X-Champions Issues

Issue #37 - The Special Foreshadowing Issue

The Justice Squad returns to Detroit to find old friends and enemies alike in trouble.

First there's a story that Doc Magnus' estate has been vaporized!  Worse yet, the Metal Men have been implicated.  Magnus of course had been killed when the Mysterymen rescued Detroit and much of his estate already ruined, but there was considerable debris of interest to the government.  Just prior to the arrival of federal agents, the entire grounds were blasted in an explosion that, while self-contained, literally vaporized the remaining materials, leaving only a large hole in the ground.  The Metal Men have been picked up by the government and are accused of tampering with government property (the government having already taken ownership of the area).

Second there's the mysterious slaying of the Jerky Boys in Cleveland.  The mutant community is a-whisper with rumors and tales of their demise, but there's no public story as the government keeps a lid on it for reasons unknown.  Independently the Pineal Glance and Nexus, Master of Dimensions, are off to Cleveland to investigate, Pineal Glance having heard about it via the grapevine in his midnight rounds among the mutant bars while Nexus heard about it also in a mutant bar from a beetle-like acquaintance named Hank.  Both make the rounds to find out more.

Neumann, Sammy, and Spectrum visit the Metal Men in jail, Sammy sure to bring cake but apologizing for the lack of a file (he's seen it in movies but the prison guards wouldn't go for it); he explains he was sure to get a cake he'd tried before to ensure quality.  Neumann volunteers, "We are here to console you," and gets a sideways look from Platinum (his teacher of robot sex).  She candidly admits that the team is very down - which is evident as they are slumped about in their cell, except for Mercury who agitatedly paces and rants.  Neumann tries to be sympathetic, unemotionally intoning, "It must be depressing to lose your home."  Spectrum asks if they know who did it but there is no idea; she volunteers to represent them and begins the paperwork process to get them out on bail.  Gold bucks up after a short time, taking his natural leadership position, and keeps up small talk with the Justice Squad members before Suzanne leaves to make arrangements for them.  

Not surprisingly given the small size of the mutant community, Nexus walks into the same bar as the Pineal Glance.  He doesn't know the shady figure, but something catches his eyes - Glance's fingernails are not only trimmed similarly to Laughton's, but Nexus, unnaturally observant, notes the slightest mark and infers the use of a blowtorch to trim them, something only Laughton does.  Nexus, not wanting to blow Laughton's cover, writes a note requesting a meeting in a nearby alley and slips it to Pineal Glance.  Curious (of course) the Pineal Glance meets Nexus and Nexus discusses the Jerky Boys.  He skirts around the issue of Glance being Laughton, though before long the verbal parrying is clear, particularly as Sihn points out that "some other detective might figure out the mystery," a reference to Pineal Glance's "better half" as it were.  They resolve to work together on the death of the Jerky Boys and of course Laughton eventually explains his other guise.  Nexus asks for 30 minutes and suggests meeting Laughton/Pineal Glance on the roof of Laughton Agency.

Laughton makes his way back to the HQ, meeting up with the others as they return from their jail visit.  Shortly Nexus meets them on the roof and teleports all to Cleveland.  Given his considerable mutant studies, Sihn knows to look for a local pigeon known as the Yellow Kid, a trader of information.  They make the rounds, Sihn looking for a haunt he hopes to find Yellow Kid in.  However, they make an odd bunch - as Laughton disguises himself as Sihn and Sammy disguises/shapeshifts to look like Sihn!  Laughton hands Neumann a paper mask of Sihn's face, one hole for his big eye.  Neumann just looks at it at first, requiring an explanation as the concept is too odd!  

They enter a small underground mutant bar with only three patrons (this is Cleveland after all) and Sihn looks back and says, "Come clones!"  Suzanne gets drinks, knowing what all want except for the real Sihn, who wants a scotch.  It's motor oil for Neumann, peanut butter and soda for Sammy, and scotch for her and Laughton (who won't drink it anyway).  She finds the house scotch, however cheap, not too bad.  The bartender is very impressed to see the Justice Squad; he asks if it has anything to do with the Jerky Boys to which she just replies, "What do you think?"  Laughton, through the mind link, tells her to say they're looking for Venus of WKRP.  The bartender wants them to have the booze "on the house," but Suzanne insists otherwise, pointing out she wants to support the community.  Sammy begins guzzling his drinks.

And in moments they see, in the very back of the bar in a booth, the Yellow Kid.  He looks like the Yellow Kid of the original comic strip, replete with large yellow smock.  And, like that figure, in fact this living Yellow Kid can only communicate via his smock, words appearing on it in greeting as the Justice Squad approaches.  Neumann creates an image of a yellow smock on himself, saying "Good to meet you!"  Yellow Kid offers up, "Your kool."  Nexus responds in kind. 

Laughton is concerned about security, what with words appearing directly on the Yellow Kid's shirt, but the Kid hands out special glasses and the words on his smock turn "invisible" except via the glasses.  And of course the Kid asks on his smock, "How much monee do u haf?"  Laughton pulls out 27 cents in nickels and pennies.  Yellow Kid replies, "U mus be rich, generus like thet!"  SIhn steps in, handing him $100.  Laughton adds a baloney sandwich, and the Kid does get it before Sammy decides that perhaps it would otherwise go to waste.

The Yellow Kid then explains he's heard that the Jerky Boys were murdered in an unusual execution - they exploded from within, just three blocks away.  The feds took custody of the bodies.  Sihn thinks about who might have done it but those coming to mind are in jail or dead.  He wonders if Magneto morphed his power somehow, given the strange effects of his they witnessed in Origin.  They pressure Yellow Kid to arrange a visit to the source of info; the Kid relents, given they are the Justice Squad, for $50 more and another sandwich.   

The Yellow Kid explains about his friend, the "Sewer Dweller," a strange being who is a sort of sewer elemental, able to move from manhole to manhole near-instantaneously.  He gives them a vial (Laughton quick to provide a suitable Ziploc bag) that contains "Very smelly, releese in man hole."  Then he asks after the Troll; they beg off, saying it's "too difficult to explain."  Still feeling owed information, he asks for a rain check in the form of keeping contact information for Sihn-tek (Laughton not being so willing to give the gossip a free ticket).  Suzanne leaves the Yellow Kid a generous tip as they leave

But before they can make off, two drunk mutants approach.  One is trashed, declaring, "You are the Juztice Squad, you guys are GREAT!"  His finger falls off, and he picks it up.  His buddy explains he's the "Amazing Body Apart".  Then the ABA falls literally apart!  Neumann quickly extends his arms and runs around, picking up all the parts and helping him reassemble.  The more-sober friend asks for autographs; Laughton gives a Sihn autograph, and the admirer eagerly asks for the "other Sihn autographs."  They oblige, with Neumann spraying a card with oil.    As the subject of the Troll comes up again, Sihn (the real one) waxes how he was the emotional center of the team.  The autograph seeker gets very sad as the Troll's death is confirmed, and then asks after Sammy.  As they make hasty explanations and head out, Suzanne, partly to placate the drunken admirers, lets him know to write to them care of the Laughton Agency, "attention PR".

At the manhole cover near the site of the death of the Jerky Boys (as relayed by Yellow Kid), Nexus releases the foul substance - and its vapors cause an immediate illness on all those nearby, enough to stun most normal people.  As Suzanne and Laughton were cautiously standing back, Sihn scowls at them - and doesn't shoot any of his healing powers their way!

As a little rat crawls away Spectrum puts up her telekinetic force barrier - just as the Sewer Dweller appears.  The Sewer Dweller is pleased to meet the Justice Squad, as he assumes that's who they are from indications.  Spectrum is the only one to answer directly in the affirmative.  Sihn introduces his "clones" and Suzanne and Neumann.  The Sewer Dweller mentions he didn't know that the Jerky Boys were friends of theirs.  Sihn explains, "Yes, we did know the Jerky Boys, but the relationship was complicated.  As members of the mutant community with some degree of political import, their deaths are disturbing."

The Sewer Dweller gladly explains what he saw:  as he was lurking about he heard noises above and seeped (as he is a body of sewer sludge) up cautiously to scout.  By the time he came up - mere moments after the noises, which included brief identifiable sounds by the Jerky Boys meeting and being attacked by someone - on the ground were the Jerky Boys.  There was no trace of their assailant; he must not have been traveling on foot or car, at least not conventionally, as it was too brief a period after the sounds for him not to be around otherwise.  The Dweller checked them out - it looked as if their hearts had exploded!  The hearts were missing but the front of their bodies had burst open.  The feds - specifically the Men in Black - showed up very quickly, before dawn, and within an hour he saw them expeditiously clean up the scene and leave without a trace!  He did overhear some things, including that there was no trace of anyone else's DNA on the exit wounds and that the symptoms weren't consistent with teleports.  Sihn explains he brought his "best investigative clone."

They discuss the vial and the foul-smelling substance.  It's a substance that radiates a dizzying odor but more importantly travels at amazing speeds through water - thus it is the best way to summon the sewer elemental.  Neumann discusses the scent with Sewer Dweller, comparing it as of course none of this bothers the robotic being.  Sihn wonders as to how the Sewer Dweller developed it, and it comes out that Dr. Heller created it for him.  Sihn then asks if Sewer Dweller or Dr. Heller has ever considered marketing it.  Sewer Dweller is ambivalent and adds, "I have no idea if anybody could produce it."  Sihn volunteers that Sihn-tek might be the right place.

The Justice Squad carefully investigates the area.  Even with Laughton and Sihn's mighty investigative and forensic skills they find almost nothing.  Sammy sniffs around as well, using his keen senses.  But despite the considerable skills it is to no avail as the feds left virtually nothing.  Laughton and Sihn find only stray fibers form that rough time period embedded in the concrete from being trod upon, and while they keep those for reference they reveal nothing of significance.  They also find a lot of change, though.   They do further investigation, checking out the few underground mutant joints, but to no avail as it's late and there are no patrons who saw the Jerky Boys that night.

By this time it is 2:30 in the morning as the Justice Squad revisits the scene of the crime.  From the stray forensic evidence outside of the area washed down by the feds the only thing they are sure of, as they find faint traces of the Jerky Boys' path, is that the perpetrator did not accompany or follow the Jerky Boys - rather he/she must have met them there.  They find a security camera for a local clothing store and decide to get what they can from that.  Neumann's metal body is squeaking and creaking loudly as Sammy goes to the door and seeps in, his body turning to liquid/gel and moving under the crack in the door.  Sammy moves to a room in the back where the security goes to and finds it in disarray.  There are security tapes out and dated, but it turns out the tape from the day of the crime is missing; he checks the VCR but it's not in that, either.  Getting advice mentally via Spectrum's mind link he takes the tapes from prior days, and the group returns home.

Back at the base, Neumann, using his eidetic electronic memory, watches the tapes, studying and recording all details.  They verify that the displayed date and time on the tapes is correct.  Laughton watches in statue form so he can stay awake as in that form his energy remains fixed.  Spectrum and Sammy, though, requiring rest, each retire, Suzanne sleeping nearby and Sammy turning as usual to his natural oozing gelatinous body.  While SIhn doesn't require sleep per se, he needs it to reach the Dreamworlds and so slips away.

The next morning all regroup and Neumann, using his ability to project lights, creates a holographic image of what he found of interest on the tape.  They see a stranger lurking in that area on a few consecutive days prior to the attack.  The stranger is wearing a disguise, Laughton detects.  The figure is just shy of 7 feet tall, at 6'10", in almost perfect physical shape, and moves with amazing precision as his footsteps move in exact amounts each time.   Little other clues are offered as they examine the tape, but the stranger's reoccurring presence definitely stands out.

Laughton goes about his morning routine and sees one of his many information sources, Blind Rufus.  Rufus, a shoe-shine "boy" (actually an older black man), tells Laughton that Jameson is going to be running the article exposing the Justice Squad's holding of Dr. Normal (Homer Grisby).  Laughton is disturbed to hear this, having heard the story was being suppressed.  

And also in the morning news is (finally) a story about the disappearance of the Jerky Boys and the rumor supporting their presumed deaths.  The government issues no confirmation or denial.   

Upon his return to the office, Laughton calls Eliot Sihn about the Grisby story.  Sihn takes Laughton off-guard, replying, "I don't care.  I'll be happy to confirm anything that's true."  Laughton is appalled at the "new" Dr. Sihn's morality and its threat to compromise their ability to operate in a manner he sees as practical.  As they speak, Suzanne joins the conversation, and mentions in passing about the Metal Men and their situation, wanting to investigate.  But other situations continue to overwhelm the group's time.  

One of them being the Jerky Boys - Sihn calls Terwilliger to ask about the situation.  Terwilliger explains that their hearts didn't explode, but, rather, were ripped out from the inside - as if someone reached in without hurting them, grabbed the heart and yanked them out.  As if they were desolid reaching in and turned solid.  Sihn wonders aloud about Octal Fist but he's confirmed as still imprisoned.  In particular Terwilliger mentions the concern over the lack of any organic material aside from the Jerky Boys'.  Sihn would like to see the bodies but apparently clearance - for anyone -  is required at the president's level and "GW" as Terwilliger refers to him has not cleared that.  Terwilliger also expresses frustration that the bodies are not in his group's purview and little information is available.

Laughton is also on the other trail, calling one of his government contacts, Frank Beard of WEB, about the Jameson story.  Beard responds, "What do you mean?" and it becomes clear that Jameson's intent was unknown.  Beard hastily hangs up, and within, literally, 30 minutes the Jameson printing presses are shut down and Jameson seized.  During that time Beard calls Laughton back.  Laughton wants to know (per his communication in the mean time with Sihn) who is "mucking up" the investigation.   It's known that it's the Men in Black.

Laughton calls Archie at the MIB.  Laughton starts with, "I hear you guys are bumbling the Jerky Boys investigation."  Archie doesn't understand, and Laughton explains that clearly that it's obvious they aren't getting anywhere yet and they need another set of eyes on the bodies - namely the Justice Squad's.  After a time Laughton's relationship and powers of persuasion, based in this case on the known skills the Justice Squad brings, prevail.  Archie gives an address in a ghetto of Washington, DC, and a time.  Upon contacting Sihn, Laughton is berated for not asking if their brains are intact.

In the same morning, Sammy meets with Prince Namor, his "grandfather," as Sammy sees it, at the Laughton Agency.  Namor wants to discuss the trip he's arranging for Sammy to Mu.  It turns out that Namor does not want to be embarrassed even though his scientists need to study Sammy; he begins to explain the ways of nobility to Sammy.  And he introduces Sammy to a "pain ritual" intended to clear the mind for meditation.  As Namor pulls out a pair of 6" needles he further explains that the needles are to be shoved just deep into the knee, under the kneecap, where they create an excruciating pain.  They must be held for several minutes.  Sammy uses his sense of smell to be sure this really is Namor as he's certainly wary of this.  Namor goes on to show how his own personal needle is permanently  stained at the 3" mark with blood.  The needles are built of a special alloy guaranteed to penetrate and do pain to almost any being.  Sammy goes along with the effort, at first stabbing himself deeply and crying out in pain, pulling the needle out.  Namor is surprisingly understanding, and explains to Sammy to start small, just an inch or two at best, the main effort being to hold it in for a duration of time.  Namor also imparts that the effort is all about discipline.  Namor goes on to entice Sammy by saying, "after this, we have breakfast."  

And indeed they do have breakfast after Sammy joins Namor in the ritual, though Sammy is hardly able to stand the pain and, despite a serious effort, partly shows his pain.  Namor respects Sammy's effort, though, as nobody starts the ritual without immense pain, fear, and (even for Mu nobility) a little resistance.  Namor has "prepared" breakfast, producing a pile of fish, of which he has one small one, and leaving only a few large fish for Sammy, hardly enough for the ravenous gelatinous being.  Sammy isn't impressed at the deliberately Spartan meal.  Namor then explains to Sammy they will have a big lunch, but Sammy must refrain from eating any food in the meantime as a lesson in discipline.  Namor states, "A man can only trust himself," and says Sammy must do this on his own.  Sammy accepts the challenge.

Neumann busily investigates the Jerky Boys, using Laughton's and Sihn's libraries (at least what's been exposed in the JS HQ) and the Internet to research.  He finds 17 primary serious enemies of the Jerky Boys, and 75 lesser enemies, with those "lesser" being the ones extremely unlikely or impossible in tracking and defeating them.  Of the 17, 7 are in the same size range as the assailant.  Of those only one seems to have had an opportunity, being at least remotely in the area/able to get there - the Punisher.  Neumann believes the Punisher has done it.  By 10 AM he, having read up on successful business meetings, has completed a 3-dimensional "PowerPoint style" presentation for the Justice Squad.

At Neumann's request, shortly thereafter, the Justice Squad convenes at Laughton Agency.  Neumann has brought refreshments for all, including a box of Twinkies specifically for Sammy, not knowing Sammy's vow and always happy to assist anyone he can.  Laughton views the presentation for a bit and interrupts, "I appreciate the effort and this information, however, if you'd just written on a post-it note 'Punisher' and handed it to me it would have been adequate."  Sihn also adds, "You know, I appreciate that we're acting more corporate now and getting more organized, less radical, but maybe we could be a little less formal."  He goes on to wax on the Justice Squad experience, "I feel we are growing as a group, and I appreciate Neumann's efforts in going beyond our humble origins."

Sammy half-listens - he's eyeing the Twinkies.  He decides that just one Twinkie would be fine, it hardly counts, and, as he thinks about it, since Neumann brought a box just for him it's rude not to eat it, and, besides, it's only one box.  So Sammy quickly devours the box, though he feels guilty.

With time before their 3 PM appointment, Sihn whisks them all to investigate the charred hole that was Magnus' estate at Suzanne's urging.  From what little they can tell from the black hole as well as what they've heard, it looks like a large stockpile of munitions were used, but moreover whoever was responsible knew what they were doing as the effects of the damage were precise and utterly devastating.  They reflect on the timing of this and the Jerky Boys' deaths - the former occurred at about 8 AM on December the 19th while the Jerky Boys were killed about 2:30 AM on the 20th.

Palmer was also busy in the morning securing the Metal Men's release on bail.  The government has agreed to release them but only in her custody.  Fortunately she has plenty of room in her Gros Pointe home.

Sammy meets Namor for lunch - crying and upset.  He confesses his mistake in eating the Twinkies.  Namor admonishes him, "Don't cry."  Sammy is upset though, and Namor is flustered.  With little effect, Namor commands, "Stop!  Hold it in!"  Namor then begs off, saying, "I'll call you another time," abruptly leaving an upset Sammy, who then goes to the base to console himself with baloney sandwiches.  During his eating binge, he gets a call from Namor.  Namor asks, "Samuel, how do you feel right now?"  Sammy says, "hungry."  Namor adds, "I was wondering if you were reflecting on your failure."  Sammy and Namor talk for a bit, and Namor intends to restart the ritual the next day and see how things go.  Namor accepts that Sammy is intellectually/emotionally quite young and is willing to work though that.  

In the afternoon the Justice Squad goes to DC.  Neumann is put into a refrigerator box being wheeled by Sammy.  Archie is there, looking like a typical African-American DC ghetto resident.  The building is typical enough, just a regular tenement, but upon entry the scene changes vastly.  Almost magically they are in a very different interior than expected, one which doesn't even match the size and shape of the exterior.  They move to an autopsy area where the Jerky Boys lay.  Much of the evidence has already been, from Sihn's perspective, heavily tampered with due to the less delicate and less brilliant work of the MIB - as well as the fact they haven't left the brains intact.  But they do find that the assailant had some sort of glove on; they speculate as to Wrath.  Despite the condition of the brains, Sihn tries to reconstruct their brains and "read" them but to little avail.  They do find that the direction of the strike is consistent with the height of the observed stranger, and find that he struck with incredible speed.  The hearts were still moving when pulled out.  However, no extraordinary, at least by super-human standards, strength was used.  The finger-implications were consistent with the shape of the stranger's.  Neumann checks and finds no radioactive material in/around the bodies.  In fact, it looks quite the opposite, and Neumann informs the team that it looks as if any radioactivity has been sucked away from the bodies in some sort of fashion, possibly some sort of ambient fusion signal remaining, but it's too weak to be sure.  Laughton speculates it may be related to electromagnetic interference.  They also review a copy of the autopsy to date, finding some of their findings but nothing else of significance, unless one considers that their stomach contents reveal a final meal of 7-11 and Taco Bell food to be signficant.

A radio nearby plays the news of the day and it now comes out about Jameson being shut down and the man himself not found for comment.  Sihn exclaims, "Laughton!" testily.  

As the group discusses next steps, Laughton wants to see Bush, Sammy eagerly agreeing (after all, it's the president!).  He wants to consult with him about The Captain as well as to see who has influence over whom.  As usual, Laughton has many balls in the air and since they're in DC his attention is returned to this one, the issue of The Captain and indirectly Magneto.  Sihn thinks it's a bad idea as he's unsure of how the team will conduct itself.  Laughton then calls Terwilliger and broaches the subject, explaining they're following leads and wants to talk to the president, without explanation.  Terwilliger is more than hesitant, but suggests a phone conference might be arranged.  As they talk, Terwilliger brings up the Oklahoma incident in supporting that not everyone in the White House is so ready to "meet and greet" with them.  Laughton explains how he wasn't involved in the Homer Grisby situation at all (changing subjects) and Terwilliger responds, "even though you weren't involved, it's not as if that inspires confidence, either."  Laughton exclaims, "Just like Eliot is, we're all trying to set things on a proper path," and insists this is part of that approach.

Sihn gets a call from Velda as someone on the other end is quite forceful about talking to him.  She conferences in a madly cackling voice which is immediately recognized as the Bogeyman's.  Bogeyman starts talking about "I'm going to tell everybody your secret," and breaking up laughing.  He chortles, "No, I can't, it's too funny," to someone in the background.  That background figure picks up the phone and the smarmy, sarcastic voice is none other than Mocker's.  Mocker, of course, mocks Sihn before handing the phone back to Bogeyman who insists on finishing the call, "Vito, I'm going to tell them all, he he ha HA BWA HA HA HA ha he ha ha hehehehhe!"  Sihn is annoyed and remembers that this is a crime he's not faced up to.  He resolves to as soon as he returns to Detroit, but knows better than to admit that in front of Laughton.

Meanwhile Laughton continues talking to Terwilliger, and adds, "You know I could appear within a very nervous proximity of the president if I want to - and I'm trying not to do that."  Terwilliger then wants to Sihn, who is heard to say immediately and emphatically, "NO, I don't want to talk to the president."  Terwilliger expresses concern about Laughton, even his state, and says at the least any such session would have to include the whole team.  The conversation continues with Laughton continuing to press the matter.  Unknown to the Justice Squad, the one thing in their favor is the president's desire, known to his direct staff, to meet the various metahumans.  Of course Terwilliger is also concerned that Laughton will indeed force the issue if left to his own devices without satisfaction.  Finally, a meeting is arranged.

Naturally, upon approaching the White House, Laughton is stripped of all devices, though he's stashed a few inside of the robot Neumann such that they can't be told from his inner workings.  Sammy goes as a naked, super-sexy female with the "naughty bits" fuzzed out, but at the insistence of others covers up and instead wears a Wonder Woman sort of get up.  Spectrum is in her professional attire.  Sihn is dressed appropriately in a suit.  Soon they are introduced to the Oval Office, where GW Bush, Condoleeza Rice, Bob Terwilliger, and The Captain await.  Laughton is chagrined to see The Captain as he wanted to discuss him directly with the president.  Someone, jokingly, brings up, "This is a meeting to have a meeting," which GW at first embraces, thinking the agenda larger.  When Palmer jokingly adds "Maybe we should have a meeting first to plan the planning meeting," and her suggestion is almost taken, everyone starts to come down to earth.  

Bush is a gracious host, eager to meet the Justice Squad.  He exclaims, "I know what y'all'd like, hang on," and orders 15 t-bone steaks for Sammy, and adds, "We do have baloney, I hear y'all like baloney."  After a brief chat, Sihn, hoping to rush this along, says, "Great meeting with you, hope we can dothis again sometime."  But the rest of the Justice Squad (except for the ever-reserved Palmer) is eager to enjoy the moment.  

President Bush says at one point addresses Sammy as "sir," and upon reflection of his appearance, adds, "If you don't mind."  Then he asks if Sammy is a man.  Sammy is ambivalent and says "not right now."  GW replies, "You go by the name of Sammy, so you must be a man," in an attempt to clear up Sammy's confusion.  Sihn can't resist cracking, "He goes by Samantha."  But eventually the matter is cleared up and Sammy relents.

During this time Suzanne checks the room tentatively mentally and finds there is no direct mind-reading but definitely a mental detection and most likely something behind that.  She reaches out to Laughton telepathically and lets him know.  Based on the mental detect she keeps her activity both low and infrequent, waiting several minutes to do anything else.  The food comes during that time.

Suzanne brings up the Metal Men, to which GW replies, "That's a shame."  She points out she's sure they're not responsible, and Bush asks if she's checked their minds.  She says no as they are mechanical, and he points out how their "reactometers" (properly known as "responsometers") could simply have been sabotated or malfunctioned.  She points out they tend to stay in their stereotypical responses and haven't altered recently.  She gestures at Sihn and says they can check the responsometers, Sihn assenting. 

The t-bones arrive, much to Sammy's delight.  Chatting continues, and GW off-handedly suggests, "You know, you boys ever need a pardon, I'd help out, there's nothin' wrong in defendin' your country."  Sihn briefly contemplates bringing up his murder of Vito Angellus but decides it might not be a good time.

Laughton finally raises the "mutant situation".  Bush reacts and references Origin and those "crazy people down there."  Laughton discusses the "perceived persecution," using such terms in a gentle feeling-out of Bush.  In particular he looks to see the interaction of The Captain (who stands by mostly silent, not really interacting with his former teammates) and Bush.  Bush seems to boil the situation down to a simple matter of those who obey the law and those who do not, and moreso to those who are willing to live together in peace and those who are not.  Laughton diplomatically enjoins as to the complexity of the situation, and points out how "Erik" (Magneto) may have some extreme beliefs, but that he's reacting to a real prejudice that permeates society and suppresses some mutants.  Bush points out that as Magneto doesn't want to live in peace, he has to be smacked down.  Laughton explains the situation just encountered recently at Thanksgiving with Suzanne's family (without referencing by name) and the existence of mutant slavery enabled by much of society looking the other way.  The president points out how the Justice Squad resolved that situation (as the story is related), and Laughton replies "without force," following his thread that the government has been too forceful.  However, Sihn and Spectrum point out they've both been hit by Magneto and have little sympathy on this front.  As Laughton goes on, Bush orders up Magneto's file.

After a few moments, a several-inch-thick folder is brought in and the Justice Squad is allowed to peruse it - Laughton hands it to Neumann who leafs through and memorizes it.  There's a reference to a written note from al Qaeda sent to Magneto 18 hours prior to the 9/11 strike, which Bush dwells on.  And GW adds, "with great power comes great responsibility," the quote uttered by Spiderman in the 1960s that resonates to this day.  Bush compares Magneto to a toddler with a bomb.  He also pauses to point out Sihn's own known change of heart and how the government is willing to help him out and cover his butt for his refreshed attitude, following his earlier thread on the good versus bad mutants, widening his point to indicate the government is fair and kind to those who do well in a home-spun way.

Suzanne does say she understands some of Magneto's position, to which Sihn breaks in with, "Yes, I understand it, too, just like I understand a crazy bobcat has to kill to live."  Bush is pleased to hear Sihn, but is interested to hear the rest of the squad and turns to Neumann, asking what he thinks.  Neumann flatly says people must be judged on their actions.  Sammy is also asked his opinion - and replies "More sauce on the t-bones."  Ten more t-bones with extra sauce are immediately ordered up!  Bush mentions he has a friend in the division that makes Twinkies, impressing Sammy.  

Another appointment is going on and Rice and The Captain leave for that - Laughton is delighted and prepares to get more direct, and to see if Bush changes without The Captain around.

Then Bush again approaches Sammy, clarifying what he wants an opinion on.  Sammy says, "Magneto is a nice guy!"  Bush asks how he knows Magneto as the rest of the Justice Squad internally sweats a bit.  Sammy says they talk often as he visits and that they even were going to go to Disneyland as Sihn interrupts hastily, "Let me say we put a stop to that!"  Bush is almost open-mouthed.  As Sammy tries to respond to Bush and says, "Well he has nice table manners," Suzanne points out pointedly, The Captain standing by, "He doesn't kick dogs at least."  Sihn points out that Magneto's visits seem to be when he is not around and that he does not approve.  Bush tells Sammy to let Terwilliger know when Magneto visits, but Sammy explains, "he only stays for 10 minutes at a time."  Laughton says, "We don't double-cross each other."  Sihn stands by more appalled than the president, thinking to himself, "this is why I didn't want this meeting to happen."  Laughton insists that without Magneto's existence there'd be less progress for mutants, even though Laughton admits he does not excuse at all his more violent methods.  Bush points out the Civil Rights movement and how Martin Luther King did it without violence, but Laughton retorts that much of it hasn't worked out the way he wanted and besides there was always a harder edge keeping the issue visible.  Laughton then produces what he came to give, a file detailing ideas he has on solutions - also at least as thick as Magneto's file.  Bush indicates he'll have it reviewed, but also explains that since 9/11 there'll be no more deal-making with terrorists like Magneto.  Bush also dismisses Sammy's defense for his youth.  

Laughton asks Bush's thoughts on Origin, Bush not sure what Laughton means exactly but saying he's all for them having their own city but won't accept terrorism.  As they debate, Laughton prodding, GW points out there was no interference at the reunion and stresses that it's not as if the mutants made it easy to stay uninvolved.  He admits that they probably pulled the trigger too soon a year prior, and goes on to say he's all fine with mutants having their own communities.  Suzanne point out that "separate but equal" did not work, and Bush says she's twisting his words.  Laughton says if mutants are equal they shouldn't need registration, but Bush expresses his conviction that mutants are walking weapons and should be registered like any "weapon of mass destruction".  Spectrum points out many if not most mutants don't have the skills or abilities to do anything offensive but suffer the same for their difference and are treated as presumed threats without cause by registration.  Laughton explains how Buddy "died".  They go back and forth.

Throughout this, Sihn isn't so comfortable with the whole "mutant oppression" issue as for himself he's never felt that way.  He grew up under the wing of Professor X and quickly gained wealth and status, never feeling held back by his mutation.

Finally the president has to cut it short, agreeing to disagree, but making it clear he expects the Justice Squad not to talk to Magneto or his ilk.  As Laughton makes a comment about his submission, Bush says, "You are the world's greatest detective, so we will review it."  Laughton corrects the president, "I'm the world's smartest man - right now," as he furtively glances at Sihn.  

Laughton, upon leaving, is satisfied at least that there's no overt influence by The Captain on the president or vice-versa - he crosses one more item off his mental to-do list.

Upon the return to Detroit, Sihn makes immediate preparations to turn himself in...


[Game Mechanics - Points Awarded...

It got out of control but you did your best with the president, a situation where the odds were stacked against you - +3.75 RP, +.25 XP

(investigative work re Jerky Boys to be handled later as part of larger story arc events, "answer hazy, check back later")

Sammy bonus +1 XP to apply against knowledge of Mu Culture specifically

5 hours in character - +3.75 RP, +1.25 XP for Laughton, Nexus, Sammy, Spectrum

Totals:

Laughton 7.5 RP, 1.5 XP
Nexus  7.5 RP, 1.5 XP
Neumann, 7.5 RP, 1.5 XP
Sammy 7.5 RP, 4 XP, 2.5 XP
Spectrum 7.5 RP, 1.5 XP


Totals to Date:

Dice 188.5 RPs, 14.95 XPs
Laughton 1576.375 RPs, 141.625 XPs (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Neumann 352 RPs, 50.55 XPs  (with Rep level, 50 for base)
Nexus 1558.125 RPs, 144.375 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 1522.5 RPs, 149.1125 XPs  (with Rep level, 50 for base, 25 for minion, 50 for reorg (note, did not use for agency or life-saving)
Spectrum 1436 RPs, 134.55 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]]