All in the Family

X-Champions Issues

Issue #36 - Origin Reunion, Part 2

Laughton not want to bandwagon on Origin until good thing or not

A strange figure trudges through the desert into Origin, a man with three eyes, the third eye in the middle of his forehead - and with the ability to search men's SOULS!!! Or at least that is how he puts it. He pushes a shopping cart which houses a Corinthian column - the redoubtable Rodin. The man pushing one of Laughton's alter egos is actually himself an alter ego of Laughton in very deep cover - the Pineal Glance. And of course the column in the basket is not really Rodin, it's simply part of this disguise, as well as Laughton's own "official " entree into Origin.

Just as with all other visitors (see issue #35), the Pineal Glance is approached by the Eagle who offers up the standard masks; but the Pineal Glance is too cheap, naturally (being Laughton), and fashions his own mask from a paper bag, declaring, "There, now go away!". Eagle of course makes the pitch about the Magneto signed autograph mask, but Pineal Glance is dismissive, "Magneto, I don't need signatures of." The strange 3-eyed man is gruff and ornery through-and-through, and as Eagle tries to butter him up, he simply rudely interrupts, "Are you gettin' sweet on me?" The Eagle then waves the Pineal Glance onward, fed up.

He continues on, and is stopped before entering by Og, King of Assholes, for the customary proof of mutant powers. However, with the Pineal Glance's third eye showing, and with his proud boast of "I am able to search men's souls!", Og, equally averse to the acerbic Pineal Glance as the Glance is to him, simply waves Pineal Glance through!

He looks around in Origin for a place to change - and finds lots of old-fashioned 1950s-style phone booths in homage to the first known super-mutant, Superman and his short-lived career. The Pineal Glance finds one, properly secures it, and changes into Laughton.

As the Justice Squad hangs out in Origin, they start to meet up with more of the home-town crowd and a sort of "Detroit clique" coalesces, yet one of many such little islands of people among the larger motley crowd. Wilting Rose is chatting with the team as that unrepentant junk culture criminal Artless Dodger approaches - with Bud Girl accompanying! While he has a mask, it's obviously him as he makes no serious attempt to conceal his identity otherwise, and as if that weren't enough his fake British accent screams his identity. The lithe rogue steps into the midst of the heroes - heroes he's fought before, recklessly endangering theirs and others' lives - and announces he wants bygones to be bygones! He has some whiskey he offers up - J.C. Penney whiskey, which he goes on at length about as to the difficulty of finding. Sammy takes a drink and offers a baloney sandwich to the Dodger, who immediately begins to boast about how he recognizes the "Zambian sauce" on the baloney. In fact, the "sauce" is merely Sammy's slime dripping from the about-to-be-devoured sandwich.

About this time, Laughton approaches and greets the Justice Squad. The team is happy to be reunited, and particularly in less stressful circumstances than their last time together, during and just after the Necronomicon crisis. Artless Dodger immediately tries to befriend Laughton, and offers him his Penney Whiskey. Laughton "accidentally" drops it, though, then offers up to the appalled Dodger his own airplane-absconded little bottles of Jack Daniels. The Dodger graciously accepts, but in an instant deftly tosses the little bottle neck-end first into Laughton's mouth, so accurately it wedges in his throat, causing him to momentarily choke. Laughton lets it pass, but the moment turns heated as words are exchanged and Wilting Rose hollers at the villain, "...when I put your ass in jail!" and Laughton interjects, "You won't have a chance."

As the Artless Dodger departs (of course swearing revenge!), Weed asks Laughton where he's been and why he's not checked in with the government on his travels. Laughton doesn't immediately answer, though, finding it irresistible to comment on Weed's mask first. As Laughton then studiously avoids answering Weed directly, Sihn offers up that Laughton's inability to be direct is the result of "childhood issues" to Weed. Weed immediately points out the government has no record of Laughton's childhood. As the conversation goes on - ever-pointlessly - Spectrum reaches Laughton mentally and advises him of the mind-link back to The Captain.

And as she's brought it up, she checks back in with The Captain, who inevitably asks about Magneto. As they talk, and as Weed gets into a conversation with Hell, Sihn explains the situation with Weed being displaced and Terwilliger taking over to Laughton. As they talk, it also comes to light that now that the Troll body is gone, Eliot's new adventuring name is Nexus, Master of Dimensions. As he says it full-out, as is customary for any mage wishing to stake his claim, Laughton derides him for the formality and a gentle teasing takes place among the combat-tested friends.

As the conversation turns this way and that, Laughton offers up his airplane bottle of Smirnoff to an appreciate Dick Weed. The mood is festive, people are chatty, and only The Captain's relentless questioning of Suzanne as to where The Captain is mars the mood. But that questioning ends as Spectrum senses The Captain's presence approaching. As the X-Men are nearby, approaching to speak with the Justice Squad, the Imperial Falcon is heard to gasp, "Look what approacheth!" in his usual stilted style. But it rings true at least, and all do turn to see a massive blue-hot ball of fire approaching Origin, a mile away but closing unbelievably rapidly. Through Suzanne, the Justice Squad comes to know immediately it is The Captain, and he's blowing hot fiery air in front of him as he flies, creating the fiery blue-hot ball around himself. Nexus explains aloud it's The Captain and Laughton adds "he's always over-compensating." Suzanne warns Magneto mentally to stand down, but immediately the situation degenerates as Magneto does quite the opposite and moves in over the Justice Squad to, in his mind, defend Origin. Mutants move into combat poses, and Laughton notices a sort of dampening field limiting communication and energy falling over the area.

And that is when it happens - everyone in the area suddenly finds themselves inside the late Kingpin's former Glitterati Hotel! Or at least a facsimile thereof. At first only the mighty minds of Laughton and Sihn register that whatever this is, it's some artificial structure or sophisticated hologram that has been placed over everyone, not that they have been displaced. Sihn believes, given his work with many mutants, that this may be the doings of the Amazing Mazer, who can create massive maze-like structures based on existing ones. He relays the detail to all.

Dangerous confusion ensues, and mutants start to choose sides and settle old scores. A mutant that nobody in the Justice Squad knows turns and fires at Spectrum, only Sammy seeing it in time as he dives in the way and takes a searing energy blast, though his putty body handles it. But a greater danger lurks nearby as an all-too-familiar-to-the-Justice Squad figure patiently begins to execute the moment he's waited for...

Spectrum meanwhile tries to reach Magneto mentally, wanting to stop the closing battle as the blue flame that is The Captain arrived just as the Glitterati appeared, but to no avail as Magneto is shielded and is done talking. The battle scene is surreal: they are inside the big lobby of the Glitterati, The Captain and Magneto in flight above the others, at the same level as the second floor and in front of the balcony of that level, in the open space overlooking the elegant lobby. "Outside" it is clear now that the doors simply lead to another copy of the Glitterati Hotel! With the area aside from the lobby broken into all manner of rooms and hallways, the X-Men are separated and scramble to pull together.

Nexus moves away from under Magneto and The Captain, teleporting magically to the side of a big-handed mutant who appeared to be about to strike another mutant from behind. He nicely gives a warning, startling the would-be aggressor, whispering, "You really ought not to do that." The man is frightened and turns away, nodding and agreeing violently.

From the sky, The Captain fires hot eye blasts at Magneto but misses him - and a blood-curdling scream is heard from the second floor. Magneto sends a wave of magnetic energy at The Captain but also misses as the two figures turn and dodge in mid-air.

Spectrum reaches Professor X telepathically for assistance. As Nexus "overhears" (as Spectrum's mind link to the team remains on) he emphasizes there's a "freakin' bar fight" going on. Spectrum offers to Xavier, "Want to talk to Eliot - I mean Nexus?" Nexus offers up, "Stop that!" as Suzanne makes light of the way Magneto and the X-Men alike seem to substitute first names at inappropriate moments. Laughton "thinks aloud", "No situation here!" in mock comfort. Xavier explains, "The X-People" are approaching. Spectrum explains that based on her feelings from The Captain and this building, she believes a mentalist is responsible and asks Xavier to help find him, suspecting it is the Amazing Mazer from Nexus' earlier comments. Professor X readily agrees and sets to work.

Sammy, befuddled by his friends fighting, looks dumbfounded as he watches. From the balcony a mutant known to most as Amazing Stupid Man hurls himself at The Captain and naturally misses badly. As the Justice Squad tries to control collateral damage, Magneto and The Captain continue to battle, Magneto enacting a magnetic force globe around him to protect against The Captain's mighty punches and heat blasts. Then they see the air between Magneto and The Captain distort and a flurry of extremely fine, sparse red, gold, and blue particles travel at, but miss, The Captain. Laughton muses - mentally aloud again - "I'm glad Magneto's on my side!"

Nexus teleports into position and spreads a large energy blast to push as many bystanders as possible out of the lobby and into the next building, Sammy helping as well by turning into a giant broom and sweeping people out with Nexus. One mutant manages to move to the side and remain in the room, but most are swept out, only a few and sundry individuals remaining, most of them spectating though a few seem bent on action. Even the Surrealist and his sidekick Bitch are unceremoniously pushed aside, the Surrealist complaining but confused. Laughton uses his persuasive abilities to talk a few others into leaving.

At this point Professor X starts to lock onto a mind he finds suspicious. But the battle between The Captain and Magneto gets more violent. Magneto fires another strangely colorful air-distorting blast that this time hits The Captain though The Captain, looking a bit hurt, shrugs it off. Then The Captain delivers a mighty blow that pushes his whole body through Magneto's force wall and lands on Magneto's helmeted face, a few drops of blood pulsing into the air. Nexus hopes to get at that for analysis but...

he is distracted as he notes the face of Dr. Normal peering out from a hole in a wall (which as it turns out is, like all the walls, almost styrofoam-like in sturdiness despite a more solid appearance) a short distance away. Nexus explains to Laughton mentally he let him go, much to Laughton's shock. Just before Laughton turns into his true alien identity, Dr. Normal lets off a stunning explosive armor-piercing blast, hurting Laughton although Laughton is safe once he makes the transformation, slightly hurting the Imperial Falcon, wounding Beast, and hurting Sammy as well, though not so badly. He then disappears back behind the wall.

And in the sky, Magneto lands another of his mysterious attacks on The Captain - but this one seems to shake and twist The Captain as The Captain unnaturally contorts his body in appalling agony before going unconscious. Spectrum at first asks Nexus to teleport The Captain but realizes it takes Nexus a little time to prepare, and there is NO time. She takes off boldly, grabbing The Captain to save his life. Hoping for the best and blindly charging to get away from Magneto, she simply moves headfirst (with her force field on of course) through the many ceilings above her, holding The Captain. Mentally Laughton guides her to where things are supposed to be as his incredible mind remembers the layout of the Glitterati Hotel - and indeed this recreation is 100% accurate. When she takes moment, she finds herself many stories up and looks to see Mover Shaker (many of him, rather, in his usual duplicated state) shaking down a few less powerful flying mutants who got isolated in the air when the "building" appeared. Of course they lie, saying, "These guys attacked us." She notes one has broken bones. Deciding that neither she nor they want a confrontation that moment, she, tired but desperate to keep moving, simply commands, "You teleport me up, I leave you alone - so long as no one is touched again." The Mover Shakers oblige, considering themselves lucky, as they honor her wish and then beat a hasty retreat themselves.

Down below, Chrome briefly shows up, but she is suddenly pounced on and knocked unconscious by a couple other mutants, who in turn are also chased off.

Magneto is taken aback by Suzanne's quick move and distracted as well by the Dr. Normal attack - which has more of his attention as it also caught up a number of innocent bystanders. He rails at the Justice Squad, blaming them for endangering everyone by rescuing The Captain. The Imperial Falcon, not quite unconscious in his mortally-endangered state, lashes a beak-energy blast at Magneto, and the situation threatens to get worse as in retaliation Magneto fires at Dr. Normal but accidentally hits Beast! Laughton manages to finally bring down his strange dense cloud around the area to try to stop the madness. Professor X talks through the mind link to the Justice Squad, asking if he should have the Glitterati structure dropped or get his crew in order. They quickly agree he needs to rein in the X-Men, and he works on that.

Up on the top floor, Spectrum lays The Captain down as a nearby mutant, Amazon Girl, looks on and meekly greets Spectrum, professing admiration for the Justice Squad. However, Spectrum is surprised as this other woman suddenly attacks her, the attack though doing nothing against Spectrum's force field. She restrains Amazon Girl to find out that it was done to help The Captain, as it was a misunderstanding as to what Spectrum was doing. The Captain surprisingly starts to come to - surprising in that he was out like a light and badly hurt. But he is obviously healing on his own rapidly. As he stammers, "Where am I?" Spectrum quickly responds "New York." But that doesn't work for more than a second as The Captain regains his senses and suddenly bores straight down through the floors in search of Magneto!

Back on the ground, Sammy is busily reviving Jane after the blast from Dr. Normal as he finds her on the ground. She's okay but needs a little first aid. Laughton uses all his persuasion and intellect to try to convince Magneto to defuse the situation by leaving. Magneto resists, fearing The Captain will cause trouble for other mutants if he does not stand.

But the situation is still tense as the Lizard King appears and sneaks up on Beast, cutting into his hide, dazing him, although not seriously hurting him. Nexus quickly heals Beast while Magneto does try to calm things, restraining the Lizard King and explaining they are not there to fight the X-Men, at least not just then, not in Origin. As the Beast comes to becomes angry, Nexus restrains him as well. Magneto via the mind link asks Suzanne to give him a mind link to the Lizard King, and grants if that is done he will assist them by stepping away. She hesitantly allows it, though she fears for her sanity with the different minds, and particularly the Lizard King's strange savage mind.

Nearby, a 16 ton weight suddenly falls, though it harms no one. It's mildly distracting, yet as it turns out (from late research) it is not even related to what suddenly happens - Dr. Normal's real attack goes off, launched from his hiding spot! It's another but more serious blast. Suddenly the Beast is lying on the ground, bleeding from his ribs, the Lizard King is stunned but not hurt, Magneto is actually bleeding more, his wounds from The Captain reopened and larger, and the Imperial Falcon bleeding from his stomach. But Nexus is hurt even more, laying on the ground with his legs looking barely attached and his stomach open (game mechanic - 1 BOD remaining). Iceman, in a near-panic, throws ice into the area, accidentally hurting several innocents. Phoenix telepaths to the others that "the bastard can't be caught," as she cannot find Dr. Normal. Storm turns a fog she had cast earlier far thicker, making it hard to see, hoping Dr. Normal will be slowed down. Laughton acts quickly, his alien senses finding Dr. Normal and with his powers turning him to the strange dust cloud, assuring his immobility as well as his safety while in custody. Magneto though does not quite understand and attacks at the dust cloud, spreading it around a bit and taking down a few people who get caught in the fear-instilling, mobility-crippling cloud.

Magneto steps into the cloud himself. With his various gear and abilities he is actually not susceptible to its odd damage, but of course, not understanding it precisely, he searches in vain for Dr. Normal. Nearby, Sammy tries to revive Nexus, slowly having a little effect.

Above, Spectrum is trying to reason telepathically with The Captain as he reaches the bottom - unable to find Magneto, who has just gone into the cloud! The Captain asks her about the cloud, and she implores him to leave things be. With her continued subtle mental suggestions along with her finally mentioning his admirer, Amazon Girl, and how she may need help, The Captain is finally swayed to not let the situation, seemingly a stalemate anyway, degenerate further. He takes off, trusting the Justice Squad has it in hand, as Suzanne plants her mental suggestion firmly in place that The Captain should see Amazon Girl (something he was quite inclined to do already). The Captain and Amazon Woman are soon on their way into the blue sky.

Down below, Cyclops angrily runs into the cloud after Magneto and Dr. Normal. Sihn shakes his friend as his emotional old friend, blinded by anger at the danger to Jean and the arrogance of Magneto, rushes where angels fear to tread. Sihn mutters, "Idiot," to himself.

Professor X returns his attention to the mind responsible for the hotel image/substance. He speaks (still telepathically) with the Justice Squad, and they agree it's time to disperse the structure.

As Professor X works it out, confusion still dominates. Storm is overheard explaining "I'm not Beast, I'm not a freak!" as she's asked some physiology questions as Nexus heals Beast. Laughton overhears that Spectrum is the one who kept Weed on. Sammy and Jane briefly comfort each other but quickly turn to healing as they can; Sammy begins to experiment more with making his protoplasmic substance fill and heal bodily wounds. Magneto wanders through the cloud angrily before relenting, just as Professor X has reached the Amazing Mazer. The structure disappears, and suddenly everyone is "back" in the familiar makeshift desert site of Origin - and just in time as government bullhorns just begin to blast a message demanding the structure come down. Laughton gathers up his dust cloud (Dr. Normal AKA Homer Grisby) and puts it into a handy Ziploc bag.

As things calm down and Sihn comes to, Laughton and Sihn stand discussing Dr. Normal. Laughton is unhappy with Sihn's decision. Sihn is simple and resolute in his feelings on the matter, and, furthermore, wants to know where Dr. Normal is (as the Justice Squad did not actually see where Laughton put him). Sihn is insistent, but Laughton plays cagey as he merely offers to bring Dr. Normal in to the proper authorities. As Sihn realizes the situation requires immediate care of the wounded, the conversation is broken off - Nexus, Master of Dimensions, goes to work.

The aftermath is not pretty. Iceman accidentally killed someone when his blast went astray, one of five deaths during the incident. The injured are everywhere, as mutants squared off in support of Magneto or The Captain or simply fought for personal reasons. Nexus and many others who can heal get to work busily, and before long the mutants can repair much of the damage they've done. As the worst of the aftermath is settled, the X-Men take off in the Blackbird, realizing that too many mutants are against them for their outspoken fight against Magneto. As the Blackbird lifts off, it is pelted with garbage, energy bolts, and all other matter of material.

With everyone recovering from the fracas, the Justice Squad goes to find the Amazing Mazer, as Professor X has passed on the mental signature to Spectrum. They find him sitting by one of the stages, looking dejected and alone. Nexus asks him what he's been up to and as he lies, claiming "nothing, why do you ask," Laughton simply pulls out his gun and points it at him. Just nearby a couple mutants are attracted to the scene, one piping up, "What's going on here?" The other, though, immediately recognizes the Justice Squad, and quietly says to his friend, "We better move along," and they do, hastily.

The interrogation begins, though the Amazing Mazer caves the moment he realizes what he's up against. He reveals that he simply brought the image over Origin when he saw The Captain coming as he thought it would be a good distraction and, besides, a bit of fun. He's chastened by the actual events, though. Laughton realizes he's telling the truth, though, to be safe, Spectrum also scans the Amazing Mazer's mind, and agrees. The Amazing Mazer asks the Justice Squad what became of the Troll, to which Laughton replies, "Spectrum killed the Troll, and Sammy ate him." The Amazing Mazer's eyes grow wide, and Sammy plays up the story. Spectrum, however, is not amused, and Laughton soon finds he's having a really bad headache.

Although the Amazing Mazer is contrite, he does still give a pitch for Magneto. Spectrum, disgusted at the senseless mutant-on-mutant violence, points out that had Magneto stayed away none of the battle would have happened and all would be safe. As the conversation winds down, the Mazer begins to worry about what may happen to him if anyone recognizes him and realizes his role. He desperately asks for a disguise, to which Laughton offers a bag to put over his head, the same one he used. The Amazing Mazer realizes it smells a bit (Laughton does reuse these things), and though he - through intimidation - is willing to use it, he wonders if there's not a better way. Laughton offers up a large white trash bag and explains he could be "Amazing Condom Man." Spectrum asks if Nexus can help, and Nexus does, performing a little cosmetic trick on Amazing Mazer, masking him and leaving a Justice Squad decoder ring on him!

Nexus then turns his attention to bringing in Dr. Normal, and Laughton does fess up about the Ziploc bag. He teleports all to Detroit as the cell phones don't work around Origin. Laughton calls Beard, his WEB contact, while Sihn calls Terwilliger, their official liaison and his long-time contact. WEB is first to respond and has agents ready to pick up outside Origin. Laughton insists on delivering Dr. Normal to WEB but SIhn says it must be cleared with Terwilliger. Laughton eventually relents, knowing that of course Terwilliger will insist on Dr. Normal going directly to his own organization. But Laughton is unconcerned - as he deftly switches the bag and its dust for innocuous regular dust. After arrangements are made - and predictably Terwilliger insists on delivery to his own agents - they pop back to Origin to meet down the road. Nexus, accompanied by the rest of the team, goes down the road to make the delivery. He watches as the WEB guys are turned aside as the Homeland Protection agents arrive. As they're halfway back to civilization and the route is popular due to Origin, there's hot dog and other stands, so Sammy happily avails himself of lunch. No one suspects that Laughton has handed off a pile of dust instead of Dr. Normal.

Back in Origin, upon their return, the community is abuzz as the information and inaccurate rumors spread regarding the Justice Squad, Magneto, the X-Men, and Dr. Normal. As the Justice Squad is inundated upon their return, it's the first sort of "public showing" post-combat of Nexus, Master of Dimensions, as he floats in the air, introducing himself. The crowd varies as often taunts and epithets are shouted, while others congratulate the Justice Squad. One mutant spits at Sammy but Sammy simply drinks it and hocks a big lugi back at him, creating a covering of slime over him.

Spectrum seeks out Dr. Strange as her interest in magic has grown quite a bit - in fact she's been learning a lot from Willow and finding ways to use her mind to trigger metaphysical manifestations of her powers! He's to be found at a tent he's set up where he has just finished the last of many healings, and remains to treat any new patients as the crowd is large enough that there's often some need, just owing to normal enough accidents, let alone those the result of massive mutant powers. The tent is quintessential Strange and as such a throwback to '60s psychedelia with wild Persian rugs and lava lamps. As they speak and Spectrum mentions Willow, Dr. Strange portentously notes "she has a great future in front of her." They also talk of New York-related matters, Spectrum anxiously awaiting Jeremiah Dark's (Nightshade, her boyfriend) arrival. Meanwhile Laughton pesters Spectrum on her mind channel, asking her to ask Strange about tossing someone into an extra-dimensional void, though she ignores him. The rest of the Justice Squad is nearby and she shortly rejoins them, this time with Dr. Strange who tags along.

As the group walks along, continuing to run into all matters of greetings, Spiderman encounters them and hardily congratulates them on their teamwork, calling them "Your friendly neighborhood Justice Squad," and Laughton pointing out with "Nexus, the Master of Dimension!" boldly and mockingly, though with good humor. Nexus points out, mostly jokingly-ominous (though one feels not entirely), that Laughton may find he has a change of heart himself as Sihn has. Laughton makes the conversation more serious, attempting to cajole Sihn for his turning in of Dr. Normal, and brings up the example of the Green Goblin and drawing the parallel to Dr. Normal, saying, "Do you: a) send him on his way knowing he'll be a good boy; b) rip off his head and devour it; c) lock him up in a secure little place; or d) something else?" Laughton directs the question to Spiderman directly, believing the answer may vindicate his own take knowing there was a famous incident where Spiderman killed Green Goblin and popular rumors continue to paint it as deliberate, though publicly he maintained it was accidental. Spiderman sarcastically thanks Laughton for bringing it up, and goes on to point that one must uphold the law and turn the criminal into authorities. Then he abruptly turns and walks away, tersely excusing himself, as the Green Goblin incident apparently has always upset Spiderman greatly.

Nexus replies to Laughton, "I�ve been a lot further down this road," and tries to point out how baldy such moral equivocations turned out. Laughton debates back and the intellectual giants continue on for a bit until, when in mid-conversation, Laughton says, "Eliot," and is interrupted. Nexus points out he's tired of the recent trend of using first names when around the public and when in costume. Laughton points out they're quite safe from surveillance, but Nexus resists that when in costume, one should act as in costume. It helps to keep one's focus, he explains. At this point Laughton vows never to call him anything but "Nexus, Master of Dimensions," just to annoy him. Nexus points out he's being childish, and Laughton resoundly proclaims, "YES!" in an attempt to draw out that in fact the situation is childish. Sammy interjects, "I'll still call him dad." Spectrum decides this is a good time to catch up with Wilting Rose and takes off with Dr. Strange.

She and Dr. Strange talk, he comparing her team to the Outsiders, and pointing out that the Outsiders (infamous for their squabbles, though nothing so serious as actual fighting) seem to get along better. Spectrum nods but points out that a lot of this is talk and that Sihn and Laughton just like to debate. Eventually Spectrum finds Wilting Rose as Dr. Strange goes his own way. It turns out Wilting Rose was trapped in a "room" with "two idiots fighting each other," and she had to keep them from killing each other.

While she and Strange are gone, and as Sammy gathers up hot dogs for Jane, the debate rages. Nexus does pause to help Sammy and Jane out, creating little animated gladiator fighting men out of baloney - in full life size! Back to the debate, Nexus explains to Laughton he expects Laughton to change as he has. Laughton says he won't, as he hasn't been through the same things and he feels no twinges of guilt, that he is still fighting the good fight even if Nexus can't see that. Nexus points out that Laughton should learn from his experience, that he should benefit from it, but Laughton retorts, "or I can be penalized by it, which seems to be your lot in life lately!"

Just then they get a phone call, the interference around Origin either lifting or some special governmental ability manifesting, Nexus' phone ringing. Laughton grabs it, picking it up saying "Nexus, Master of Dimensions, please hold," and hands the phone to Eliot. Nexus is heard saying, "Yes, I understand, he can be that way sometimes." Then he finds out that the dust/Dr. Normal hasn't turned back into Dr. Normal yet. He hands the phone to Laughton, who answers, "Laughton, Master of Dimensions." Laughton then talks with the caller, Terwilliger, and says he has released the form. They mention they still have dust and Laughton shrugs, "Magneto must have killed him just before I turned him." As they talk he goes on to describe witnesses at the scene and offers that his story is supportable. Nexus offers to take a look, and after a bit he teleports off to a government facility. He studies the dust, and becomes convinced that it was never anything other than dust. He calls Hamlet indicating something "doesn't seem right," as he notes that some of the fragments of flora in the dust seem to be from strains indigenous to Afghanistan! But Laughton has already called WEB and made a drop-off outside Origin while Sihn was studying the fake Dr. Normal - telling the agents "you didn't get this from me."

Nexus heads angrily back to Origin, certain of Laughton's duplicity, and berates Laughton for his moral ambiguity and games, saying "we have to be a step better than Magneto, setting an example." Nexus stresses the importance of the rule of law, and that while he appreciates Laughton's position and he does hope that Laughton can work out something with Magneto, he does not think that the "shenanigans" such as not handing over villains will get the Justice Squad and the struggle with Magneto's darker view of humanity anywhere. Laughton flatly responds re Dr. Normal, "He's been handed over to WEB." Nexus is annoyed, stating, "This won't help us as a team, even if it helps you." Laughton begs to differ, claiming that by working on the side he gains flexibility, and the discussion continues on. Through a long conversation, they reach some common ground, both understanding their ultimate goals are the same, but they realize that they still have work to do to reconcile their approaches, agreeing to disagree for the time being.

Wilting Rose and Spectrum by now have been joined by Sammy and Jane, as Sammy grows weary of the Laughton/Sihn debate. Naturally, they get more food. Wilting Rose and Spectrum talk about the Justice Squad and super-teams in general, Wilting Rose pointing out she's not a "joiner". As Sammy and Jane eat, Wilting Rose and Spectrum begin to drink. They have a little of Suzanne's whiskey. And a little more. Sammy and Jane join in the drinking as well. Before long the women start getting tipsy (Sammy and Jane need a lot more booze for that). Jonas Hell finds and joins them as well, while Weed (whom he was hanging out with) has gone to rejoin Laughton and Sihn. Jonas of course refers to Suzanne as "honey" as the whiskey passes, but other than inflicting a mild headache she's feeling charitable as they unwind from the day's stress. Wilting Rose takes a moment to apologize to Sammy for how hard she slammed in their mock fight at the charity event he arranged; of course he's fine and while he accepts her apology he tells her not to worry. As they drink more, Wilting Rose volunteers she has some special drink built for mutant tolerances, something really strong. She takes out a small bottle and tells Suzanne just to have a sip, as she does. Sammy takes a big gulp, as does Jane, and before long they begin mixing protoplasm, working on their "Great Link"! Spectrum points out there are kids around, as does Wilting Rose, but then Spectrum remembers that Sammy and Jane are pretty young, turning to Sammy and saying, "Hey, aren't you like 4 or 5?" Wilting Rose intones, "Oh, they're too young!" Of course both women are growing quickly drunker. Spectrum says, "Yeah, you got another ten years." As Spectrum and Wilting Rose go on, Spectrum quotes the docket number regarding the case that ensured Sammy's freedom. They then start grousing about Magneto's planned speech, and discussion also turns to The Captain's kicking of Jonas, the Wonder Dog, to Wilting Rose's horror.

Laughton and Sihn start getting calls from Terwilliger and Beard. Beard mentions that WEB is going to the papers with their info in a publicity stunt they hope will bolster their agency. As more calls take place, Laughton starts to explain himself to Terwilliger, pointing out he wasn't comfortable releasing Dr. Normal into the hands that Nexus organized given his most recent exploits with Dr. Normal. He goes on to point out that it was his own fault as he was out of the country when this chain of events started. Terwilliger asks if Laughton means there was a misunderstanding. Laughton says that is putting words into his mouth. Terwilliger notes that there will be "GW issues" (in reference to the president) and that his "ass is on the carpet". Nexus interrupts and points out that Laughton heard Dr. Normal was loose earlier, to which Laughton claims he was taking "dramatic license" and that the facts as he knew them were that Nexus went "super-boy-scout, trying to make amends for past wrong-doings. Sihn interrupts, "Just mine." Laughton goes on to point out that "somebody" pulled strings to keep this out of the papers as Jameson had caught wind of it, and that knowing Eliot Sihn was now Nexus and his relationship to Dr. Normal - then making his final point that he simply thought his actions were in support of Sihn's need to keep it quiet. As Laughton puts it, "I added 2 and 2, got 3.86444." Sihn gets annoyed as he sees Laughton's twisting of things - however "plausibly deniable" as to anywhere it might not mesh with the truth - and tries to interrupt the conversation. Laughton breaks off the conversation. As Terwilliger calls Sihn back, Eliot explains, "Not sure what he's going through, but it's best you not talk to him for a while, he's going to be a lot of trouble." Sihn points out to Laughton that after a night of sleep maybe he'll have a better perspective.

Suddenly the massive roar of a reckless motorbike overwhelms the area, as Wilting Rose is seen speeding through town with Spectrum riding on the back! The "cone of silence" Laughton had put around he and Eliot for their conversation is cast aside, though arguably too soon as the Jerky Boys appear. They come up to Laughton and Nexus, though they're looking for the Troll, and one points out how Magneto will be giving a big speech they need to check out, saying 'Peace OUT!" as they go.

By now the Justice Squad is starting to get reunited as the motorbike roars around and Sammy and Jane catch up. As Sihn, speaking to Laughton, offers up they must take care of things with Terwilliger, Sammy gives a big hug, saying, "Let's all be friend!" Sihn says, "Let's do - you got anymore of that?" detecting the presence of the super-hooch. Sammy gives Eliot a big hug, and Jane joins in as well. Sammy gives his dad a big kiss. Weed and Hell shake their heads and vow to go off and get drunk on their own. Laughton tells Suzanne (telepathically) to stop being drunk and help him convince Magneto not to give his big speech. Though he does like the idea of her and Wilting Rose grand-standing with the motorbike (which can go up to 500 MPH) to distract from Magneto. Sammy says grand-standing sounds good to him, too, and Jane throws in that grand-standing is fun.

But talk grows more serious and Spectrum rejoins them, beginning to sober up as Laughton gives her an interesting concoction to restore her vigor (it's actually Sihn's old healing drugs which he's co-opted). Before long Laughton, through his contacts, arranges a summit with Magneto. Suzanne - more talkative than usual as she's still emboldened by Wilting Rose's "special blend" - appeals to Magneto regarding how his actions may well stir up the Feds to react. Sihn chimes in that they want to stay away from violence. Magneto arrogantly replies, "It's your job to worry, mine to act, that's fair!" He is unmoved.

And in another couple hours the speech begins. Magneto waxes poetically about - surprisingly - compromise, though he twists events a bit and the meaning of "compromise". He points out how the mutants stood together in Origin that day against The Captain and that the government is afraid. He points out that Professor X and Justice Squad were willing to "keep the peace" without acknowledging their stopping his attempted apprehension of The Captain. He of course ends the speech praising homo sapien supernus. Just after he leaves the stage, the Lizard King briefly steps to the podium hollering, "I FOUGHT THE LAW AND I WON!"

As the Justice Squad discusses the speech, they believe it at least wasn't inflammatory and that Magneto did a reasonable enough job all things considered. Laughton asks Nexus' view on homo sapien supernus; Nexus says it's evil, that the construct is dangerous in its intent and biologically even unsound. Laughton, though, counters he is concerned about the government's control. They find that as much as Nexus is against Magneto, Laughton is against the government control of mutants. Sammy points out he's for world peace. Nexus agrees; Laughton says that Nexus should craft a counter-manifesto, a "Clintonian third way." Spectrum grants the speech is okay though she is very much opposed to Magneto.

As they talk, Magneto approaches and invites her specifically to join his tent. She asks after the others joining, and before he fully answers he asks if Nexus is Eliot. Eliot explains he is and that he is a changed person. Magneto asks if he has a problem with him, and Spectrum points out that in his new guise he's less likely to eat Magneto's leg. Wilting Rose also joins. At the reception, Nexus works really hard to remain civil and quiet. Wilting Rose and Spectrum partake of some more of the super-alcohol. Laughton has a glass - which remains at the same level the whole time. Sammy is more circumspect about alcohol, while Nexus partakes a bit himself. Spectrum points out to Nexus that Laughton has a great anti-hangover medication. Nexus gets into a conversation with Dragon Warrior, a minor mutant in support of Magneto.

Daredevil shows up to the party. Spectrum laughs out loud as she hears Daredevil respond to someone's question about Magneto with, "He's a loser!" Spectrum mildly defends Magneto, though, by saying, "Well, he doesn't kick dogs!" As Spectrum and Daredevil talk, they start discussing endorsements as the Justice Squad has endorsed Phoenix Mel's. Daredevil quotes Peter Parker as against such super-endorsements, but Suzanne points out it's just one all-you-can-eat place and Sammy likes it. As Daredevil asks how they're all doing, Laughton simply says "been better." Spectrum points out he should try the spinach dip. Laughton points out - knowing Daredevil - that one of the spinach dips has bugs all in it for special mutants. Of course Daredevil is willing to try it.

And Daredevil is equally willing not to mince words. As conversation inevitably turns back to Magneto, Daredevil loudly points out he's a terrorist who should be put in jail. Laughton hands Daredevil a business card with an 800 (!) number to keep in touch and "in case". Nexus chimes in with Daredevil. Magneto walks by to hear this. He simply says, "That was uncouth," of Daredevil and Nexus. Nexus simply says, "One day this is going to come to blows. There's no reason to mess up the Origin thing - just like you I support the idea of Origin." Magneto says that's nice to hear. Nexus says he wants to show that he wants to get along. Sammy gets excited prematurely, saying, "Yeah!", hoping his dad will reconcile with his other hero. Meanwhile the Nightcrawler, doing personal bodyguard work with Lizard King for Magneto, approaches Spectrum to say hello as Nexus, Laughton, and Magneto join the debate. As Magneto calls Nexus "Eliot," Nexus corrects him. Magneto appreciates that and congratulates him on finding his mutant name. Laughton mischievously adds, "You forgot the Master of Dimensions tag." Magneto goes on to talk of human weaknesses and tribalism, though Nexus and Laughton are quick to refute by pointing out the tribal sorts of warfare the mutants engaged in that same day.

But not all is politics as Magneto notes Jane is not around. Sammy felt she wasn't invited, but Magneto apologizes and insists he bring her.

But just as quickly the talk turns back to politics! As Laughton points out how all mutants are different, indeed even more different from each other than humans are, Laughton retorts of how The Captain meddled due to human influences and that the mutants can fix their divisions with the great minds of Sihn and Laughton applied - he even points out how the Justice Squad helped to save the day. Finally, though, Nexus leaves, tiring of the banter and knowing that nothing will change Magneto's closed mind. Laughton though stays on, and then talk turns to his latest conspiracy theory involving some deep, dark secret that mutually influences the Rosicrucians and the White House. As Magneto's eyes get "that look" at Laughton's "crazy talk", Laughton note she'll send Erik some papers and he'll see.

As Sammy arrives with Jane, Magneto gets them some "special brew". Wilting Rose and Spectrum grow bored at Erik's obviously political and restrained reception, and Wilting Rose says she's heard of a wild but not too crowded party being thrown by the Dadaist Liberation Front - and they're quickly off. Before leaving, at Laughton's request, Spectrum does do a mind scan for the Artless Dodger, finding he's at some party of criminals.

Laughton makes his way to the criminal party, first turning to base form, and then, upon arrival, donning a humanesque disguise. As he makes his way through the party, he finds the Artless Dodger and slips a tracer on him. As Laughton tracks the Dodger, he runs across the wild rebel "rasslin'" mutant Billy Hill. Billy, of course, wants to "rassle" and shoves Laughton. Laughton martial throws Billy and starts to walk away. But Billy is resilient and eager to have some fun, so he's shortly up and shoving Laughton again. Laughton isn't so interested in wrestling play, and simply turns poor Billy into a manhole cover!

Spectrum is happy to run into Nightshade that night as the Outsiders made it in time for Magneto's speech. She catches him up on events.

The next day is the last day at the Origin event. It's filled with political speeches, but also lots of frivolity. The Pineal Glance organizes a tug of war contest on the last day, but otherwise the Justice Squad is in the mood for rest - as are most of the mutants. Before long they split up, most going back to Detroit but Suzanne going to Taos to do some skiing with Jeremiah.

[Game Mechanics - Points Awarded...

ORIGIN - for taking care of the situation this time and it was the BIG BAD! - explosive acrimony in Origin handled - +37.5 RP, +2.5 XP for Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum

Act of great heroism (peace-keeping throughout) - +22.5 RP for Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum

6 hours in character - +4.5 RP, +1.5 XP for Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum

Totals:

Laughton 64.5 RP, 4 XP
Nexus 64.5 RP, 4 XP
Sammy 64.5 RP, 4 XP
Spectrum 64.5 RP, 4 XP

Totals to Date:

Dice 188.5 RPs, 14.95 XPs
Laughton 1568.875 RPs, 140.125 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 1550.625 RPs, 142.875 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 1514.5 RPs, 146.6125 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Spectrum 1428.5 RPs, 133.05 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]]