X-Champions Issues
Issue #35 - Origin Reunion Part 1
The day is interrupted unpleasantly for the Justice Squad as Richard Weed, their government liaison, storms into Laughton Agency demanding to see Dr. Sihn along with the rest of the Justice Squad. As Velda the receptionist greets him and places the call, he can hear her discussion with Dr. SIhn amounting to more than a simple "show up" and "yes" as Sihn questions what this is about. Weed grabs the phone away from Velda and brusquely demands that Sihn "get the hell over here." The others are also contacted, though Weed seems less personally demanding on those counts.
And for his trouble, Weed is of course inevitably left waiting. As he sits in a conference room in Laughton Agency, Dr. Sihn casually finishes a project he's working on, taking 20 minutes to show. Spectrum, who probably dislikes Weed more than the others, actually beats Sihn, getting there 15 minutes into Weed's wait. Sammy waits for Suzanne to head up, finishing a second course of lunch before doing so. When they do meet Weed, Sammy gives him a big handshake, which Weed returns in kind. Sammy mentions he's waiting on his secret agent identification, to which Weed reminds him he's issued him authorization already. But Sammy expects a badge or flashy ID card, and Weed, mentally rolling his eyes, promises to produce the "real" secret agent identification.
Laughton is away on business, and Neumann is still being worked on by Gere-luce as he's developed some odd problems in his neural network. So, to the extent that the Justice Squad is around, Sihn is the last to arrive as he literally pops in, teleporting over.
Suzanne looks at Eliot and asks, "Magical or mechanical trick?" The good doctor shrugs, "Neither/both."
Just as Weed begins to grouse about their tardiness, Suzanne mentions she was finishing a legal brief. Weed nods, saying, "I see, well, you must have been busy." Suzanne muses to herself, "Yes, busy finishing a post to a board..." Sammy chimes in, "Yes, I'm late because I had to finish lunch!" Sihn adds, "I was busy creating an alternate dimension." Weed stares at him. But Sammy greets the just-popped-in Sihn with a big hug, which is returned in kind, as they've hardly seen each other for a while now. Sammy has been busy with Jane and his own life while Dr. SIhn has been variously away and spending time on a private vacation with Aela. Sihn just returned the prior day and has since been busily catching up at the office, so this is the first time Sammy has seen his adopted father figure in a couple weeks. As they hug, Weed just shakes his head; Sammy, seeing Weed's emotional distance, merrily attempts to give Weed a hug. Weed promptly speaks up, finally, "We don't hug federal agents, Sammy."
So Sammy of course does not hug him. Instead, in search of alternate appropriate behavior, he gives him a big kiss - formed with huge red lips as Sammy shape-shifts his face!
Weed almost falls over stepping back and, defeated, says, "Let's go back to hugging."
The greeting phase finally ended, Weed turns to business. He's just heard about Dr. Normal, the anti-mutant villain mastermind until just recently held in illegal custody by the Justice Squad, and now convalescing in a private facility. Dr. Sihn, atoning for past misdeeds including this one, brought Dr. Normal to the facility after initial treatments to help restore the man's shattered mind, which was broken by Magneto (to whom the Justice Squad had given Dr. Normal) before Magneto returned him to the Justice Squad. Weed is outraged at both the original crime and its embarrassing exposure. It turns out he found out as the doctor at the facility had contacted the government.
Weed rants and raves, and, focusing on the illegal detention by the Justice Squad, exclaims, "We don't have federally-endorsed privatized facilities for this sort of thing!" Dr. Sihn calmly responds, "Well, you don't anymore."
Frustrated, Weed turns to Sammy and says, "Would you get me some coffee, please?" As belittling as it is, at least it's phrased as a question, a rare sign of respect from Weed. Sammy does grumble a bit to himself, and so Sihn gladly offers to get the coffee - then does so by muttering a few words and producing coffee in a mug out of thin air, handing it directly to Weed. Weed, inured to such things, accepts. Sammy asks Sihn if he can do that with baloney. Sihn gladly obliges.
As Weed resumes his monologue, he finally gets to the point that favors are owed by the Justice Squad in return for the government keeping a lid on this. Dr. Sihn explains, "Things have changed," by way of trying to convince Weed as to the group's intention. And while he's willing to assist the government and specifically Weed, he makes his boundaries clear as he says, "I'm not going to do anything unethical."
Which is exactly what Weed wants, at least by Sihn's definition of ethics. Weed demands to have more data on The Captain, including whatever information and files Sihn may have. Sihn explains that he cannot do so, as he long ago pledged not to share the biochemical information on his teammates out of respect for their privacy, and this applies to The Captain regardless of their current lack of a relationship. As Weed puts it on the table that he's concerned with psychological findings indicating The Captain is a megalomaniac, and, while currently no risk, Weed is concerned he will become one. Weed presses on, and insists that at least Sihn sit with the government scientists who have some data and assist them, even if without concrete DNA data. Sihn explains that he doesn't have the years it would take to impart his knowledge (as Dr. Sihn is - depending on the moment - the world's smartest man and his intellect is so far beyond human it is incomprehensible). As Weed pushes, Eliot Sihn insists that if The Captain becomes a threat, the Justice Squad can deal with it.
Sammy briefly interrupts as he's not content with his baloney sandwich, something isn't quite right about it. Dr. SIhn pauses to whip up some mustard and another sandwich, assuming the condiment will make the difference.
Weed impatiently waits to regain Sihn's attention, then resorts to a threat: if Dr. Sihn refuses to cooperate, he can ensure Sihn-tek is tied up in government red tape and audits such that it can no longer effectively operate. Suzanne is quick to jump in and point out that she can fight that in court rather easily, talking a few points well enough to demonstrate her remarkable legal skills. And she mind-links with Sammy and Sihn, to ensure they have a secure channel if needed. Dr. Sihn enjoins that he can move Sihn-tek off-shore in a minute - literally. As Weed makes a comment that may or may not intended as a veiled threat on Sihn's family (appealing to their safety), Dr. Sihn isn't even concerned - he replies, "My family is more dangerous than you think, Weed."
To ease Weed's agitation, as Weed sighs it's late enough in the day and he needs a drink, Sihn conjures up some Stoly's vodka. And as they speak, Sihn tells Weed that he will release the information if The Captain consents, and he volunteers to contact and discuss it with him. Weed agrees to the approach, thinking that The Captain will be too "on the spot" to refuse a government request, even if made so indirectly and obviously unofficially.
Weed exits and the three Justice Squad members spend some time catching up. Sihn mentions his feline leukemia treatment is in the FDA approval process. Sammy and SIhn wrap up their earlier start at a conversation on parenthood. Sammy is unsure of what to do next, and the conversation is useful for both, but inconclusive. Sihn is content, though, to let things happen naturally.
The topic turns to Jonas Hell. They discuss how to get his body back, as it's now, with Suzanne's earlier work, placed into private care. While it's considered that perhaps they may have to resort to nabbing his body, Suzanne nixes the idea, convinced she can get a legal release into Sihn's care. As the idea unfolds, they find themselves working towards it over the next couple days. Dr. Sihn meets with the doctors tending to Jonas (the human body, dog brain version). They are pleased to meet with the renowned Dr. Sihn, and ask if he's studied the Hell case. Sihn honestly but indirectly answers, "I have some familiarity with it." They admit they are perplexed at how Hell could possibly appear to have a dog's brain, as there would be now way he could have been functional before. Yet there's no sign of intrusion (given Sihn's medical skills and the facilities in the Justice Squad HQ). Sihn volunteers to work on the case, expressing confidence. The wheels are set in motion.
Suzanne gets a visit from her parents during this period. They want to be sure to continue to show their support, as well as they haven't visited her in Detroit for some time. Suzanne explains their predicament wherein both the city and national governments are pressuring them. She discusses how if they work for the local government they are likely not to be so flexible as they'll be virtual police officers, while working of course with the federal government allows them some flexibility, as they're more like occasional special agents, but it certainly has a lot of potential for stress. Her parents are tense as she says she wants the flexibility to have time to accommodate the Justice Squad's work. Her mother adds that her uncle, John Warner, can "take care of things". Suzanne thanks her, but says, "not right at the moment," leaving the door open.
But the discussion does turn to her parents' concern that through all this adventuring Spectrum could get killed. Suzanne explains that even when she wasn't adventuring, she was attacked by the Purple Gang for no reason, bringing her powers to full bore and coincidentally involving her in the Justice Squad. She notes it is a dangerous world and even without actively performing heroics - which benefit people - something could happen. But her parents do press a bit - bringing up the Troll and how the things they've read are frightening. At least this one is easy for Suzanne; she explains that "the Troll character is no longer associated with the Justice Squad," as Eliot has changed so greatly and in fact he no longer even manifests in his Troll form. They ask what happened, and she fudges it a bit, as much for simplicity as anything, telling them how a mystical cloud descended upon Detroit, mixed up with the Troll, and he gave his life to save the rest of the Justice Squad. Her parents are at least partially relieved.
As they wrap up their visit, there is discussion of Magneto, whom she mentions she "doesn't like very much." Her father dramatically declares, "He's a terrorist!" and is alarmed that the Justice Squad has any sort of dealings with him at all. But the discussion of Suzanne's life is brought fully up to date as she tells her parents about her house and the possession experience. She explains mysticism, even vampires. And finally they talk about Barbara Palmer and the whole incident some more, before her parents leave town. The "brain dump" is a bit exhausting for them and often disconcerting, but the family is closer than ever.
Jane and Sammy have a "serious talk". Jane, reproductively maturing as Sihn had noted, asks Sammy what he thinks of raising Lefty as their own child, as something they could "ease" into. Sammy counters with, "Why don't we think about this over lunch?" He's certainly intimidated by this sudden urge. Jane becomes indignant at his non-responsiveness as he gently but obviously dodges the issue. After a bit she eases up as Sammy talks with her and tries to understand, indicating his interest but the newness of all this. They end up going to lunch, something they can always agree on.
Sammy's father figure, Dr. Sihn, receives a visit from his father-in-law, Prince Namor. Namor is upset with Sihn as he's learned from the scientists of Mu that Sihn was mucking about with the nexus. Sihn of course owns up to it all, and explains to Namor the nature of his mistake with the Necronomicon and what he had to do to deal with it. As Namor presses arrogantly, Sihn finally gets "sick of" everyone's badgering, particularly as Namor starts to talk of Eliot's need to atone. He explains to Namor that he's already had to volunteer to be arrested twice in the last two days - and at that to a "bunch of smug jackasses". As Eliot elaborates on the disgrace he's faced and how it's been piled onto by those who don't even have a clue, Namor begrudgingly grants that he's already suffered. Nonetheless, Namor explains that penance must be made per the rules of his family. He presents the "Shak'tar" to Eliot, a device that humbles one by stripping them of any extraordinary abilities and to be worn for a period of a week - meaning in Sihn's case his uber-intelligence as well as his powers. Sihn readily agrees in principle, saying, "I know it's the right thing to do," but demurring, explaining to Namor, only at a high level, his mission to correct another of his travesties of the Troll days, the transplanting of Jonas' brain. That will require all of Eliot's mighty intelligence to be safe, or Jonas could easily die or suffer horrible brain damage. Much of the details are skipped as Eliot concentrates on the essentials, saying, "Someone's life is at stake," both out of respect to Namor's time but also as Sihn is indeed tired of trying to explain every mistake he's made during his heady days of arrogant meddling with lives.
Just then Sammy comes home. He hugs Eliot, and Namor, the ever-imperial, ever-reserved Prince of Atlantis is more rankled than Weed. He sees it as nothing more than weakness and demands an explanation. Sammy is quick to respond as the answer is so obvious to him - "He's my dad!"
Namor is confused, as he had not been subjected to the precise relationship in the past, and Eliot explains, "Sammy's an orphan I've taken to raise." And Sammy gives "grandpa" (Namor) a hug as well. Namor is aghast, and Eliot continues, unperturbed and unintimidated. "He has great powers and is in need of a strong family influence, and the only family available is the Justice Squad."
Namor listens but simplifies the issue and retorts, "Hugging is weakness, and not befitting of a man." A discussion of manhood ensues, turning into a philosophical argument. Then Lefty enters the room, and as Namor discusses what is appropriate for men to discuss, Eliot makes a point of dismissing Lefty as Lefty is entirely a child by any definition.
As Namor continues to feel out the situation with Sammy, he asks Sammy if he has ever participated in a tournament of chess. Sammy recalls his most vivid gaming experience and responds, "Parcheesi for souls, you mean?" He then explains to Namor the nature of the most serious game he's ever played. As Sammy uses the word "grandpa" again, and Namor turns to Sihn, asking, "How old is he?"
Sihn explains Sammy's nature, that he is four years old but a remarkable changeling. Sammy demonstrates, turning into a mirror image of Namor, which obviously does not amuse as Namor commands "That is discomforting, change back!"
Sammy turns to Sihn and asks, what he should change into. Sihn leaves the choice to him, and Sammy volunteers to Namor, "Want to see my true form?"
Namor gasps audibly as Sammy turns into the oozing puddle his natural state is. The Prince exclaims, "He's one of the ancients!" As Sihn eagerly inquires what Namor means, he defines "the ancients" as "one of the pre-human species who lives here," and goes on to say, "Our scientists would know if he is one of them for sure," and requests Sammy to go to Mu.
As Sammy again refers to Namor as "grandpa," Eliot interrupts, "Don't call him grandpa, Sammy, he doesn't like that." Sammy asks what he'd like to be called and Sihn, continuing to be the father, explains that he'd prefer "Namor".
Later, as Eliot and Namor have a private conversation, Namor admits that he "feels strongly" for Sammy. Eliot explains "it's the nature of slimy things," and proceeds to dryly elucidate as to how Sammy and Jane, as beings, engender trust and sympathy with their natural abilities and sympathetic choices of appearance.
Meanwhile, Sammy makes plans for travel to Mu, a trip planned for the near future but not yet nailed down as to the date, and talks with Aela about Mu culture as she stayed there for a bit. He hopes to learn more about their customs and such, and uses Namor as a model to start to develop his high society abilities among their culture as he has already done with humans.
As alluded to in the conversation with Namor and as the groundwork has been laid by Suzanne's legal work of the past two months, Sihn engages in the surgery to restore Jonas Hell to the man he was. Not surprisingly, Sihn manages the transplant back flawlessly, restoring Jonas' brain to his human body and the dog's mind back to its body. The two beings need time to adapt but given Sihn's work, not so long as one would think. For Sihn, the idea of going through something so amazing, the massively changing perceptions, is still basically something that is no more than an intellectual exercise to him, even if he recognizes that it was not right to have so meddled with Jonas against his will. So as Jonas awake, Eliot declares, genuine enthusiasm in his voice, "You've had an incredible experience no one has ever had!"
Jonas replies sardonically, "You mean an incredible journey?"
Not surprisingly, Jonas is bitter and has nothing positive to say to Sihn, though he begrudgingly is reasonably respectful given he has been restored. As Suzanne and Sammy are also there, Jonas says to Suzanne, "You're the only decent one, you know, for the drinks," as she tended to keep Jonas the Wonder Dog supplied with good scotch regularly, at least during her own trouble with alcohol. As they talk, Jonas finally admits that Sammy was also good for trying to be nice. Suzanne points out that she is positive with Jonas' recent purported mental problems, she's quite positive that she can get him off of the government's charges with a temporary insanity plea - his catatonia and "discovered" brain problem certainly will suffice, with good legal work behind them.
As Jonas rapidly returns to more clearly human thoughts and behaviors, he suddenly realizes he does not know the date - as a dog, he had no calendar to keep, and his sense of time became distorted. He asks what day it is, mildly but not terribly surprised to learn it is December 7th, and it's been over two-and-a-half months since he was last in his own body. And he realizes Laughton is missing, asking after him, finding he's away on business.
As the discussion continues and Jonas catches up on his life, so to speak, while the dog was in his body, he learns that due to them finding a dog's brain in his body, he's been classified as a mutant - albeit a Class F, "no harm" mutant! He asks Suzanne, rather desperately, "You can clean it up, right?" Although Sihn would prefer to see Jonas continue to live with it - given Jonas' bigotry, however mild, against mutants - Suzanne replies she probably can do it. Sammy chimes in that she could declare the institution's doctor incompetent, and Suzanne firmly refuses, pointing out to Sammy that's unethical. Eliot mentions that never stopped Laughton, more as an academic point and as an observation that clearly Sammy's picked up his sense of how to solve issues too much from the "world's greatest detective."
The dog is also well. Sihn was careful to restore its mental state with careful brain manipulations as it had nearly shut down its thinking from being so confused in a human body.
The surgery done, Eliot puts on the Shak'tar. He naturally still possesses a towering intellect, but curses that what used to take 10 minutes now takes several hours, and fatigue sets in every day. He loses productivity at work and finds he has to be careful in his actions in a way he never did before. However, it still pales for him in comparison to the lesson in humility he faced in dealing with the Necronomicon and the ethical shambles he had let his life become and has been facing up to.
Suzanne meanwhile is in good spirits, doing Christmas shopping and seasonal errands, trying to figure out what to do for New Year's Eve. She calls her boyfriend, Nightshade, and finds that his team, the Outsiders, will be staying around the Northeast over the holidays, but that he could take a quick spin to Detroit, and they start to settle on that plan.
Sammy, inspired by Suzanne, also begins Christmas shopping. He gets all his friends big sausage and cheese gift baskets - which he consumes himself in short order and has to go and buy again. He also plans to make a pig roast for Christmas dinner, with Gere-luce's help - in the base danger room as Gere-luce and Sammy decide it would be fun to outfit it with a "big red button" (one of Gere-luce's "special" buttons...) on its nose.
Frank Eyes, of the 719 Society, contacts Suzanne, frantically searching for Laughton to discuss details of their publicity campaign and the impending case. But Suzanne just apologizes that Hamlet isn't to be found, and she isn't willing to go to the effort of a mind scan, interfering with whatever Laughton is doing, as Frank Eyes has nothing so pressing.
None other than The Captain shows up at Laughton Agency, looking to speak with Dr. Sihn, returning his call. As they discuss Dick Weed's request, The Captain mainly listens and tells Sihn he will not consent, and that he'll take up the matter with the president, saying that Weed won't be a problem anymore. Sihn is certainly not upset at that idea.
But the subject turns to Laughton. The Captain indicates that the government is aware that Laughton has been talking with Magneto. Dr. Sihn simply responds, "Well, I wouldn't put it past him," and, attempting to deflect The Captain's concern, adds, "Now that you've mentioned it, I can put things in place to prevent this from being a problem." The Captain flatly instructs Sihn that Laughton "needs to stop" and asks Sihn to tell Laughton that he'll take him down if necessary. Sihn muses that Magneto has a silver tongue and Laughton may be listening. The Captain then says that Laughton should talk to "GW", that he'd learn a lot from him. It's clear that The Captain is not merely name-dropping, that he and the president have formed some sort of friendship.
As they talk Velda calls Spectrum that The Captain is there, to which Suzanne responds, "Oh f**king great." She warns Velda, "Make sure Jonas isn't around - I mean both the person and the dog," as she reflects back to how The Captain nearly killed Jonas the Wonder Dog for peeing on his leg.
Sammy, also informed, runs up to meet The Captain, bringing Jane. The Captain refers to Jane as "the little woman," and in sympathy with a clearly-annoyed Jane, Sammy turns to a feminine look to throw The Captain and make the point that as they're both shape shifters, at the least she is hardly "the little woman."
As the conversation turns back to Magneto, Sammy volunteers, "Oh, Magneto's nice, he's a great guy! You two would really get along!"
The Captain, appalled, look sternly at Sammy and emphasizes, "He advocates relegating humans to be second-class citizens!"
Sammy merely shrugs it off, saying by way of explanation, "Well, we really didn't get into that."
Suzanne finally shows up, 25 minutes into their conversation, and as The Captain turns and extends his hand she conspicuously ignores it. The Captain jokes, "It must be that time of the month," and suddenly feels like he has a bad headache.
The subject turning back to Laughton, The Captain offers up, "Maybe I should find out where he is?" The team mentions no ideas, and Sihn adds, "It feels nice and quiet around here lately. If you find out, don't tell us."
The Captain moves along as it becomes clear he has an agenda. With the impending mutant remembrance being planned in Origin to commemorate the founding of that town nearly a year ago (the date of the festivities is centered actually around Magneto's Manifesto publication), The Captain is appealing for their assistance during that time dealing with "the radicals".
Having recently read up on radicals, Sammy says, "Vitamin C is good for radicals!"
The Captain gets confused but tries to continue. As they talk, The Captain insists that Suzanne mind-link him in and, if necessary, be prepared to establish a mind-link between he and Magneto. Surprised The Captain would create such a vulnerability for himself - after all, once Suzanne is linked, she can mentally do whatever she pleases, and it's possible someone else so linked could at least make one strike before she could stop it. But she agrees, as she isn't so concerned with The Captain's safety and is amused at the naiveté of his request.
Wrapping up the conversation, Sihn mentions that Bob Terwilliger, whom The Captain certainly remembers, would be a good federal liaison as it sounds like there may be changes with Weed based on The Captain's previous comments. The Captain pledges to put in a good word.
The next Day Dick Weed shows up at 9 AM at the Laughton Agency - vodka in hand. He's getting drunk as he's been removed from his position. He's embittered not so much for that but for the way the president took The Captain's comments as if they were gospel and dismissed Weed, a man of some 30 years' intelligence experience and with a sterling record. Suzanne, not a fan of The Captain and even besides that having seen the human side of Weed now and again and realizing that he does a good job for what it is and that he's manageable, wants to help. So that Weed is aware, she hands him the transcripts of the last two meetings the Justice Squad had with The Captain.
Sihn and Sammy show up of course and as all speak, Suzanne explains to Dick Weed about the mind-link The Captain has ordered. She starts to wonder aloud if The Captain realizes what he's doing, and before she can finish Sihn interrupts with a resounding, "No, he doesn't."
They go on to discuss arrangements for going to Origin. It's clear all are going, with Jane, Lefty, and Jonas joining the Justice Squad. Sihn intends to teleport them all as it's faster than using the Black Buick, and he explains that it takes an extra 6 seconds if more than 4 people need to go as he needs to make a separate trip. Sammy, ever-sociable, declares he's glad to keep company at either end - as if the 6 seconds would be a significant issue. Spectrum politely mentions she'll make her own way down.
For Weed, Sihn conjures up some barely passable vodka. Suzanne, though, intends to do more. She calls her parents and asks them to engage Senator Warner to go to bat for Weed.
Nightcrawler drops by later, just as a social visit. He is eager to say hello to Sammy, Spectrum, and Laughton, though of course he misses the detective. He's keen to meet Sihn, and inevitably the subject of Magneto comes up. Sihn speaks up and points out that he doesn't appreciate Nightcrawler's choice in friends when it comes to Magneto. Nightcrawler naturally sticks up for him, pointing out the mercy he showed in the wake of 9/11, but Sihn points out how Magneto could have killed Professor X as well as himself with his reckless actions at LAX. It goes back and forth.
After Nightcrawler leaves, Suzanne talks with Sihn alone about whether it's good or bad to have the mind-link set up with The Captain. She suggests perhaps she should link both he and Magneto, forcing them to "speak" in a neutral ground. Sihn says, "The last thing we need is an open link from Magneto's mind to put his ideas into The Captain’s mind." Sihn thinks The Captain is overly-vulnerable to suggestion, and he prefers to keep The Captain on the side he’s currently on. Suzanne agrees he’s a balancing figure, and thinks it's best to keep them apart. They discuss various contingency plans as well as do some random brain-storming on the opportunity presenting itself. They consider changing Captain’s mind to keep a conflict from happening, Sihn mentioning he's sure people will be on edge and tempers will run high. He adds, "If it comes down to a rumble, it's better in the desert rather than a city."
As Sihn happens by the reception desk at Sihn-tek, he is more than a little surprised to see the Toad acting as their receptionist! The Toad is mighty appreciative, having been in need of earning money (previously he hadn't quite realized that being on a super-team didn't actually pay), and profusely thanks SIhn - in that halting, autistic-like way of his. Sihn recalls a conversation with Pagliacchi a bit earlier where Pagliacchi seemed a bit nervous in mentioning to Sihn that he found a "temp" to take care of the reception desk as their last one quit after the cloud incident. Now Sihn knows why he wasn't exactly straightforward.
Eliot excuses himself to go see Pagliacchi, whom he finds instantly. The accountant/detective, doing double duty as office manager for both Sihn-tek and Laughton Agency, tries to explain that he was desperate as recent events didn't exactly have people beating down the door to work there. Sihn is very understanding, reiterating that all that is fine - except that the Toad is absolutely not the person he wants people to get their first impression of Sihn-tek from. As Pagliacchi tries to rationalize why the Toad is okay - pointing out that the Toad is certainly always polite and people will appreciate that - Sihn interrupts him, informing him that it simply won't work out, and then, noting that Pagliacchi obviously has time for their conversation, adds, "Why don't you sit on the reception desk until you find someone?" Then he continues to impress upon Pagliacchi that if he's responsible for finding someone and can't, he should assume the duty. Correctly, Sihn realizes this will motivate Pagliacchi to find a more creative solution. To appease Sihn, Pagliacchi does indeed sit on the reception desk for a while, making calls as he can to find someone else.
The next time Sihn walks by the reception desk to check, Manny Wulfenstein, at least his usual cheery self, is sitting there doing the job.
After all that, the trip to Origin is under way. On their way out, Sihn picks up a message left over at Laughton Agency for the Troll from the Jerky Boys (whom he'd been looking for previously) saying "See ya in Origin - chump." Just before they leave, Sammy picks up his new Nextel phone as he replaces the Barbie phone he threw away after finally discovering it was a Laughton ruse (see last issue). Along with the Justice Squad, Jane, Lefty, and Jonas, Dick Weed comes along.
The Justice Squad (sans Laughton and Neumann) arrives at the site of what was Origin along with thousands of other mutants, a rag-tag army of people walking, leaping, flying over, popping into, and tunneling through the desert to the remote location. They first encounter, as does everyone else, a mutant with wings and the head of an eagle, called, not surprisingly, Eagle Man. Eagle Man introduces himself as with the Unreal Council. He's selling masks in some quasi-official capacity; because so many mutants are considered criminals, whether for legitimate reasons, and because the community considers Origin a neutral ground for all's benefit, the masks are being distributed to help obscure identities. Everyone is encouraged to wear them so that it's not just those with something to hide wearing them, making it harder to research by any government observers. But the masks also come in a variety of styles, from a very simple domino mask to nicer full-face ones to a simple full-face mask that has the distinction of being autographed, ostensibly, by Magneto. Suzanne performs a mental check on Eagle Man and telepathically tells her teammates that Eagle Man is on the level and that, while Eagle Man has no personal knowledge as to whether Magneto really autographed masks, he was given the duty by associates of Magneto. The domino mask is only $1 (simply to defray costs, the price kept down in order to make it accessible to all mutants), and Sihn gets that one. Sammy and Jane both get the $50 Magneto-autographed versions. Suzanne politely but insistently declines to wear one at all as she's dressed casually, but nicely, as a tourist, and doesn't wish to mess up her look - besides, she just came out to her parents and doesn't feel like hiding. Lefty asks Sihn for $50 to get a Magneto one, and Sihn gives him the $50 out of recognition that Lefty has to make his own choices and to support Lefty's friendship with Sammy and Jane rather than any love for Magneto of course. Jonas, never one to shirk anonymity, goes ahead and gets the $1 mask, while Weed does so as well, figuring "when in Rome," and, besides, both humans realize it's best to keep a low profile.
As they get closer to a make-shift festival, bordered by high security fences (designed not to stop the many powerful mutants or the nearby government forces prepared to deal with trouble, but, rather, to delineate the Origin "property"), they're greeted by two mutants at the only entrance. One they immediately recognize and greet - it's Bud Girl! The other they take an immediate dislike to, as there's "something about him." - it's Og, King of Assholes! Og has an aura of offensiveness about him that permeates the immediate area. Although Bud Girl vouches for the Justice Squad, Og is insistent - as he's an asshole - that they prove they are mutants, as all are required to do to enter Origin. Sammy slimes Og to make his point. Sihn teleports. While they talk, Suzanne points out to Bud Girl that she'd probably be better at hiding her identity (she's wearing the customary mask) if she lost the pony keg. As Jane also needs to demonstrate her powers, Sammy turns to her and says, "Wonder twin powers activate!" and they both begin changing shapes, turning into a tiger and a puddle. Suzanne looks at knowingly as he starts to get a headache from her. And of course Lefty, a hand inside a large robotic suit, needs no display of power. However, Weed and Hell admit to being human. Og informs the Justice Squad they must take responsibility for the humans, that anything the humans do will be held against their mutant "guardians". Otherwise they won't be allowed in. Sihn says, "If we're responsible, we wanna leave them here," and turns to Weed and Hell, saying, "No offense." But Suzanne volunteers to take the responsibility herself. Before everyone moves in, Sammy says, "Wonder Twin powers deactivate!" and he and Jane return to "normal" appearance.
As they proceed, everyone activates defenses. The crowd at Origin will certainly be huge, drawing nearly every mutant who can make it at some point or another throughout the celebration. In fact, no doubt, it will be much larger than the original city was. Many mutants never went to Origin before this, in fact a relatively small number joined the original city as it was such a controversial and separatist move. However, the brutal slaying of many mutants (as in the 719 martyrs) which ended Origin changed the symbolism. Now this site is no longer viewed just as an attempt at separatism, but, rather, a demonstration of the need for mutant rights, however they are achieved. For that, nearly every superhero and supervillain will attend.
Spectrum is linked to The Captain but she does not allow her mind-link to freely let thoughts pass through her between others and The Captain. She carefully monitors to ensure nothing inadvertently happens to anyone.
They run into the Big Ugly Bug who says hello to his friend Sihn - in fact they first met at Origin when Sihn visited there almost a year prior. The BUB mentions that, naturally, Magneto is around but wants no incidents to occur. He's committed to keeping the peace - so long as the government is. Suzanne writes a note for Magneto, indicating that The Captain is nearby and that she is working to keep him from causing trouble. She asks that Magneto stay apart from The Captain. The Big Ugly Bug also mentions, as they talk, that Dr. Strange is around and he's heard the X-Men are coming.
The atmosphere is festive. There are speeches scheduled for later and a vigil planned, but much of the time is light-hearted and stressing unity. The Justice Squad gets into the mood. Sammy turns into Elvis and puts on an impromptu show, while, having discussed it with Sammy, Sihn starts to organize a pie-eating contest. Sammy's Elvis show is, of course, Elvis with a mask on. He does Christmas music mainly, covering Elvis' many Christmas songs. Suzanne prepares and distributes a pamphlet, "Know Your Rights," advising mutants of their fundamental rights and how to get representation.
Still, such a gathering brings many with old scores to settle. As Suzanne talks to another masked mutant, she quickly realizes it's Dexter, whom they fought in a very serious battle as he worked for the Kingpin, their most brutal foe. She immediately recognizes him, and he knows it's the Justice Squad. He begins to rail against them, shouting loudly and breaking up Sammy's performance. Sihn tells Dexter to "chill out," and not surprisingly Dexter reacts with "Wanna make something out of it?" Sammy jumps off his makeshift stage, put together with a few pallets, and goes over to Dexter, saying, "How would you like to join me in a pie-eating contest?" hoping that would defuse the situation. Suzanne thinks to herself, "Like sugar's going to help," her thought going out to her friends. Sihn thinks back, "What, do you mean there's sugar in pies?" The pies, which Sihn intends to conjure up, may not be that tasty, they realize - with much of what Sihn conjures, in terms of food or drink, the flavor is often off as he only has a limited understanding of ingredients, not being a cook, and his spells require some specificity. Dexter - certainly unaware of the mental chatter - hardly takes to Sammy's suggestion and with vitriol denounces the Justice Squad publicly, calling them traitors to the cause. Sammy says Dexter has ruined the mood for Elvis and now he just wants to eat.
But then Sammy thinks a bit more and jumps back onto the stage. He delivers a moving anti-violence speech, painting pictures of the horrors he's seen. He uses all his oration skills and of course is a confident public speaker given his entertainment background. Sammy gets into it, becoming a master politician. He moves the entire crowd, a hush falling over the area. Dexter slinks away and the mood is one of unity and peace [game mechanic note - a 3 was rolled for this]. Sammy resumes the Elvis show, and the mood turns cheery again.
The Metal Men arrive after the show ends, one of many more celebrated arrivals as the Metal Men can hardly hide who or what they are. While they're not mutants, such unusual beings have always found a home among the mutants. It detracts a bit from Sammy's show, but not too much.
While Sammy plays, Magneto runs into Sihn, saying hello. Sihn is not willing to be cavalier in meeting Magneto and gives him the cold shoulder. As Magneto comments on Sihn's attitude, the conversation shortly turns to a brief discussion of "who started it" in their first fight. Suzanne, nearby, uses her mental powers to get a sense of where The Captain is and is relieved to find he is still somewhere in the government's protective military ring around Origin. As Magneto and Sihn bicker, they also discuss who is goading whom, in a highly philosophical and intellectual game of laying blame.
Just then Sammy leaves the stage, and seeing Magneto and Sihn talking, says to Jane, "I think Dr. Sihn's coming around," excited that his erstwhile father may be reconciling with his friend Magneto. Of course he's misreading the conversation from a distance, his usual keen observational powers clouded by his naive desire for his family and friends to get along. As Weed and Jonas join, coming from "back stage", Sammy introduces the thinly-disguised (clad with the typical mask) Magneto as "a friend" to them.
But the pie-eating contest is coming up and attention turns towards that thankful distraction. Sammy points out, "Winning is not important, just eating all that pie!" The idea of baloney pie comes up but Suzanne points out that would certainly give Sammy an unfair advantage. As Magneto takes off - not one for pie-eating contests despite an invitation from Sammy - Suzanne mentions, "You may not want to go towards the northeast if you leave Origin,' as she's aware The Captain is in that area, "as long as you're trying to keep things civilized."
Talk of a revived Origin floats through the community, and Sihn suggests a floating city. Sammy thinks it would be neat to have a town in international waters in the Gulf of Mexico. As they muse on the matter, the celebrity show continues with Spiderman's arrival. He's got a mob around him, given he's the oldest superhero in existence and venerated for his even-handedness. Spiderman, as he slowly makes his way through the crowd, says hello to the Justice Squad and asks if he can join the pie-eating contest, and, naturally, is enthusiastically entered into it.
With the pie-eating contest finalizing entrants, Jane joins in. Daredevil, having arrived with Spiderman, takes the pie-eating contest challenge given his inability to refuse. Otherwise most of the contestants are relatively unknown mutants who, like Sammy, simply have massive eating capacity. A large crowd gathers as Sammy uses his marketing skill to advertise the event quickly. The contest is brutal, as Sammy outpaces all, forcing others to eat until they can eat no more, Sihn continuing to conjure pies as quickly as possible (during Sammy's show and after he did create a large backlog for the event). Spiderman, who joined more out of a sense of camaraderie and fun, is out of the race early. Jane is in until almost the end, not quite as bloat-ready as Sammy. One man stands against Sammy - Daredevil. His body ill-suited to such events, he's terribly bloated and falls over, finally, horribly ill. If one were handicapping, the "Man With No Fear" would have won. Sammy takes good care of those who couldn't make it through, with Sihn's help assuring their rapid recovery. Daredevil, nearly dead from the attempt (!), sorely needs it, and, thanks to their super-powers, recovers in moments.
They hear that at another end of the compound the Flaming Carrot has arrived and doing a poetry reading, already underway. And moments later the increasingly-famous X-Men airship, the Blackbird, is seen hovering slowly into Origin. People stand aside, though many, supporters of Magneto, boo and hiss at the arrival. The X-Men disembark, showing off spiffy new uniforms of black, white, and gray, having just dispensed with their oft-mocked blue and yellow uniforms. Professor X and the gang meet up with the Justice Squad, of course especially to meet their old friend Eliot Sihn. Also arriving is the Surrealist - riding on the dinosaur skeleton from the museum in Central Park, who happens across the Justice Squad and having met them prior relays a hearty hello. He seems a bit stoned...
The Captain asks
Spectrum about Magneto. She lies that he's good at hiding against
mentalism and she can't locate him "yet". The Captain muses that
maybe he should come in and find Magneto himself, Suzanne lets it pass, hoping
not to fuel any flames. The Captain mentions to Suzanne "in
passing" that Terwilliger is now their federal liaison but that (he notes
flatly) Weed will continue to be involved as Terwilliger's "assistant"
- the latter appointment no doubt a result of the word from Senator
Warner. She lets Weed and all know. While Weed isn't ecstatic about the arrangement, and Weed and
Terwilliger have no love for each other, he's glad to keep doing high-profile,
serious intelligence work as from what he'd last heard he was going to be out of
a job, Bush trusting The Captain so much he was going to discharge Weed despite
his experience and record. And secretly, unknown to the Justice Squad,
while he's groused about the assignment to them and insulted them, he likes
working with supers, he believes the Justice Squad can be a powerful force for
America, and despite how he acts, he actually has respect for the team. In
fact, as much as he denies it to himself, he basically likes Sammy, Suzanne, and
Laughton since he worked with them in Iran. He's still not sure about
Sihn, although as Sihn conjures up some "consolation vodka" for Weed,
he starts to develop a begrudging admiration..
[Game Mechanics - Points Awarded...
For dealing with Richard Weed and Bob Terwilliger, the situation is taken care of this time and it (the federal gov't) was a worthy challenge (note - this version is stepped up for having saved Weed along with bringing up Terwilliger) - +13.125 RP, +.875 XP for Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum
For curing and ending the Jonas the Wonder Dog situation, the situation is taken care of once and for all and it was about equal but not enough color (bearing in mind it related to earlier stuff already awarded) - +11.25 RP, +.75 XP for Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum
6 hours in character - +4.5 RP, +1.5 XP for Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum
Totals:
Nexus 28.875 RP, 2.625 XP
Sammy 28.875 RP, 2.625 XP
Spectrum 28.875 RP, 2.625 XP
Totals to Date:
Dice 188.5 RPs, 14.95 XPs
Laughton 1504.375 RPs, 136.125 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion,
50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Neumann 344.5 RPs, 49.05 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base)
Nexus 1486.125 RPs, 138.875 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for
minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Sammy the Slime 1450 RPs, 142.6125 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25
for minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Spectrum 1364 RPs, 129.05 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion,
50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Steely Danelle 86 RPs, 10.75 XPs]]