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First Flight
(long ago)
Detective Sean Benard thinks it is the last night of his life. In a darkened alley, Vancouver, Canada, he fights for his life against three fellow police officers, turned crook. As bullets fly at him from all directions, his opponents tell him to give it up. Benard only has three bullets left. That is one for each of his attackers. Jumping up from behind a drum barrel, he fires the three shots, and tells his enemies that he didn’t spend six years in Vancouver police department to be killed in some garbage strewn alleyway. If they want him dead, they are going to have to work for it. Of the three shots, two hit, nailing Frazer and Arnolds. Benard took a shot in the leg however.
His opponent, police officer Deighton, looms over Sean, telling him that he couldn’t just let it go, could he? He had to take it to Internal Affairs. Benard tells Deighton that he was just doing both their jobs. Or did he forget that they are cops? Deighton tells Benard that they have a difference though – he is a cop who knows how to use the system. As he tries to tell Benard he is a dead one, the infamous “SNIKT” is heard, and Deighton is gutted from behind. Standing over Deighton’s limp body, the man who would become Wolverine tells Benard not to shed any tears over his “buddy”. He will need a lot of surgery, but there will be enough left of him to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. Looking up at Logan, partially in fear, partially in amazement, Sean Benard asks him who he is. Wolverine replies that he is his new best friend.
That same day, while Wolverine met Benard, another man is about to make his presence on Canadian soil known. At an isolated estate, a large man steps out of his chauffeur driven car. Lined up as if they are about to meet royalty, the large man walks past his servants. He tells them it is an honor for them to be able to serve him, the future ruler of the world. One of the servants answers ‘Of course, sir’, but the man tells them not to call him sir, as it is so formal. He tells them that as they will be working together for sometime, he hopes they will be comfortable calling him Egghead! ‘Or, Lord High Exalted Master Of All’, if they must.
Sean Benard has problems of his own though. At two o’clock in the morning, his mysterious benefactor rouses the Canadian Prime Minister from his sleep. The Prime Minister asks Wolverine if he has any idea how much of a field day the press will have when they learn that the Canadian government was responsible for the cover up of the rogue officers, and just so the detective responsible can be transferred? Wolverine, with all due respect, tells the Prime Minister that Benard was set up, but he is a good cop. The Prime Minister says that Logan claims as much, but he finds that less than a glowing recommendation, coming from a man of Wolverine‘s credentials. Benard tells the Prime Minister that he does not mean to sound ungrateful, but he is going to have to decline any transfers. He is a cop after all – Wolverine interrupts him, telling him that since the Prime Minister has ‘dotted the “i”’s and crossed the “t”’s’ he belongs to the Canadian Government now. Unless of course, he wanted to go on the run, especially after the recent run in with the law. Benard decides that he doesn’t really have much choice in the matter.
Some time later that night, a helicopter drops Benard off at a classified location, though he suspects it’s somewhere outside Thunder Bay. Benard asks Logan if there was anything that he can tell him? Climbing back into the helicopter, Logan tells him that his bunk is first on the left, second floor and to sleep tight. Thinking that he should be nervous, Sean believes that there is something inherently trustworthy about the guy. Approaching the modest two-storied house, he decides that it seems harmless enough. But he has been a cop long enough to know when he is being watched...
…Which he is. Watching him from a hidden part of the complex, James MacDonald Hudson comments to Dr. Walter Langkowski that except for his gunshot wound he seems healthy. ‘As an ox’ Walt agrees. After explaining that this long distance holistic bio-scanner can monitor the blood pressure of a mosquito from 50 yards away, Waltz says that the man who invented it must be a genius. Hudson tells his friend that ‘No one likes a braggart’.
Upon entering his bunkroom, Benard discovers that he has a roommate. However he doubts that this “Department H” lacks the funding for private rooms. The roommate is talking in his sleep. About math, then the distance between two clusters of stars, then indigenous groups and what language they prefer. Benard guesses that whatever is going on here, they are in it together. The sleeping man continues his talking, now reciting parts of “Les Miserables“. Benard pulls his own pillow across his face and yells out for his roommate to shut up. Deciding that this is intolerable, he leaves the room to sleep on the couch he spotted in the hallway.
Walking into the hallway, he discovers a woman walking around – naked. Benard thinks it may just be the lighting – he has never seen someone look so beautiful and yet so alien at the same time. He thinks that she will be able to give him some answers, and asks her name. She tells him she is Narya. Just Narya. She seems to know who he is, and welcomes him to the Flight. Sean tells her that ‘The Flight’ doesn’t tell him anything. He asks Narya if she knows what Department H is, and also why she is walking around naked. The woman code-named Snowbird tells Benard that she ‘Abhors the restrictions of mortal attire’. Even more confused Sean says more to himself than to Narya ‘isn’t it possible to get a straight answer around –‘. But he cuts himself off. Telling Narya that in this light she looks…human. Amused, Snowbird turns to her room, and wishes her new companion a ‘good slumber’.
Somewhere along the border, Porcupine and the Eel stand next to a fire, and Porcupine thinks it is funny, the similarities between the American and Canadian law enforcement. Eel agrees and guesses that it is true about violence being an international language. And considering that the super hero population is almost zero in Canada…. Porcupine picks up on what Eel is hinting at, and asks if he wants to stick around after they have completed their job? Suddenly a voice is heard above them, telling them not to go unpacking their backs just yet. It is the Swordsman. He reminds them that their mutual employer is paying them a considerable amount to be discreet. The Swordsman’s companion tells Eel and Porcupine they were supposed to enter the country ‘on the sly’. Porcupine tells the Swordsman that he is not the boss, nor his muscle-bound buddy.
The “muscle-bound buddy” stands up and tells Porcupine that his name is Power Man, and because they are all American imports, it is only his professional courtesy that is keeping him from tossing him back over the border. He tells everyone to get going, as they have got a world to take over.
(the next morning)
On the couch in the hallway, Sean Benard thinks to himself that asleep or awake, any good cop knows when someone is breathing down his neck. He sits up, and is greeted by a large man, who tells Sean that he is in the presence of Saint Elmo, Keeper of the Northern Lights. Benard says he had him figured for a young Kris Kringle. The loud man bellows out an even louder laugh and, in a friendly way slaps Benard on the back, to which Sean begins to glow. Saint Elmo tells him that there are few mere mortals with the strength of mind to maintain their wits against the Arctic Avatar. Saint Elmo’s touch sends Benard flying across the hallway, crying for help. Elmo mumbles to himself that he thought Benard had a sense of humor.
Benard crashes through a door, and into a bathroom, where the man who was talking in his sleep last night is brushing his teeth. Landing in the bathtub, Benard asks what happened to him. Not looking over, the talking in his sleep man tells Benard that it is called “Transillumination”. Elmo possess the ability to temporarily transform solid objects into light and that he enjoys disorientating the “mere mortals”. He turns to Benard. Sean is somewhat surprised, now he recognizes his roommate as Alec Thorne, the smartest man in Canada! Thorne tells Sean that that is hardly an achievement, and in fact he is actually the smartest man in the world, only Reed Richards gets all the glory, while he is stuck here. Suddenly Wolverine’s image appears on the mirror. Logan tells Benard that he had to get Thorne started, didn’t he? Alec asks Logan why there is a communicator in the bathroom, has he no sense of privacy? Wolverine tells them that privacy is for civilians, and that they are due on the course in five minutes.
(a couple of weeks later)
After much intensive training, the mysterious “Dr. L” was about to let Sean in on a big secret. Langkowski asks Benard if he has heard of the Fantastic Four? “The Beatles”? Benard replies. Langkowski tells him that they are a quartet of adventurers from the States, and hands Sean a photo of them. He is shocked, and tells Walt that the photo must have been doctored because he can barely make out the woman, one guy looks like a lump of orange clay - and the other looks like he is in flames. Walter chimes in. He tells Sean that they were exposed to cosmic rays on a space trip, and instead of dying they developed abilities far above those of normal men. Benard asks Walt if he is telling him they are super heroes? Walter tells him that they are not the only ones, and since the forties, there has been an increase in super beings. Sean asks what this has to do with him.
Stepping out of the barn, Hudson tells Sean that that is where he comes in. Walter introduces Sean to the man behind Department H - Dr. James MacDonald Hudson. James welcomes Benard to history. Stepping into the barn, Benard stares up at the armored suit baring down on them all, and asks what it is. Langkowski tells him that it is his if he likes, and even if he doesn’t like for that matter. Hudson tells Walt that their newest recruit has endured enough cloak and dagger for one day, maybe more than enough Sean tells them. Walter tells Sean that this is Hudson’s greatest achievement to date, with the exception of marrying Heather, he adds quickly. This is the world’s first fully functioning terra-forming exoskeleton, confiscated by the Canadian government after Am-Cam went bust. Sean tells Hudson and Langkowski that he is impressed, but asks what any of this has to do with him. Walt tells him that some super heroes are born, others are made. While Sean Benard has just been drafted.
Meanwhile, Egghead and his allies are working on establishing themselves as international terrorists. At his estate, Egghead shows to his henchmen, now including the Rhino and Solarr, their weapon – a fully functioning nuclear warhead. Rhino tells Egghead that they are all impressed, but when he has hired the six villains, isn’t the bomb overkill? Egghead tells them that if he wanted a bank knocked over, or a coup staged on the Canadian government, then he is confident that they would all be up to the task, but Egghead tells them he has a higher goal. Power Man asks what could be higher than taking over the country? Egghead replies that he will settle for nothing less that domination of the entire world.
(three weeks later)
After more training, Benard thinks that everyone is actually getting the hang of it. Outside, in a paddock turned battlefield, Snowbird, Groundhog, Smart Alec and Saint Elmo are preparing for training. Sitting on the fence watching them, Hudson tells Wolverine that it would be so much easier if they had the budget for a giant room filled with mock dangers. Wolverine tells him he can call it “The Danger Room”, and to keep dreaming.
On the field, transforming into an Arctic Owl, Snowbird says that this seems less than fair. Benard, in his exoskeleton asks her if she means the three of them going up against Elmo, and that if he is half as old as he claims to be, then he has thousands of years of experience. Elmo asks Groundhog what he means by “claims”, and surely he doesn’t doubt the words of one who was old when the world was young? Complaining as usual, Smart Alec asks if it is too much trouble for everyone to shut up long enough to get the exercise started. Elmo fires a blast of light at his teammates, when suddenly, Smart Alec pulls mirrors from behind his back and reflects the blast. Benard asks him where he got them from, and Alec tells him the bathroom, and as Elmo’s powers are reflected back onto himself, Smart Alec tells everyone that he wanted to know how “the old fossil” would handle his own powers directed against him. As the light continues to reflect off the mirror, it disorientates Snowbird, who while in her owl form, had her human intellect toned down. Snowbird begins to claw at Groundhog, and though his suit protects him, her talons do get quite close to his face. Trying to reach out to her, Sean tells Narya that if she can hear him, don’t force him to fire an electromagnetic blast at her.
Blowing cigarette smoke out through his nostrils, Logan tells Hudson to excuse him, as this is getting rather out of hand. Leaping into the battlefield, Logan, as usual with little thought to his safety, manages to separate all of the combatants from one another, without physically hurting anyone. Logan tells everyone that they have the teamwork down to an art – which is of course, if they plan on killing each other before their first mission. He tells them to be grateful they can make mistakes here, because they are not going to get a second chance in the middle of a fight.
Shouting out from the fence, James Hudson reminds Logan that second chances are what the Flight is all about, and that now might be a good time to conclude their running argument. Logan agrees, and tells the Flight to hit the showers.
Walking away from the battleground, Groundhog apologizes to Narya, telling her he is sorry he overreacted. The goddess tells him there is no need to apologize for inexperience, and that he is better to spend his energies perfecting his meager abilities. Not quite sure how to react, Sean just says that he will. With everyone else gone, Benard wonders what Mac and Logan are talking about. He can hear their shouts but not the words. Benard remembers that before the suit became a super hero costume it was used to monitor ultra-sensitive vibrations, and tunes it in…
Logan tells Mac that he doesn’t think someone is ready, while Mac tells him that it is not his call to make, Jodi is his responsibility, and he feels that her involvement in the team is her best chance at a normal life. Logan tells him that she is a “basket case”. James tells him that’s really funny, because that is what everyone said after Heather and he found him roaming the countryside, and that they didn’t give up on him, so he doesn’t expect Logan to give up on Jodi. Logan tells him that it was a cheap shot.
Groundhog notices how they kept gesturing towards the barn, and as he curiously enters it he wonders that if there is another Flight member on the grounds, then why hasn’t he seen her at the house? He tells himself that he is still a detective at heart, and begins calling out to Jodi. He turns a corner, and sees a girl, sitting amongst some hay. When he gets a good look at her Benard notices her scarred face, and realizes that the needle sitting on her shoulder, has been mentally commanded to stitch herself. Jodi hugs the armored Benard as Wolverine walks in, telling Sean she must like him. Benard tells Wolverine he doesn’t understand. Wolverine replies the same, and that this is the first non-violent reaction he has seen from Stitch in the three months she has been here. Wolverine suspects she may see Sean as a big needle while he is in the suit, or else she may have found a person worthy of holding onto?
Referring to her silent and withdrawn persona, Benard asks if she has always been like this. Wolverine says that according to her parents she hasn’t. It seemed about the time she reached puberty she discovered she had the mutant ability to control small pieces of metal with extreme precision. While it may not seem like much of an ability, it was enough to make her realize she was different. Wolverine continues, telling Benard that the shrinks say she is “ego-phobic”, that she is scared to death of herself, and her powers, and deals with it by not dealing with it. Sean asks if Hudson really thinks the Flight will help her cope. Or is he willing to risk and sacrifice anything to see his dream come true? Wolverine tells Benard that Mac is determined, but he is also the fairest, most unselfish person he has ever met, but of course he didn’t hear that from Logan himself….
(the next morning)
Half of the free world wake to discover their airwaves have been taken over, and Egghead is the feature! Egghead, with his henchmen at his sides, stands in front of a camera, and announces to all watching that he has constructed a nuclear missile, and that from his vantage point on the Canadian border, he plans to launch the warhead into the very heart of New York City. Egghead continues, saying that only the President of the United States can avert this tragedy by abdicating his role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces to him. Egghead tells the world that he has one hour to decide and that any attempts to stop him made by the Avenges, Fantastic Four or Canadian Authorities will result in immediate deployment of the missile.
Back at the Ranch, a helicopter with a Maple Leaf logo on the front leaves the grounds. Inside the helicopter, Smart Alec comments on how “Canadian Authorities” was a bit vague, and asks if it was a reference to them. Piloting the helicopter, Hudson reminds everyone that they are Canada’s best-kept secret, and that no way could Egghead know of their existence, which gives them a much needed surprise factor edge. Saint Elmo tells Hudson he does not sound very confident in the Flight’s abilities, to which James just tells him they could all do with a lot more training. Wolverine tells Hudson that if this is all he can come up with for an inspiration speech, he should save it for their eulogy. The Flight has a job to do, and they are going to do it.
Back at Eggheads estate, Eel asks Egghead if he would really destroy New York City. Egghead tells Eel that when one deals with terror, it is best to be up front about ones initial motives. Porcupine asks Egghead if he really expects for the United States to agree with his terms. Egghead replies that of course he doesn’t, as the President would never cede his right to one such as him, and that his intentions are ridiculous intentionally. But that when next time he targets Los Angeles or Chicago, they will give him whatever he wants, as soon as the flash of nuclear fire reaches their radars. The Swordsman thinks to himself that he doesn’t like this, and that when he signed on it was on the understanding that this was all a scam. He tells himself that his criminal activities do not go as far as killing three million civilians. Rhino tells Egghead that as long as they are out of here when it all hits the fan, as he has had enough of super heroes beating him. Startled, the villains here a voice from above – it is Wolverine, and the rest of the Flight who have leapt from the chopper. Wolverine tells Rhino that to keep him happy Canada’s finest will kick his tail this time.
Rhino says that every time you look around these days there is another set of “Boy Scouts” crawls out of the “woodwork”. As Rhino lunges for Wolverine, Logan tells Snowbird, Saint Elmo and Stitch to stay with him, while Groundhog and Smart Alec are to get to the bomb. Rhino knocks Logan back, to which Wolverine tells Rhino he isn’t that bad, and he would love to bruise knuckles with him one day, but right now he is here on business, and uses his adamantium claws to gut Rhino. Rhino is astonished, and Power Man steps in and tells him to stop moaning and protect the bomb, as he attacks Wolverine. Groundhog asks Smart Alec if he can disarm the bomb, to which Smart Alec tells him to ‘Limit further questions to a level above the patently obvious’.
Saint Elmo prepares to battle Porcupine and Wolverine tells him to stop dancing with him and hit him. As Elmo replies all things come to those who wait, Porcupine uses nerve gas on Elmo, who begins to pass out. Rhino is still trying to attack Wolverine, until Power Man orders him again to protect the bomb. Meanwhile, Swordsman comes across Stitch. He asks her why she is not “playing the game” by bragging, or displaying armaments. He asks her how a self-respecting duelist such as himself is supposed to remain true to his code when she wont even grant him the simple courtesy of acknowledging his challenge. Suddenly, Stitch pulls out her needle and thread, and the villain begins to laugh furiously. Putting his sword to the girls’ throat he asks her what she plans on doing? Sewing him to death?
As Smart Alec climbs the ladder up the bomb, Rhino stampedes over, complaining about always being bossed around. Annoyed, Smart Alec asks himself how one is supposed to work under these conditions, and asks Groundhog “if he please”. An electromagnetic pulse breaks up the land directly in front of Rhino. It is Groundhog, who tells Rhino that if he wants to get closer, he has to get through him. Rhino replies saying that with the mood he is in, that is the best offer he has had all day. Sean Benard begins to show a little sign of fear beneath the cold Groundhog armor.
Saint Elmo is still having trouble, with several of the Porcupine’s quills sticking in his body and the nerve gas doing the rest. Solarr tells Porcupine to keep him passive, while he raises the temperature. Saint Elmo is now being attacked from two of the opposition, until Wolverine comes to his Elmo’s defense. Thinking to himself that he was worried about this, as there is one thing about being confident, but Elmo is just plain cocky. Wolverine thinks that that is the trouble with the godly types, they are too out of touch with their own mortality. Wolverine guts Porcupine, cutting off his gas supply. He asks Elmo if he can handle Solarr on his own, and thinks that this has been going on too long. He wonders where Egghead got to, as while the Flight is taking down the muscle, the brain keeps ticking.
Rhino has managed to get hold of Groundhog, and has him pinned to the ground, bashing him, Rhino tells Groundhog it is nothing personal, he just has to get it out of his system, suddenly he is whacked by an electric blast from the Swordsman’s sword. Groundhog is released, and realizes it was Stitch’s doing. The Swordsman realizes that his sword is under the control of Stitch’s power, as she has sewn her needle into his glove, controlling his movements. Groundhog thinks that Hudson was right. Putting Jodi in a spandex costume, and letting her flex her psychic muscles has helped her fit right it, though he doesn’t know whether to be pleased or sorry for her. With that Groundhog shuts the Swordsman up by knocking him out.
Suddenly a loud screeching noise is heard. Smart Alec calls down to his teammates that they have a problem. While he has disengaged the guidance system, someone seems to have triggered the detonation sequence, “not me” he tells them. He continues, saying that while New York is safe, they are not. Wolverine has caught up with Egghead, and asks him if it was his doing. Egghead tells him of course it was, and that as he is prepared to reap the rewards of victory, he is equally ready to accept the price of defeat. Wolverine tells him that they are not, and asks Egghead how long they have. Egghead tells them they may have hours, minutes or seconds, and that he is not willing to tell. A berserker fury builds within Wolverine then subsides as he sheathes his claws. Wolverine tells Egghead that he’d enjoy that however, watching them lose it, panic. He orders Stitch to help Smart Alec mess up the inside of the bomb, and for Groundhog to start digging a hole, because if the bomb goes off, they are going to need to be deep underground to stand a chance of survival. Wolverine lets his claws out once more, and bringing them up to Egghead’s face tells him that his claws are made from adamantium, and that someone like him probably laced his skeleton with it. Wolverine tells Egghead that his claws are unbreakable, and they cut flesh…Egghead dares him to do it.
Smart Alec, still up the ladder calls down to Stitch, but he starts to sweat and suddenly can not think anymore. He doesn’t know what to tell her to do.
Wolverine asks Egghead if he thinks he is bluffing, and that good guys don’t murder in cold blood. Wolverine tells Egghead that him being a good guy is an experiment, a hobby, and that he is actually a killer, pure and simple. He continues, saying that if Egghead thinks Wolverine is out of options, then Wolverine will gut Egghead where he is, just to make him feel better. Suddenly, Snowbird steps in. Holding onto his hand, she pulls him back. Wolverine tells her to butt out. Snowbird does not. Instead she tells Wolverine that she understands him more than she cares to. She tells Wolverine, who is still holding onto Egghead, that when she shifts into another creature, she also takes on its hungers and needs, and that sometimes, she is heady from the intoxicating freedom of those feelings, and almost looses herself from the equation. Snowbird continues, telling him that she must fight, because once you give in, there is no going back. She reminds Wolverine that he walks that line everyday, and tells him not to give in now, as they need Wolverine the man to lead them, not Wolverine the animal.
Smart Alec, with Stitch, runs over crying that they are out of time. Wolverine asks Groundhog about the shelter, and Groundhog relies that it is coming, while thinking to himself that he is not fast enough though, and as the land chips away he believes he has blown it again, though this time there are lives at stake.
Suddenly, everyone’s attention is shifted to the bomb, where Saint Elmo stands at the base of it, holding onto it. Groundhog calls over to him, asking him what he is doing and the usually cheerful Elmo replies back, rather sullenly, that he is taking the missiles energy and transforming it into the light that is himself, absorbing it. Groundhog asks if that is possible, to which Smart Alec replies that it is too unstable, and his system wont be able to tolerate such a mass synthesis. Elmo calls over to his friends again, telling them to leave him be, that he is an old fool and was just too stubborn to know when his time amongst mortals was up. He tells them the world has changed, and its children are now powerful enough to fend for themselves. He asks them to forgive his blunders and blusters, and while he knows he did little good, he enjoyed every minute of his time amongst them. As tears fall down his cheeks he tells them he will miss them…
…And with that, a luminescence, numbing to mortal eyes and minds lights up the skies. Those present have a feeling of euphoria, and hear a booming that could have been a giant’s laughter. Whatever happened that night, without a doubt, everyone agrees that that night, the Northern Lights shone brighter than ever before.
(two days later)
In the barn, Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen is having heated words with Mac over Snowbird. Twoyoungmen tells Mac that he entrusted Narya’s education to him, on the understanding he could help her fit in, not battle super powered adversaries. Mac tells Twoyoungmen that there is only so much he can teach her, and for Narya to really grow she must taste the world and its dangers. As Mac is about to say “The price – “ Sean Benard interrupts, throwing the Groundhog helmet down, saying that the price is too high. Mac asks Twoyoungmen if he could have a moment, and as the medicine man leaves the barn he tells Hudson that this conversation is far from over.
Benard asks if there is dissent in the ranks. He tells Hudson that he is not surprised, and that he will make this discussion to the point – he quits. Hudson tells Sean that he can‘t, as the suppression of charges against him is conditional on him remaining with Department H. And that if he leaves, he will probably wind up in jail. Sean tells him that all he did was take out a few crooked cops, but that Hudson may have well as murdered Saint Elmo. Benard continues telling Hudson that he chucked the Flight, all raw trainees in the deep end with a borderline psychotic for a leader, and a smart guy who talks a good fight but folds under pressure. He tells Mac that even though he knew the Flight’s capabilities anyway, he still sent them in, and sent one to die.
Hudson tells Benard that he sent them to do a job, and Saint Elmo thought it important enough to die. Mac says that he mourns his passing, more than he can possibly know, but he won’t cheapen it with bitterness. Better the taste of these ashes, than those of a whole city.
Mac agrees with Sean that Wolverine needs watching, but he reminds him that Wolverine is extremely good at his job. He tells Benard that Smart Alec clearly needs more training before active status again, and perhaps a tiering system needs to be put in place, and A team, a B team…Mac tells Sean Benard that he had to move fast on this one, and had to go with what he had.
Turning his back on Hudson, Sean tells him that he doesn’t understand. He is simply helping breed a new and more dangerous arms race, and that only now, the weapons are flesh and blood. Sean tells Mac that that is something he will not be a part of. He tells Mac that he is leaving, even if it means going to jail or spending the rest of his life on the run, and that if he wants someone to wear the suit so badly, Sean tells him, he should have the courage of his own convictions, and wear it himself. With that he leaves and walks away from another man‘s dream.
(now)
Thinking back to all of this, Sean Benard thinks to himself that he never saw Hudson again, though to his credit the murder charges were never reinstated. Sean was put back on the force, and from a distance watched Hudson’s dream become a reality, only for Hudson to die, his dream almost dying with him, only to rise back each time. Sean wonders can a dream that has accomplished so much and inspired and helped so many truly be wrong? He thinks that Saint Elmo was right, the world had changed, and only men like Hudson had the vision to see it, and in seeing it, act. He knew there would always be another Egghead, a Magneto… and thanks to James MacDonald Hudson there will always, be an Alpha Flight.


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First Story: Mirred in the Past   Second Story: Monsters   Third Story: Illegal Guardians
First Story:Contrary to popular belief, the Arctic Circle is not always covered in snow. Springtime brings days of extra sunlight, the ground loosens and even some flowers will bloom. But on this day, the thaw brings great danger, as well. Here, in Kugaaruk, Nunavut, a snowy owl soars towards a village, while a brilliant beam of energy streaks alongside it. Hitting the ground, the beam of energy gives way to the powerful sorceress Elizabeth Twoyoungmen a.k.a. Talisman, while the snowy owl transforms into Narya a.k.a. Snowbird, who utters 'Do you feel it, Elizabeth?' Talisman confirms that she does – like an ominous presence. The two Alphans walk through the village as Talisman remarks that when Snowbird first told her that her spirit was being drawn to this spot, she didn't sense it – but now they are here, the aura is thick. Snowbird wonders where all the townspeople are, while Talisman announces that the entire place is swimming in magical energy.
Talisman is a conduit for mystic forces, her mind and body are well attuned to disturbances beyond the normal  senses of humankind, while Snowbird is the daughter of Nelvanna, Goddess of the Northern Lights. She is supernaturally strong, durable and can change her form into a menagerie of Arctic animals at will, such as the wolf which she transforms into as she moves through the village. Talisman wonders what could have caused the damage in the village, and knocks on a door, 'Hello? Is anyone here?' she calls out. 'Leave now before it's too late!' someone exclaims as they answer the door and poke their head out. Talisman tells the person cowering behind the door not to be afraid, and introduces herself being of Alpha Flight. 'We're here to help' Talisman assures them. 'There's no help here, stranger... only death!' the frightened local responds.
Snowbird's keen senses detect a shift in the wind and a smell that is at once disturbing... and yet somehow also familiar.
Talisman glances backwards, as several frightening creatures, with the decayed heads of animals and large monstrous bodies appear behind her. 'YOUR FLESH SHALL SUSTAIN US' the creatures chant. 'By the gods, what are you?' Talisman gasps, falling backwards as the horrid creatures loom over her and screech 'WE ARE SALT AND BONE! THE LOST AND FORGOTTEN!' Snapping jaws and sharpened claws thrash out from the shadowy figures before them, while Snowbird instinctively moves to protect her friend, shifting back into her default form she lunges between the creatures and Talisman, pushing Talisman to safety – but even Snowbird is not quick enough to escape unharmed, as one of the creatures reaches out and slashes their claws across Snowbird's back, causing Narya to scream.
Talisman responds by summoning a beam of light from the midmorning sun on the West Coast, which keeps the snarling creatures back for a moment, before their continue their vicious assault. Snowbird is fine, and punches one of the beasts with her godly strength while telling Talisman that whatever this is, it is more dangerous than they suspected, and instructs her to gather her father and the other Alphans. 'No! I'm not leaving you to fight this alone!' Talisman responds as she holds more of the creatures back with the surging light. Snowbird wants to ell the young mystic that the gods watch over her and she is never alone – but there is no time to protest, and suddenly, Snowbird shifts into the powerful white Sasquatch form, immediately reaching out and grabbing two of the creatures by their necks and shoving them to the ground. But although she has called forth this form of great strength and savagery to try and fight back, it is not enough, as more creatures reach out from the darkness, scratching and clawing at Narya.
Talisman summons another beam of light, and releases it in another direction as the sounds of gnashing teeth and cracking bones fill her ears. More creatures close in on her, and for a moment she wonders if this is where her journey will come to an end. Darkness envelops her, and then she hears Narya's voice calls out 'We have met before. Another time. Another place. But you do not know me, foul one, for if you did you would know you have made a grave mistake'. Snowbird's face appears in the darkness as two red eyes suddenly turn and look at her 'I am not an animal to be slaughtered or meat to be feasted upon' Snowbird declares. 'All you have torn is the imaginary flesh that houses my power. Unleashing the angry goddess within'. A bright light glows around Snowbird, who shouts 'Reveal yourself!' as she extends the light of the divine, which shatters the darkness, and tears the horrid creatures away, revealing the spirit of a confused, frail old man with a headband around his head.
Snowbird and Talisman look at the old man, before Snowbird asks 'Who... who are you?' The old man's spirit reaches out to her, and tells her that he doesn't know, and doesn't know  if he ever knew. He adds that the barriers are breached and the sky is broken. “Another time. Another place” Snowbird quotes, wide-eyed, while a vision fills her mind – of this man, appearing before her mother who had taken a mortal guise, and told him that the forces of ancient evil were abroad, that the headband he wore was a symbol of great and terrible power, and if the evil was to be held in check, then the world required a champion. 'You're Richard Easton...my mortal father' Snowbird utters. The spirit of the old man looks back at Snowbird and tells her that he likes that name.
Snowbird explains that Richard Easton's mind could not handle the godhood he embraced when he gave of himself to make her – and it drove him quite mad. 'Narya...' Talisman begins, before Snowbird tells her that they will send his spirit to rest. 'If that is what you wish' Talisman replies. 'It is' Snowbird confirms as she embraces the spirit of her mortal father. 'Heh. You... you look just like her... your mother' Richard Easton utters, before Talisman casts energies around him that set Richard Easton's spirit free. Talisman then releases a surge of light upwards, dispersing the dark clouds that had formed over the village, and a moment later, the local villagers begin to emerge from their homes.
'I'm so sorry, Narya' Talisman remarks, putting a comforting hand on Snowbird's shoulder. Snowbird glances back at her friend and tells her 'Not at all. This is as it should be'. Snowbird remarks that over the years she has spent much time holding tightly onto her divinity, and holding up the headband that was worn by her mortal father, Snowbird admits that it is good to remind herself of that which makes her human.
Second Story:Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island, where twins Jeanne-Marie and Jean-Paul Beaubier a.k.a. Aurora and Northstar, respectively, recline on outdoor chairs. Aurora is wearing a skimpy bikini and Northstar skimpy briefs as they bathe in the sun that shines down on them. 'Certainly, we will return to headquarters. But we have unfinished business here, and we will not be leaving until it is resolved' one of them tells Eugene Milton Judd a.k.a. Puck and Marrina, who stand behind them. 'You're talking about your tans' Puck mutters, hands on hips. 'We're talking about our tans' Jean-Paul confirms. Puck reminds them that their mission was to come to Cavendish and deal with “the beast” - and now they've done that. 'Secondary objective, Jean-Paul?' Aurora asks. 'Secondary objective, Jeanne-Marie: Tan' Northstar replies, so Marrina suggests to Puck that they go explore the beach. Puck and Marrina turn to walk away from the twins, but Marrina looks back at them and asks them if they are sure they don't want to come with them. 'Hard' Aurora begins. 'Pass' Northstar concludes.
Walking along the shore, Marrina tells Puck that in all her time with Alpha Flight, she has never been to Prince Edward Island before, and it is beautiful. Puck informs Marrina that it has changed a lot since the last time he was here. 'When was that?' Marrina asks, to which Puck reveals that it was in 1937, but he doesn't want to talk about it. Puck remembers a large ship, while Marrina pleads with Puck to tell her a story. 'It's not a real nice story, Little Fish' Puck replies, adding that back then, he wasn't a real nice guy – none of them were. He remembers being on the ship with others, and informs Marrina that they had all heard tell of a monster out on the island, so they crewed up and jumped on the ferry. He reiterates again that Marrina needs to understand how it was back then, how different they all were.
Puck informs Marrina who else was with him – Fat Cobra, who he thinks was a borderline psychopath, and Ulysses Bloodstone, who was old, older than he looked, but when he didn't think anyone was watching, you could see it in his face. Puck remembers a barbarian firelight in the back of Ulysses' eyes, like civilization had never quite taken for him. Puck tells Marrina that for him, the Yukon hadn't been enough to satisfy him, as there was a big world out there, and he wanted a piece of it – every bite he got, he wanted more, adding that he had spent every moment since he was 13 filling his belly. Marrina starts to build a sand castle, and remarks 'You and your hero pals, going on adventures. Cute!' 'Heroes, sure. Right' Puck mutters, adding that they were not like Major Mapleleaf or Captain America – that kind of thing came later, during the war.
Puck explains that they were like the ancient Greek heroes, demigods who killed their way to glory – they hunted monsters, but not because it made the world safer – they did it because they could, because they liked it, and because they were different and life in polite society was too small for them. Marrina has now buried Puck up to his head in sand, and asks what kind of monster it was – a wendigo? 'Did someone out in Cavendish get a taste for long pork?' she jokes. Puck tells her that it was your classic cult harvest-sacrifice thing, which you saw a lot of in the Depression years. He informs Marrina that they fed drifters to their god for a good crop of taters, and explains that someone contacted Bloodstone, so he gathered the gang and they went to investigate. Puck remembers riding in a jeep with his companions across tis island on the Atlantic Coast with soil as red as spilt blood to kill a monster – because it was a monster and they were heroes.
'You should have been a poet. You're wasted in this super hero biz' Marrina remarks as Puck emerges from the sand, brushing it off of himself, he laughs and asks Marrina if she knew that he grew up on Shakespeare. He reveals that it was the only book they had in the cabin aside from the Kimg James. 'Big old Riverside – my Pa brought it home to give us kids some culture' Puck explains, adding that he doesn't know where his father got it – his father couldn't read. Puck remembers that he was thinking of Shakespeare on that night – from “Cymbeline” - the imperious seas breed monsters. Puck remembers charging across a field with his allies, as they watched the locals gather around a fire, while two bound and gag men were about to be sacrificed. Puck tells Marrina that there is that feeling, nothing like it in the world, the blood pounding in your ears, blade and gun in hand, betting your life on your strong sword arm, on your ruthlessness – on six bullets and a 24-inch blade. 'On your desire to live outmatching that of your enemy. On your never' Puck adds.
Puck recalls confronting the ritual, breaking it up with Ulysses and Fat Cobra. The locals fled, while Puck and his allies fight with the strange, tentacled creature at the center of the ritual. 'Judd, stop' Marrina calls out as she walks into the water. 'What is it?' Puck asks as he follows Marrina. Arms folded, Marrina remarks that this took her a minute, but thisn't a story. 'Little Fish...' Puck begins, as Marrina declares 'It's a confession'. Puck hangs his head, while Marrina glances back at him and tells him that the thing he killed all those years ago, he and Ulysses Bloodstone and that Fat Cobra person – it was a Plodex, like her. 'Wasn't it?' she asks. Puck reaches into his pocket and pulls a claw which he turned into a keychain and informs Marrina that he pulled iit out of his back afterwards, and kept it as a souvenir.
Puck tells Marrina that after the whole Master of the World thing – the first one – he got the DNA sequenced, thought he would see what it was he had tangled with back in 1937. Remembering lighting dynamite to use against the monster, Puck tells Marrina that it wasn't a god that they killed – it was a scared, lost creature, born into a world that had never offered it any love. 'Because if the world had, then that...that creature...could have been wonderful. Just like you, Little Fish' Puck smiles, looking up at Marrina, who asks Judd how long he had been holding on to that. Judd doesn't respond at first, before admitting that it has been years – ever since he found out. Marrina tells Puck that she doesn't need his confession, and that he doesn't need her forgiveness. Marrina reminds Puck that the Plodex are dangerous – she is dangerous.
'We were created for war. Conquest is hardcoded into our DNA and that's a hell of a thing to live with. Like it or not, that's what I am' Marrina tells Judd, who remembers standing with Fat Cobra and Ulysses Bloodstone as the creature exploded. 'But that's not who I am. Who I am is Marrina Smallwood, and I was born here. On Earth' Marrina tells Puck as she takes his hand, adding that she is a Canadian, a Newfoundlander, and an Alphan. They walk back along the shore holding hands, as Marrina shifts her left arm into a monstrous form and tells Puck that what she is is not going to control who she is – not anymore. 'If I was born to conquer...I'll conquer my own biology' Marrina' announces. She looks at Judd and tells him that they are all monsters, somewhere inside. 'You, me, everyone. But. Human or alien, we're people, and people can decide  who they are. We can change. For the better' she remarks.
As the sun sets in the distance, they continue to walk along the shore and Judd asks Marrina when she got so wise. 'I died a couple of times. Gives you time to think' Marrina responds. 'Speak for yourself. When I died, I took over Hell' Judd retorts. 'Go on then, old man. Tell me a story' Marrina asks, to which Puck reveals that there is no beer down in Hell, and the hockey sucks, which got him to thinking....
Third Story:Kelowna, British Columbia, night has fallen  and in a small suburban house, Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator, at one time Canada's greatest super hero, is reading a story to her daughter, Claire. 'One more story, mama!' Claire exclaims. Heather looks down at her daughter and promises to read one more – provided she goes right to bed after. 'Promise!' Claire replies. Heather smiles at her daughter while she starts to read from the book on her lap: “Goodnight, Saturn...in the sky so high. While I hate to say goodbye -” but she doesn't get any further, as suddenly, a voice shouts 'FREEZE!' and Heather looks up to see three heavily armed mercenaries standing before her. They are the Outcasts, Cleft, Depth Charge and Flagstone. Cleft warns Heather that they are taking her in for the murder of David and Yvtte McNeil, and the kidnapping of Claire McNeil Hudson. He warns her that if she thinks that they might have some compunction about hurting a woman and a child, then she should dissuade herself of that thought – as they don't. Cleft declares that they are completely without compunction, and suggests she make this easy on herself by placing her hands behind her head – but he doesn't get to finish his sentence as Heather leaps up, her civilian clothes torn to shreds revealing her red and white Canadian flag costume underneath as she uses her battlesuit to blast Cleft with a surge of electromagnetic energy.
Heather tells Claire that she needs her to listen, but the little girl looks frightened and tells her mother that she is scared. 'This is just like we practiced' Heather tells her daughter, while blasting another of the Outcasts aside. Heather instructs Claire to go to her hiding place until she says it is safe to come out, and adds that everything is going to be okay. 'Do you understand?' Heather asks. 'I understan'' Claire replies, before running out of the room. Heather warns the Outcasts to leave she and her daughter alone. 'I don't want to have to hurt you, but backed into a corner, I will' she declares. 'Git her!' one of the Outcasts exclaims while Claire hits a panel outside the room that opens a small hatch which she climbs into. As Heather fires a blast that knocks Flagstone back, Cleft orders Depth Charge to take the place down. 'Shoulda listened to us, lady' Depth Charge suggests to Heather as he slams his hands to the ground and creates a seismic rumbling so powerful that a wall collapses in on Heather, trapping her.
'Contract don't say nothing about bringing you in alive, lady' Flagstone remarks, adding that after the fight she put up, he thinks maybe dead is the safer option for them. 'Please... leave us alone...' Heather utters. 'Sounds like she wants us to put her out  of her misery, Flagstone' Cleft suggests. 'I think you're right' Flagstone declares as he raises his weapon. 'Night night, Vindicator' Flagstone calls out – but before he can fire his weapon, an electromagnetic blast strikes him in his neck – courtesy of James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Guardian! 'Drop the weapon!' Guardian calls out as he fires another blast. Heather emerges from the rubble and warns Mac to stay back, but dropping to the ground, Mac tells Heather that he isn't here to fight her, that he came to help, adding that he is sorry he didn't get here sooner. Heather reminds Mac that the last time she saw him she nearly killed him, and then ran off with their daughter. 'I... killed her guardians. So you'll have to excuse me if I'm a little skeptical of you showing up at the very same time that a group of gun-toting muscle-heads tries to kill me' Heather exclaims.
Mac holds his hands up to show that he comes in peace and tells Heather that when she did all those things she wasn't herself, that everyone knows that, and he doesn't blame her. 'And you shouldn't blame yourself' he adds. 'I can. I do' Heather replies, hanging her head. Mac moves closer to Heather and suggests they talk about this later, revealing that the police, Department H and Lord knows who else are on their way, so they need to get out of here. He then asks where Claire is.
Soon, the headlights of a jeep break through the darkness as Mac drives along a road surrounded by forest. 'This would be a lot faster if we flew' Heather points out as she sits in the front passenger seat. Mac glances at his estranged wife and reminds her that Department H can track their energy signatures, so flying would be the same as emailing them a map of where to find them. 'You know that for a fact?' Heather asks. Mac confirms that he does, and explains that he developed a tracker for them, which is how he found her. Heather scowls as she asks Mac how long he has been tracking them, and how long he's known where they were. Mac falls silent, before glancing at Heather and revealing that he has always known where they were.
Mac informs Heather that it took him maybe a week to find her, when she and Claire were in Brooks, Alberta, using the names Emma and Kenzie Brennan. He then tracked her from there to Saint John to Guelph to Swift Current, when she was going by the names Julie, Sarah and Kelly and Claire was Hayley, Krista and Jasmine. Mac explains that he has kept his distance and made sure that Department H couldn't find them, he even deleted records and buried files. 'I've done everything I could to throw them off your scent until I can clear your name' Mac assures Heather. As Claire sleeps in her carseat, Heather reminds Mac that she killed people – people who were only trying to do what they thought was right, people who were trying to give their daughter the home that she deserves. 'That wasn't you. That was the Master of the World' Mac reminds Heather reaches across and putting a hand on hers. Mac informs Heather that the Master left a trail of dead bodies behind him, and Department H understands that – it is now just a matter of setting the record straight with the public. He tells Heather that when she is readt to do that, he will be here for her, and until then, he will help her in every way he can. Hanging her head, Heather tells Mac that she can't – because if she tries to tell the truth, she will risk losing Claire again.
Soon, Mac and Heather arrive at a small house in Progress, British Columbia, and being some groceries inside. Mac holds Claire as he tells Heather that he knows it isn't much, but that they should be safe here for a while, explaining that he bought this when Heather first went on the run, knowing she might need it. 'Thank you' Heather smiles at Mac, before she starts unpacking the groceries. Mac puts Claire down and tells her to go find her room, adding that he set it up with a bunch of new toys. Yay!' the girl exclaims as she runs off. Heather looks up from the fridge and tells Mac that she really appreciates this, before asking what his long-term hope is here. Mac explains to Heather that he just wants to make sure she and Claire are safe. Heather stands up and tells Mac that she wants to make sure it is not something else, because even if she does come in, even if she doesn't end up spending the rest of her life in prison, the two of them don't work. 'We can't -' Heather begins, while Mac tells her that he just wants a place in Claire's life – that's all he asks. His communicator beeps on his watch and he tells Heather that he has to go.
Heather follows Mac to the door and tells him to visit any time, as Claire would love to see him. 'I haven't seen her this happy in a long time' Heather adds. 'Thank you' Mac calls back as he leaves the house, and as he does, holographic projectors suddenly give way, revealing the house as just a basic structure within another, much larger room – inside Department H headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. 'Quite the hero scenario you set up there. Here comes Mac, the great white knight!' a voice calls out. Mac looks over to a set of computers and monitors set up near the basic structure that now houses Vindicator and her daughter, where a Department H official is waiting for him. 'Busting in just in the nick of time to save the day. So exhilarating' the official remarks, asking Mac how long he thinks he can keep that up. 'As long as it takes to convince her that Department H are not the bad guys' Mac replies, adding that he needs Heather to trust him.
Mac puts on a lab coat and tells the official that he brought Heather in, just like he promised, but that the agreement stands – the price he pays for his cooperation is Heather and Claire's safety and well-being. 'The only way to keep them – and ourselves – safe is if Heather doesn't suspect that she's inside one of my VR pods being manipulated with neurostims. So we do this my way. Even if it takes years' Mac declares as he looks at a monitor which shows him Heather and Claire inside the kitchen of their “home”. Mac sits down at the monitor station and tells the official that they need to work on the scenarios, for example some of the dialogue from the Outcasts. “Time to shake things up?” he quotes, remarking that it is not convincing, and if he can see the seams, then it is only a matter of time before Heather does. 'I don't know, I thought it was funny' the official replies. 'I don't want funny' Mac snaps as he looks closely at the monitor showing Heather and Claire hugging. 'If we want her to trust us... we need to make the lie more believable'.


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
The Beast!
It’s nighttime, and from the shadows, Beast watches.
His target—a flashlight-wielding security guard—patrols the grounds of the Brand Corporation, but not as usual. Bennie, the guard, cannot get over the funny feeling he is being watched. Paranoid, he tells himself to forget it; he’s clean. As long as he plays his game right, he will walk home free. Smoking a cigarette, Bennie strolls up to the main door, reminding himself to walk slowly and stay calm.
Up above, Beast runs along the rooftop of the industrial building, staying as close as possible to his target. He leaps on a power line suspended between two of the buildings and lurks after the suspicious security guard. Bennie notices nothing. Beast follows him all the way to the door of one of the building’s classified wings: Genetic Research Subdivision 12.
Once at the door, Bennie smiles deviously. After tonight, all his troubles should go away; he will be home free. He removes a leather pouch from his breast pocket. From the pouch, he produces a small, portable device, which he uses to melt the steel lock barricading the door. Bennie pushes the doors open; their rusted metal squeals.
At this moment, the Beast finally decides to act. He lunges forward. Bennie turns just in time to see the snarling face of his attacker, but he moves so slowly relative to the Beast that he fails to get out of the way. Beast, meanwhile, feels faster than ever. He feels the air whip past his thinly furred skin, catching at the mane of his silver-black hair. His attack connects and knocks the sluggish security guard to the ground. Beast then hurls him into the laboratory machinery, noting how light his victim’s body feels. It takes such little effort to throw him!
The battered Bennie suddenly draws a six-shooter from his holster. Although Beast orders him not to do it, Bennie fires the gun at him, hitting him in the torso. The fact that the furry, snarling beast can talk surprises Bennie more than the thunderous crack of the gun. He continues firing his gun at Beast even as he falls backward into a stack of boxes.
Beast struggles to focus on anything other than the sheer agony reverberating through his torso. He walked right into that gunshot; he needs to pull himself together; Hank, what’s happening to you? he asks himself. When Hank finally regains his senses, he stands up and lunges once more at the crooked security guard. The terrified Bennie fires round after round at the approaching monster. Hank definitely feels each round that hits his body; they seem to light a fire beneath his chest. Enraged, he strikes at Bennie once more, this time knocking him into the machinery with his powerful feet.
A horde of soldiers soon interrupts the private fray. Beast realizes someone must have tripped a security alarm—and that his interception here was not even necessary. He leaps out of the way of their gunfire and back into the shadows. Although the authorities would have captured Bennie the spy anyway, Beast assures himself that, at the very least, his presence didn’t cause any additional harm.
Bennie’s next actions quickly put a stop to that reassuring notion. He fires at the troops instead of fleeing or surrendering. They fire back, riddling fear-crazed spy with bullets. Hank blames himself; had he not attacked the man, might he not have fired at the arriving authorities? Morose, he slumps over and slinks back to his private laboratory. To his absolute horror, however, Beast now notices the clock hanging on his wall. “It can’t be that late,” he shouts. “Not that late!” He must check the genetic indicator immediately; if his energy level is too high, he will never be able to change back to his original form! His worst fear turns out to be correct; looking at the genetic indicator, Hank sees that the chemical processes in his body have reacted to completion. His metamorphosis, he realizes, is irreversible. “How could I have been such a fool?” he shouts.
Beast catches sight of a framed photo on his desk of his former companions, the X-Men, and hurls it across the room in shame. Everything he once was is gone; now he’s nothing but a beast. Henry McCoy ignores the salty tears streaking down his fur-lined face. He reaches for the shattered picture he flung across the room, groping its broken remains as if to gather up what little of his life he has left. His mind immediately goes to his memories of how this whole thing began…
Flashback:Hank McCoy, the dashing mutant geek with a simian body frame dubbed the Beast, shakes hands with his fellow X-Men as he prepares to leave the Xavier Institute for the final time. His teammate Marvel Girl chides him for trying to sneak out unnoticed. Cyclops, however, comes to Hank’s defense; they are, after all, making his goodbye slightly uncomfortable! That’s putting it mildly, the jocular Beast says, admitting he feels overwhelmed. Iceman laughs; for a guy as prone to using polysyllabic words as Hank is, “overwhelmed” is indeed putting it mildly! Angel chimes in and lets Beast know that he, too, will miss him.
Professor X grabs Beast’s beefy hand and gives it a firm goodbye shake. On behalf of both the X-Men and himself, he wishes Hank—one of his finest students—the best of luck in his new position at the Brand Corporation. At this point, Jean leans in, throws her arm around Hank’s neck, and gives him a friendly farewell kiss on the cheek. She adds that he knows where to come if he wants to collect another! At this point, Bobby interrupts and reminds Hank he needs to get going; the Brand Corporation expects to see him at 9 A.M. Hank says goodbye one last time and walks of the office and to his room to grab his things. Once he exits the room, Jean admits she feels ready to burst into tears. Scott says he feels the same way; they will all surely miss him. “The only worry is—will he miss us?” Warren asks. “He’s got his wish at last—he’ll be able to study genetic mutation, and maybe he’ll forget the days when he was called—the Beast!”
In his room, Hank finishes packing up his things, concluding with the framed photo of him and his fellow X-Men. They have all grown to matter to him a great deal over the years. He intends to find a fitting place for them in his memories.
The X-Men see Hank off as he climbs into his car to leave. He feels a pain in his breast as they wave goodbye. He had wanted to sneak away without suffering through any of these farewells. When he drives away, he knows in his soul that this goodbye is forever.
A short while later, Hank arrives at the Brand Corporation headquarters and asks the security guard for directions to Mr. Grant’s office. He thanks the guard and looks in awe at the facility. He can barely believe that the Brand Corporation, one of the most prestigious research organizations in existence, now includes Hank McCoy as a member! Hank wants more than prestige, though. He wants to learn about himself, and what makes him a mutant—what makes him a freak.
After arriving in Mr. Grant’s office, Hank reaches over the man’s desk and shakes his hand. Mr. Grant cannot help but notice Hank’s incredible grip. Grant then gives him a tour of the facility, the most complete installation on the East Coast, with technology that rivals even that of S.H.I.E.L.D. Hank can do nothing but gape in astonishment. He had no idea how incredible the facility was, he tells Mr. Grant. Of course not, Mr. Grant answers; not many people know of its secrets! He boasts that the Brand Corporation employs enough brain-power to staff three-hundred universities—and it’s still growing!
During their tour, Mr. Grant and Hank encounter Miss Donaldson, an employee whom Grant wants Hank to meet. Miss Donaldson will be assisting Hank in his work with Professor Maddicks, Grant adds. Dumbstruck, Hank stares at the beautiful, blonde lab assistant with his mouth agape. Miss Donaldson says it will be a pleasure working with Hank—but Hank insists the pleasure will be all his. “Mister McCoy, you’ll turn my head!” Miss Donaldson says flirtatiously. “I’m not sure Professor Maddicks would approve at all!”
“He doesn’t, Miss Donaldson!” a bearded, cantankerous man says from behind. It is none other than Professor Carl Maddicks himself. “Get one thing straight, McCoy—” he says to Hank, “—I didn’t ask for you, and I don’t need any help!” Hank tries to assuage his fears, but Maddicks cuts him off. He has grown sick and tired of administrative interference and has all the assistance he needs. Finally, Mr. Grant interjects and assures Maddicks that Hank’s work—a privately funded project of his own design—will have no bearing on Carl’s.
After the professor’s little fit, Miss Donaldson walks Hank out to his car. She apologizes for Carl’s nasty temper; he has been under terrible strain lately. Hank tells her that much is obvious, but adds that he isn’t flustered by bucolic ogres! He tells Miss Donaldson he will see her tomorrow and shuts his door.
To Hank, what happens over the next few days feels like a dream. He and Miss Donaldson grow closer and closer until she finally asks Hank to take her out to dinner. While clasping hands over a gourmet meal at a fancy restaurant, they share stories, feelings, and long, passionate looks. Later, as Hank drives Miss Donaldson home after dinner one night, she asks if he has ever seen Long Island Sound at night. He admits he and the sound are strangers. She finally asks him to use her first name—Linda—before arriving on the beach under the full moon. North Shore glistens like a beach made of diamond crystals—but Hank barely notices. His mind, he admits, is on other things. Linda takes his hand and runs along the shore. As he follows close behind, Hank experiences a sensation he hasn’t felt since he was a child. For a brief instance, he stops thinking and caring about the misshapen body he hides under his specially tailored clothes. He laughs when Linda laughs, he feels the sand crunching beneath his feet, and he relishes in the wind flowing through his hair. Hank McCoy feels the evening in a way he never has before. To cap off an already perfect night. Linda Donaldson turns to Hank and kisses him passionately on the lips.
Sometime later, Beast, dressed in his old X-Men duds, leaps and bounces around his apartment. “Admit it, Hank McCoy—you’re inordinately pleased with yourself, aren’t you?” he asks himself. Why shouldn’t he be? A beautiful girl loves him, and he loves her in return! Bounding toward his open window, he breathes in the loveliness of the world and the beauty of the universe—a universe that, right now, feels like it’s all his! It’s at this point that Hank stops trying to be someone he isn’t. The assurance and confidence he never felt as an adolescent have suddenly become the property of Hank McCoy, the man—and no one can ever take this from him.
In the weeks that follow his first magical evening with Linda, Hank immerses himself in his work: the study of his own genetic structure. Professor Maddicks makes a habit of interrupting the bright young researcher as often as possible. Claiming he only need report the specifics of his research to Mr. Grant, Hank kicks Maddicks out of his lab one day so he can concentrate on programming a new cell diagram. Maddicks does not take this order well. “You’ll regret that, McCoy,” Maddicks declares. “Right now you’re the number-one brain-boy here, but understand this, my friend: Carl Maddicks still pulls the strings which make Grant dance, regardless of his current—indiscretions.” With that, Maddicks leaves.
Much later in his life, Hank will wonder if he should have heeded the warning Maddicks gave him. At this point, however, he is so focused on his work regarding genetic mutation that he gives it no thought. He continues working and eventually creates a genetic extractor that allows him to dilute the precipitate of the hormonal extract that causes mutation! Hank holds the bubbling flask high in the air in triumph. Unbeknownst to him, Professor Carl Maddicks observes from the shadows.
Deciding he needs to report his findings immediately, Hank McCoy rushes down the hallway, pondering the implications of his research as he goes. If used correctly, his discovery might allow scientists to turn any person into a mutant for a carefully controlled period of time! He cannot wait to tell Mr. Grant. As he runs down the hall, however, he passes the office of Carl Maddicks and hears the devious man making a suspicious phone call. “McCoy’s on to something—I can feel it!” Maddicks says into the phone. “Of course I’m sure. Don’t play games with me, Agent Nine.” Intrigued, Hank continues to eavesdrop. “I’ve contacted our man in security—he’ll be ready to move at ten thirty-four. McCoy usually leaves his lab by ten,” Maddicks says. He pauses. “You know that? Very well. I’ll inform Ben that the operation is on.”
Hank has heard enough to know he must do something to halt this spy network. He slips away in silence, run backs to his laboratory, and contemplates what to do. He cannot just change into his Beast costume and attack; any employee of the Brand Corporation would instantly recognize a build as unique as his. Hank considers going back to the X-Men to hide, but drops this idea as well. Instead, he decides to ingest his own recently created mutagenic chemical in hopes of altering his own appearance. He does not know what happens when a mutant mutates even further, but decides to give it a chance, telling himself he has no choice.
Of course, Hank’s presumption that he has no choice isn’t exactly true. He secretly believes his newfound ego is just getting the best of him. Regardless, Hank drinks the flask of misty liquid, immediately sending himself on a haunting trip of unexpected consequences. His muscles expand, tearing through his already oversized lab clothes. Meanwhile, his fangs enlarge, his ears grow points, his hair lengthens into two spiked prongs, and—most drastically—a thick coat of grey fur sprouts all over his body. Hank McCoy, the former X-Man known as the Beast, literally transforms into a creature befitting of his namesake.
“Should’ve thought about the clothes,” Beast says as he examines his new, furry form. He realizes he should have thought about a lot of things too. Why is he even doing this? He wonders if he’s trying to prove something to himself. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that Hank McCoy is now truly a beast, and one with a mission to accomplish. He leaps out the office window, bounds off a parked car, and soars back up to the adjacent rooftop, confident that no one—including the security guard patrolling the streets below—will recognize him in this form. For the first time in three weeks, Hank feels truly alive, as though he’s doing what he was born to do. He even notices that he’s stopped speaking in polysyllables. Now, he’s nothing but a beast!
End flashback:Beast, enraged, stares at the ticking clocks hanging from his laboratory walls. He suspects the chemical he ingested somehow affected his metabolic time-sense. Time seemed to pass slowly for him, and now, he is forever trapped in this furry, monstrous form. That one hour has become a lifetime! “Why did I do it?” he asks himself. “What was I trying to prove??” He lashes out at the clocks in his lab, smashing them to pieces. His fury leads him out the window and into the streets. Beast charges down the street, intent on making the man he holds responsible pay for what he has done to him: Carl Maddicks.
Elsewhere, the authorities hold Professor Carl Maddicks in custody. It seems the undercover security guard turned in his accomplice’s name as he lay dying. Maddicks curses the foolish spy; why did he have to talk? Suddenly, the security guards hear a loud thumping noise on the other side of the door. They back away cautiously. They ask Maddicks if it’s his friends coming to save him, but Maddicks has no idea whom that could possibly be. That’s because Carl Maddicks doesn’t have any friends, Beast says as he kicks the door down and smashes into the guards! Maddicks only has enemies—enemies like the Beast!
The security guards try to keep the Beast away from Maddicks, his obvious target, but Beast easily overpowers them. Nothing can stop him now, he tells the guards. One of them pulls a gun and tells Beast to stand down; he cannot tell if he is a human or a monster, but either way, he prefers not to shoot. Beast, stepping forward, calls the guard a fool. The guard fires back in response. A series of bullets slam into Beast’s chest, knocking him back a few steps and giving him trouble breathing, but by no means putting him out completely. In fact, once the burning subsides, Beast realizes the change within in is complete; he is now something entirely different. He feels a smile forming on his face. Turning to the frightened guards, Beast snarls and throws them out of his way, like leaves tossed about by the wind.
He finally reaches Professor Maddicks and forces him to the ground with a powerful kick. Beast then leans over Maddicks and places his meaty hands around the scientist’s throat. He squeezes. Only one sensation can calm him now: the moment of the kill. However, as the professor goes limp in his hands, Hank regains control of himself and pulls away. He almost strangled a man, and he doesn’t even know why! As much as he would like to blame his transformation on Maddicks, he knows the fault is truly his own. Beast turns to the window and jumps out into the night air to gather his thoughts.
Shortly after Beast leaves, the elusive Agent Nine arrives at the scene of Carl’s attack. “I’m afraid you’ve displeased our master, Professor Maddicks,” Agent Nine says. “I’ve just received word I’m to replace you in your position.” Maddicks looks at his fellow double-agent in horror. He begs forgiveness. It wasn’t his fault; some hideous monster attacked him! Agent Nine already knows this. “Unfortunately, that’s hardly an excuse for incompetence—” Agent Nine says as she draws her gun, “—and incompetence deserves only one reward. I’m sorry, Carl. I’ll try to do better than you ever did.” She fires her gun at Professor Carl Maddicks’s head, and the flash from the gun illuminates her own face—the face of the beautiful Miss Linda Donaldson. With her target eliminated, she coolly walks out of the room and back to her quarters to initiate the next phase of her espionage.
Meanwhile, Beast bounds through the darkened streets, intent on making sense of the events of the night. He has changed in ways other than the obvious physical ones. Tonight, he learned a valuable lesson about the responsibilities of self-confidence. Perhaps, now that he is forever doomed to be a beast, he understands what it truly means to be a man.