doing on the weekend. He has no particular plans - it's another couple days of scrounging for the better simple compounds found all around the city's trash barrels. But as Velda hints to the point of inviting herself to something fun with Sammy, he picks up on it and invites her along to a movie and dinner (at a restaurant).
That weekend Sammy and Velda's "date" is awkward as Sammy enjoys her company but isn't prepared for anything more. She struggles in vain to get a kiss as they say goodnight at her parents' house (where she still lives). As Sammy wanders off he spots a romantic movie in the window of a store - while it dawns on him what she probably wanted he dismisses the notion. He loves humans - but as companions. He's not even sure exactly what he is.
The weekend passes generally uneventfully - that is until Sunday in the middle of the night when Eliot, resting at home with Aela, awakes to feel and see his left hand inching away from him, detached from his body, "walking" along much like Thing of the Addams Family. Alarmed, he grabs it and it speaks to him, first saying "Hello! I didn't mean to alarm you...". Eliot, unable to easily stick it back on quietly, rushes out of the bedroom so that Aela doesn't hear or see this. It's something she would definitely find unappealing. The detachable hand somehow has two small eyes it's grown on the knuckles and teeth which sprout out just below the eyes. A small tongue darts out from the palm of the hand. It's not a pretty picture, more disturbing than the Troll.
"Lefty", as Sihn takes to calling it, mentions he's been "awake" (sentient) for some time but didn't want to disturb Eliot. He mentions he's gone out on his own a little, to taste what life is like. And he wants more of it, though the somewhat whiny, somewhat squeaky-voiced hand fully appreciates he's a part of Eliot. As the Troll stresses, "We're a team!" Finally Eliot sticks Lefty back on his left wrist; as he does, Lefty reverts to looking and acting simply like his left hand. He appears to have no more consciousness. Eliot considers this oddity and thinks, "Ah well, that's that, I'll just keep it attached. Odd little thing, didn't know it did that." Only the pragmatic and coldly logical Troll could think this way.
And in a while, early on Monday AM, his mother stops by. She demands $300 and becomes angry when he says he doesn't have it. She wonders how he could be so cold and wonders why she even had him, such a strange and unpleasant child. But the facts-only scientist draws no parallel to the hand he intends to hold on to without consideration.
Later that day Gere-luce stops by and invites Eliot out to the dog races for lunch. Eliot brings up the odd occurrence with his hand and starts to wonder if he should do anything with it and if Gere-luce would like to examine it. Gere-luce, having been Eliot's mentor in his youth, reminds Eliot that if the hand seems sentient it probably needs his guidance rather than his dissection. He mentions it would be a good thing for Eliot, would teach him compassion and such. Eliot grouses about how people get upset whenever he does the right thing, such as doing a little torture to save lives, and he doesn't understand the need for compassion given the odd reflexes of people when he does overtly help. But Gere-luce doesn't relent. Eliot compares him to his current Chinese therapist, Loo Kwan, who also seems to want Eliot to practice a number of excessive unnecessary displays of patience and concern but in the end he decides to take Gere-luce's advice.
A bit later back at Laughton and Davis/Blue Moon Agency, Caruthers approaches Laughton to bury the hatchet as well as get started in his new role. As he requests data from Laughton he's ignored as Laughton piles case files into Caruthers' hands. While Caruthers tries to get across his request, Eliot SIhn walks in - with Lefty in his right hand. And of course no left hand. Sihn introduces Lefty, who's enthusiastic to meet Hamlet formally. He lifts a pinky to shake hands as Laughton jokes about "I'd shake your hand but, ah..."
The stony detective (pun intended) manages for the most part to take this new development in stride. Caruthers is not so flexible, though, and excuses himself to get away from the strange little creature. Lefty goes on and says he wants to be part of the team. Laughton immediately considers some investigative possibilities though Sihn warns him that, after all, it is his hand and he needs it - as well as he's not so sure it's ready. But Lefty is eager. Suzanne comes by as she's shuttling between offices and is not repelled by the hand (after all, she's seen the Troll in his regular form and seen him rip off his body parts as needed) but isn't quite ready to make a conversation with it.
Late on Monday, after Suzanne gets back to her office, James Daniels, the district attorney for Detroit, comes to Suzanne and mentions his regret that she's leaving and wonders why she feels it's so necessary. She explains that given her desire to exercise her mutant abilities more and involvement with crime-fighting, she doesn't feel it would be appropriate for her or the DA's office that she remain there. He sadly concurs and wishes her the best. He also mentions that if there's anything he can do for he'll be glad to. Suzanne feels her inner alter ego bubble to the surface, something she rarely feels even when it's active, and hears it warn that it will make everyone in the office forget her so as to protect them both. She hurriedly excuses herself to work on cleaning up things and Daniels moves on. She's puzzled by this unusual display of the other self she strives to hold back.
Meanwhile, Laughton receives a call from Chiang Li who mentions his commission is due as he's cleared up the client's problem with the shaman. Laughton wonders what he's done and he simply indicate he's sent the shaman back to his original realm, hinting at hell. But he also warns that the client is a somewhat evil man who dabbles in magics inappropriately. Chiang is certain the man will continue to have problems and he has no sympathy for him.
At 5 PM Laughton receives a much more ominous call. It begins with a mad cackling. Then the caller hangs up and redials. And laughs more before finally articulating, "Hee, hee...WE'RE BAAAACK....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - ". The voice is interrupted by a fake British accent in the background saying "But that's the swankiest diamond store in Detroit." Then Hamlet hears, "HEY - SHH, STOP IT - CLICK - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" and then actually hangs up.
Based on Hamlet's discussion Sihn is sure the fake British voice belongs to the Artless Dodger. And Hamlet's sure the "swankiest" diamond store would be the exclusive private Tiffany's downtown (not the one in the mall). They also receive a fax that simply says "5 x 5 x 5 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA" in a barely legible scrawl. At least this time the fax isn't accompanied by a brutal series of slayings.
Hamlet traces the phone call to a phone booth in a tiny town near Newberry in the Upper Peninsula. As Sihn suggests checking properties, Laughton uses his agency's resources to check property rented in that area in the last week or so (since the last cabin went up in flames not long ago) and, while finding nothing in that description, finds a single deserted property not far from a pumpkin patch and not too far from the phone booth.
The team decides to take the offensive and prepares to head out. Sammy and Suzanne join. Eliot, having studied up on many mutants, discusses the Mosquito's past, his defeat at the hands of the Punisher in Atlanta and the mysterious Randolph Mantooth in Los Angeles. But both are unreachable. The Arltess Dodger has been the Flaming Carrot's adversary primarily, but he's also not immediately reachable unfortunately. As they are about to leave Jonas comes in and notes the activity. He asks what's going on and Laughton lets him know in general terms. Hell senses an opportunity and asks, "Hey, if I help out then I can take tomorrow off, right?" Laughton tries to counter, "Jonas, do I get a day off just because I have to take off tonight?" Of course Hell counters, "Sure!" They compromise and are off, transportation provided by the ever-available Bob Rogers of Black Buick fame.
They speed up to over 110 miles per hour but it's still a long trip. Hell sits next to Sammy and, as he takes swigs from his flask, immediately assails Sammy; it turns out that Velda went to lunch with Hell only to tell him her heart belongs to Sammy. Sammy is apologetic to Hell and assures next time he goes out with Velda he'll definitely invite Jonas along - after all, they're buddies. Hell stews, and decides to start talking to the Troll, hoping to explain his frustrations to someone who will get it. However, the Troll takes this moment to release Lefty who eagerly attempts to engage Jonas in conversation. Defeated, Jonas sits in silence, listening to the excited babbling hand. Quietly Lefty moves up to Sihn's shoulder and asks "Are we in danger?" The Troll assures him they'll be fine. But it's way below freezing outside and the Troll knows if they're forced to fight in the cold his powers will be limited - and it turns out in conversation so will Sammy's.
Bob's skill keeps them moving through the lightly snowy weather and across the icy Mackinaw bridge, the only route to the Upper Peninsula. They stop to stock up on some gasoline and, doing a little breaking and entering, Laughton finds a flame blower to bolster his less effective teammates (he leaves cash in its wake). As well as potentially himself - Laughton reveals he's managed to discover another form he can turn into, this one a mercurial blob that bounces wherever its sent and reflects energy multi-fold. But that doesn't work in this cold.
They edge through the roads which turn into gravel and then into dirt and ice. As they near where they think the cabin is, Suzanne reaches out with her mind, searching for Mosquito's mind, going only on descriptions of him. But in the largely unpopulated area she finds it and rapidly begins striking at it, driving the mentally struggling and confused Mosquito into unconsciousness. They know they're close, too, the cabin is likely just a few dozen yards down the icy road, though not visible through the dark night, trees, and snow.
Down the path (its barely a road) they see a shadowy figure dart out, riding a log into where the trail forks. It then darts back away. They formulate a plan; Rodin turns to a stone log, and Spectrum telekinetically carries him with the Troll, Sammy, and Jonas aboard through the trees until she sees the cabin. It's a disheveled pitiful mess; the windows are boarded up but there are small holes visible in it. She aims Rodin and the team through one of the boarded up windows and they smash through, attempting to surprise the Gang of (as it turns out) Five. A robot uncannily resembling Bender from Futurama screams, "It's bendin' time!!"
Hell leaps off of Rodin and over a counter, right next to another figure crouching behind the counter. Sammy gets hit by an attack of incredibly putrid pumpkins, thrown by the Artless Dodger. Their fumes enveloping Sammy and threatening to daze him. The Troll grabs Rodin and swings him at Bender, just barely causing the robot to briefly cease acting, vibrating its circuitry. Sammy squirts his acid at the Artless Dodger who feels the burn. The Justice Squad all feels a sick, sinking feeling that causes them physical illness; even Spectrum does, apparently a side effect of her mental link to Rodin. They feel vaguely pessimistic, uncertain if they've taken the right action.
Perhaps they're right. Bogeyman mentally strikes Sammy, further draining him. The Dodger makes a rope from threads in a couch and lassoes a refrigerator, pulling it so the door opens and it points in Sammy's direction. He leaps behind the counter with Hell to avoid what is a searing, deadly blast of energy shooting out of it. But the Troll gets another strike in on Bender, keeping him from acting and both Sammy and Hell punch and shoot the man in the counter near them as he barely gets an introduce himself by way of saying "Ah, I knew it wouldn't work, I shouldn't have stayed here. We're never gonna win. Maybe it's all because I named myself the Pessimistic Cynic." But his hide is tough and the mighty blast of Hell's gun doesn't kill him, instead merely cementing his fate after Sammy's blow. As he goes down the last wave of cynicism from the Cynic hits the team, causing them further damage. They are reeling dangerously as the Artless Dodger gets a shot in on the Troll with the remainder of the mysteriously noxious pumpkins, putting him out slightly [game mechanics note - everyone in the team reached single digits STUN]. The Troll struggles back to consciousness, injecting himself with a booster medicine as Bogeyman hits Sammy with another stunning blow.
The tide begins to turn as Spectrum picks up Rodin and throws him at Bogeyman, just barely hitting him and just barely stunning him. But that's all it takes as the Troll leaps into the fray and hits Bogeyman again, this time by seizing the crackling, damaged Bender. Meanwhile the Artless Dodger leaps to the top of the kitchen sink and then off it and to the refrigerator as Hell shoots the sink out from under him (by accident, attempting to hit him). The Dodger points the frig at Sammy again; Sammy elegantly [rolled a 3!] leaps out of the way and manages to effortlessly drag Hell with him, saving Jonas' life. Spectrum then mind-blasts the Dodger as he starts to skate away on the flood of water from the broken sink with the frig blazing the way in front of him. He manages to keep going, barely clinging on. Meanwhile Troll beats both Bogeyman and Bender into a deep unconsciousness using Rodin. Then Rodin turns back to Hamlet Laughton and shoots Bogeyman several times at point-blank. Spectrum's alter ego, reflecting her fundamental respect for life, steps to the fore and blasts Laughton's mind as it's already linked and he feels the pain, angered for a bit. But Sammy delivers the final blow to Artless Dodger just as the Black Buick sprays bullets at the Dodger and the team simmers down from the heat of battle.
The villains restrained, Sihn calls Dick Terwilliger, his government contact, and reports to the feds they probably want to pick these guys up. Hamlet also calls his primary media contacts, Fritz and Lisa Walters. As the team waits they search the obviously booby-trapped cabin. They find Mosquito tucked into the cushions of the couch and Sihn defuses several booby-traps. Laughton finds Bogeyman's scrawled "Bogeyman's Master Plan" on a legal pad. It consists of:
There's also a few scanty illegible details that follow. They don't add much to the story.
Hamlet glances over just as he sees Sammy, hungry, raid the liquor cabinet. He screams "NNNNNOOOO" in seeming slow motion as he's a split second too late and the liquor enters Sammy's body. Immediately Sammy sees in front of him and an incredible array of all his favorite foods. And immediately in real life he begins eating the glass bottles and liquor, though it only does him minor harm given his unique nature. But he's fully detached from reality and for his own good Rodin turns him to stone.
Hamlet proceeds to gather evidence and they find a few mementos from the Gang of Five's crime spree. Spectrum taps into Mosquito's unconscious mind and finds, through his hazy dreams, a safe deposit box in Detroit. It correlates with a key they find in the shack. She also tries to get read the Artless Dodger's mind but it's too hazy and chaotic to get much out of; she had wanted to find more about the booby-traps but to no avail. However, SIhn seems to have found most of them.
The local police show up before the feds arrive; they were alerted as the ruckus in the woods did attract some attention from a neighbor some distance away. Two police cars arrive and a local yokel sheriff steps out. He goes by the book and treats the mutant heroes as potential suspects. Only begrudgingly does he allow Rogers to stay in the car, realizing he'd probably ought not push around a handicapped person. Otherwise everyone except Rogers and "Rodin" (as Hamlet calls the still-statuefied Sammy) is rousted out into to stand in the cold. When Laughton explains they're the Justice Squad and he's "Hamlet Laughton, the world's greatest detective!" the sheriff turns even colder and talks about how arrogant these "Detroit City" people are. In frustration he hands it over to "Buddy". Buddy does his best and tries to get past his boss' small town manners.
The local police intend to take custody of the villains and leave. The Justice Squad knows this won't do, that the local police can't hold these mutants. Sihn calls Terwilliger and tells him that they can't promise to control the situation; Terwilliger assures him the feds are on their way, it just takes time. Laughton manages to stealthily puncture one of the tires while Sihn and Spectrum argue with the cops in an attempt to further delay them. It works as in a few more minutes two federal helicopters arrive. The sheriff exclaims, "Shee-it now I gotta do a lotta paperwork and deal with the feds." He glowers at the Justice Squad, particularly Hamlet whom he's taken a particular dislike to.
And in a few more moments, as the feds begin securing the premises, asking the heroes to wait while they do, Lisa Walters shows up in a News Eight copter. The feds have completely ignored the local police but immediately warn Walters to leave as she's actively broadcasting a live report back to Detroit, albeit having missed the 11:00 news as it's now going on midnight.
Spectrum flies Hamlet up to the news helicopter so he can give his heavy-handed version of the events. In the Black Buick, Rogers groans silently - as an inspirational speaker he considers how he'd handle it. In any case, as Hamlet describes his brave actions in the face of grave danger (and by the way the Troll and Spectrum were there, too, along with the mighty and indefatigable Rodin), the feds launch their helicopters and shoot machinegun fire into harmless spaces to create such a racket that an interview is virtually impossible. Spectrum shouts in Walters' ear that she can arrange a way for Walters and Laughton to get around this. Walters nods in accord and shortly Spectrum mind links them in a 3-way mental conference - during which time she picks up fleeting images of The Captain in the forefront of Lisa Walters' mind. But she can't pick up why without prying and restrains herself. More interestingly she can feel Walters straining to figure out how she can dig more out of Laughton's mind directly, always the reporter.
Realizing they cannot force Walters out and they need to go, the feds go back to finalizing their operation. They level the former HQ of the Gang of Five and prepare to leave - not realizing that Laughton has Mosquito (whom he showed Walters on camera, stuck to a single piece of duct tape. But Laughton points out the tiny villain and gives him to the feds who produce a properly sized stun-inducing container. They set a dial based on advice from the heroes and are shortly off.
Finally, as the wee hours have begun ticking away, the Justice Squad speeds off - well at least after they get outside the sheriff's county, not wanting to risk a speed trap with him in particular. By the time they get back to Detroit it's early morning and some are ready for breakfast - notably Sammy who's been brought to on the ride back and treated by Sihn for his temporary madness. It's not too long before the bank where Mosquito's safe deposit box is will open and the gang is too curious not to want to check that out at this point as well.
Although Hell, already having taken advantage of the Black Buick's stocked bar, wants to go to O'Malley's for a morning aperitif, it's a sore subject with Laughton who again reminds Hell of the escalating operational costs he's introduced. When Laughton brings up the need to do this for a client, Hell resorts back to his "I thought the human race was our client!" line. But everyone else wants to get some real food and Hell relents as they go to an IHOP in Detroit.
Sihn decides to free Lefty for a meal - to the waitress' repulsed astonishment. She struggles to take everyone's order (including Sihn's order of raw meat) and her composure nearly melts down as Sammy improbably orders item after item. His teammates suggest she just get him "page 3". Hell orders tomato juice so he can mix Bloody Marys, something both Spectrum and Laughton avail themselves of as well. During the meal Lefty takes a few moments to thank Sihn sincerely for letting him enjoy the meal with the crew; he knows that it's not easy to let him out, so to speak, and willingly rejoins Sihn to help him handle his meal better. The cook comes out to witness Sammy putting away plate after plate and he's not particularly perturbed to see Lefty (just before Lefty rejoins Sihn) or any of the Justice Squad. Instead he's glad to have them, and takes up Laughton's offer for a free endorsement on their sign. The manager even agrees and arrangements are made!
After a hearty $400 breakfast the Justice Squad heads over to the bank to check out Mosquito's safe deposit box. The teller they see is unsure that, even with the key, she can let anyone but the owner of the box see it. She calls a manager who hears the tale of why the Justice Squad needs to see the box. He seems almost oblivious as to who exactly they are but upon hearing their story asks them to wait and seems to check on something. He returns and leads them to the vault and lets them check the box. It's empty. The team immediately suspects the manager. Laughton begins to dust for fingerprints and the manager freaks out, telling them he shouldn't have even let them look and now wants them to leave. They refuse to go and wait for the police. The police examine the scene and soon everyone's off to get a few moments rest (except of course the sleepless Troll).
Whatever loose ends may remain, all have earned a good rest - the ruthless and maniacal Gang of Five has been put down.
[Game Mechanics - Points Awarded...
Thoroughly defeating a superior opponent - handling the mutated Heap humanely, preventing any bloodshed, dealing with the feds - 45 RPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll; 3 XPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll
Thoroughly defeating a superior opponent for dispatching the Gang of Five; this level of category ("superior") counts the background work/investigative time, the whole saga - essentially an end-storyline bonus - otherwise probably would have been "marginally superior" just for the battle - 45 RPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll; 3 XPs for Rodin, Sammy, Specrum, Troll; for the past work, 11.25 RPs for The Captain; .75 XPs for The Captain
Thoroughly defeating a marginally inferior opponent for handling the local police department, feds, and media in the wake of the defeated mutants, basically ensuring the bad guys were delivered to the best source to deal with them - 3.75 RPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll; .25 XPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll
7 hrs Session play - +5.25 RPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll, +1.75 XPs for Rodin, Sammy, Spectrum, Troll
Totals:
The Captain +11.25 RPs, +.75 XPs
Rodin +99 RPs, +8 XPs
Sammy the Slime +99 RPs, +8 XPs
Spectrum +99 RPs, +8 XPs
Troll +99 RPs, +8 XPs
Totals to Date:
The Captain 255 RPs, 23.175 XPs
Rodin 394.5 RPs, 33.425 XPs
Sammy the Slime 387 RPs, 32.2125 XPs
Spectrum 211.875 RPs, 15.625 XPs
Troll 400.5 RPs, 37.4 XPs]