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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
“H”
Did you hear something?
Department H, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In the dead of the night, the walls of Department H shatter, explosions blow them apart. Fire ripples through one part of the massive complex and Epsilons lie dead in pools of their own blood.
‘I said, did you hear something?’ one of the seven members of Canada’s premiere super hero team, Alpha Flight, asks as they travel up through the Prometheus Pit from their adventures in the Microverse. ‘I did. It sounded like thunder’ James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Guardian, Alpha’s leader remarks. ‘It sounded like…’
The end of the world?
Possibly the end of the world for one of Canada’s finest. But which one? Which one will it be?
Alpha Flight arrive at the top of the Prometheus Pit, located inside, funnily enough, the Prometheus Division. Oddly, their teammate Sasquatch who was not with them in the Microverse, appears behind them and growls at the scene before them. ‘What in God’s name?’ exclaims Heather “Vindicator” McNeil Hudson as she sees dozens of Epsilon guards fighting the new Zodiac. Eugene “Puck” Judd tells Heather that God has got nothing to do with it, as Guardian points out the obvious by declaring that the Zodiac has infiltrated Department H. As Mac orders everyone into defense formations, Jared “Radius” Corbo exclaims ‘Cool! Plenty of bona-fide butt to kick! Bring on the bad guys!’
Heather sees the head of the Prometheus Division, Dr. Myra Haddock, is down and flies over to help her, while Radius looks at Sasquatch and remarks that he doesn’t know where he came from, but that he agrees with the growl. ‘Let’s hit ‘em!’ Guardian takes to the air and orders his team forward. Adrian “Flex” Corbo and Manbot follow him, while Judd thinks ‘Forward?’
Heather grabs Myra and lifts her in the air, telling her to let her body go as limp as possible. The exhausted doctor exclaims ‘Shouldn’t have…let…Vindicator? You came…back?’ Radius, protected by his force field revels in the action, calling the Zodiac “losers” he tells them that he has been waiting to skunk them. Mac tells Radius off for his brash actions as Judd exclaims that they need to retreat, to get their bearings before someone gets hurt. ‘I’m in command here, Puck’ Mac declares, when suddenly Manbot announces that there is danger. Hovering above the battle, Mac is witness to Arlette Truffaut a.k.a. Murmur scream as she is caught in an explosion and blasted across the lab.
Which one? Which one will it be?
Judd races over to the unmoving Murmur and tells Flex to cover him. The Zodiac member, Taurus, looms up behind Judd and boasts ‘I’ll cover you…with a shroud!’ Heather and Myra, Radius, Manbot and Mac all soon join Puck, Flex and the injured Murmur. Heather begins to ask if Arlette is dead, to which Judd replies that she isn’t, but she needs medical treatment fast. Mac declares that they need to retreat and get their bearings, to which Judd mutters that he is having some déjà vu.
Suddenly, the Zodiac’s leader, Scorpio, motions to Alpha Flight and tells his fellows that they have regrouped. ‘Strike now and send them to the heavens before they escape!’ Judd remarks that Scorpio seems to think they have got a way out of here, but he doesn’t see one. Manbot whirs and clicks, accessing the building’s blueprints, he informs everyone that a silo shaft is indicated beneath them. ‘Prepare for rapid vertical descent’ he states without any emotion.
‘Vertical? What’s he mean by…vertical!?’ Jared exclaims as the floor beneath them gives way. ‘No!’ shouts Scorpio, as Manbot begins counting down the teams seconds to impact. Flex screams and turns his limbs into giant panes of metal hoping to slow his descent, while Judd holds onto Arlette and Heather has Myra. Mac calls out to Heather who is the closest to the bottom and replies that she will catch who she can. Carefree, Radius boasts that he doesn’t need help as his force field will cushion his fall. ‘Good, because you didn’t even make my long list!’ Heather tells him.
Scorpio and the rest of the Zodiac move over to the shaft and begin firing their weapons down it. Scorpio orders as many Alphans to be killed as possible, but that it is most important that Dr. Haddock is killed. As the Alphans land at the bottom of the shaft, dodging bullets, Judd mutters that they have gone from fish in a fry to fish in a barrel. Tired, Myra tells Heather to have Manbot access the side corridor. Heather tells her teammate to access the side corridor, and Manbot does so, announcing that the corridor seal is disengaged.
Suddenly, someone warns everyone to move out of the way - as the Zodiac just dropped something big down the shaft. It lands with a mighty boom, and as Radius points out, the Zodiac have blocked their only access to Alpha Flight. But someone else points out ‘Or intentionally cut off our way back to them’. Guardian asks if everyone is accounted for, to which Flex declares that he is here, but that he thinks he broke his ankle, as his boots are too big. Judd announces that Murmur is hanging in, but not for long.
Holding the scientist in her arms, Heather informs everyone that their ticket into and back from the Microverse, Myra, has just lost consciousness, and any answers just went with her. Heather points out that from the looks of things, the Zodiac was interested in destroying Myra’s lab. ‘With her in it!’ Radius exclaims, before pointing out that they left Sasquatch behind. ‘Let’s get back up there! What are we waiting for?!’
Mac steps forward, ‘I’ll give the orders’ he reminds Radius, before remarking that it is clear that their trip back from the sub-atomic Microverse has left them all disorientated. He decides that they cannot re-engage the Zodiac until they get their feet back under them, before asking why everyone thinks the Zodiac are here. Judd interrupts Mac, telling him that while he finishes giving orders and asking questions, he is going to go get Murmur some help. Angrily, Mac says ‘Puck! Do not question my authority again!’
Mac begin to say that he is just as concerned about Murmur as everyone else is, when suddenly, ‘Put a sock in it, Mac!’ shouts Heather, pointing out that they have people down here who need help. Heather tells her estranged husband that no one cares if he leads or not, but if he is going to do it, then he has to do it well so no one feels the need to question him.
There is a moments silence, before Adrian quietly informs everyone that there are dead people down here. ‘Epsilon guards and workers and…’ Flex suddenly remembers how death relates to the Zodiac, for he cut one of them in half - Taurus - on his very first outing with Alpha Flight. He is now hoping that it will not be an eye for an eye…a death for a death.
Myra suddenly comes around, ‘…Danger…’ she whispers. Heather tells the doctor not to get excited, as they are here now. Myra informs Heather that there are dangerous things in her lab, which is why she brought them back from the Microverse. Mac asks how the Zodiac could have gotten into a facility this secure, to which Judd reminds Mac that the Zodiac teleported out on their last encounter, so perhaps they teleported in this time.
‘WHO CARES!’ shouts Jared, declaring that they need to get back up and help the Epsilon guards. He reveals that some of them are his friends and they are up there fighting and dying while Alpha Flight are down here hiding and letting them die. ‘Are we heroes or not?’ Mac takes to the air, announcing that Radius is right, they cannot let civilians perish, they need to get back up there. ‘Now you’re talking my language!’ Jared exclaims.
Judd remarks, with all due respect, that it would be a suicide mission, and reminds Radius that the Epsilons are soldiers, which is what they signed on for. Judd points out that they cannot screw up here, for all of Canada is at stake if the Zodiac take control of this facility. Judd tells Mac not to get mad at him for telling him, but that he needs to be told, because this is a whole different scenario then how he is thinking. Judd points out that they need to get a handle on where and how many Zodiacs there are.
‘I saw new ones!’ exclaims Flex. Manbot announces that his optical scan reply indicates and confirms twelve Zodiac. He then reveals that further information is available from building security playback in monitor rooms. Puck announces that they have to split up. He turns to Manbot and tells him to take Radius and Flex and go find one of those “monitors” so they can work the building. Judd tells Mac that the two of them can go and corral the Zodiac into a place more manageable, while Heather announces that she will take the injured to the medi-labs and meet up with them later. Judd agrees, to which Heather tells him it is a good plan, but that they need more fire-power. ‘I wonder where Sunfire and Sasquatch are now…?’
Yes, where is Sasquatch? Does he even know where he is? ‘GROARWWL!’ he roars, slobber dribbling out of his mouth full of jagged teeth. That wasn’t really much of an answer was it? Does he even care who he is leaping on in the Prometheus Division? Would the significance of the names Capricorn, Leo and Aries mean anything to him? Or are his actions guided by different constellations? Capricorn cries for help as Sasquatch crushes him, but Leo replies ‘Help you? I can’t even help myself!’
Aries reminds his teammates that this beast is not on their agenda, and tells them to free themselves so they can move on. ‘Easy for you to say’ Leo mutters. Suddenly, Sasquatch releases them. Did he hear them? Is that why he begins to lumber on his way? Or is he far less complicated than that?
One of the trio informs Scorpio that Sasquatch has escaped. Scorpio replies that it is of no concern, as they have found what they came for, even though Dr. Haddock hid it. ‘But not well enough to keep it from me! It is here my children of the night sky! Just where our spiritual leader, the Ecliptic, said we would find it’. Scorpio then boasts that with this, they will possess the power to reshape the world in their image.
‘It is beautiful…it is everything I’ve ever hoped for!’ Scorpio exclaims. One of the Epsilons asks what Scorpio is talking about and mutters that it is a steel cube. Scorpio tells him to be silent, and reminds him that he lives only through his kindness, warning him not to tempt him to rescind his hospitality. Pisces points out that it is enormous and asks Scorpio how they will move it. Scorpio tells Pisces not to trouble herself with these minor details, before the two Gemini asks of Alpha Flight. Scorpio reminds the Zodiac that their job is to follow the plan as he commands, before exclaiming that Alpha Flight can be left to him.
However, not all things that concern the future of Alpha Flight occur within the oppressive walls of Department H. While Jean-Paul Beaubier has no idea that even has a future with Alpha Flight as the hero known as Northstar, it is a future he is nonetheless racing toward as surely as he hurls himself toward the granite cliff-face of this large mountain at top speed. The handsome former Alphan changes his course at the last possible instant to avoid impact - but he does noting to alter his long-range future.
If Northstar knew what was in store for him, he might very well turn around and fly back the other direction. Though even that course would lead him straight back to this spot, eventually…Lavelle, Quebec…his twin sister’s old home. Landing, Jean-Paul thinks to himself how much better Jeanne-Marie’s life was when she lived and taught here, before wondering why he has returned. ‘Perhaps the hole in my life is her?’ he wonders.
Suddenly an elderly Nun walks up behind Jean-Paul, and in her native French declares that it burned down. The old woman informs Jean-Paul that the school burned down, adding that he will find nothing here but the ghosts of dead, innocent children. ‘Children perished in the fire?’ asks Jean-Paul, shocked. The Nun replies that many children and teachers perished, many souls were lost, before asking him why it interests him. Northstar replies that his sister taught her, before excusing himself from the old woman and taking his leave, where he begins to explore the ruins of the blackened structures.
Jean-Paul tells himself that like much of his past and the people around him, this memory too has burned to the ground leaving little for him. He reminds himself that his sister no longer resides here - or anywhere as far as he knows - so why has he returned? Peering into another room, Jean-Paul asks himself what it is he is hoping to find, when he hears a thick French-Canadian voice asking ‘Exactly. And the next problem?’
Jean-Paul sees his sister Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier sitting at the front of the classroom dressed in a Nun outfit. Jeanne-Marie sees Jean-Paul and beckons him in. Jean-Marie returns to the blackboard where she has drawn a picture of a sun and written the sentence Give me the Sun, Mother! She tells Jean-Paul that he is extremely late, but that he may yet learn something. Jean-Paul sits at a desk and his head falls into his hands, as the frazzled Aurora asks him where he would like to begin.
Back in Department H, Manbot, Radius and Flex are riding an odd elevator. Adrian nervously asks Manbot if he is sure that this is an elevator, as he has never seen this one before. As the platform passes floor 11, Manbot replies that this service lift is the only access to Floor 13 for non-employees. ‘Floor 13? There is no Floor 13 in Department H’ Adrian exclaims. ‘Correct’ replies Manbot. Jared ask where they are going then, when suddenly the elevator stops. ‘Floor 13. Exit now’ Manbot announces.
Glancing around the mysterious Floor 13, Adrian exclaims that it is so slick, before remarking that he thought they didn’t put thirteenth floors in buildings because they are supposed to be bad luck. ‘Let me know, runt!’ exclaims Radius as he gets back onto the elevator platform. Adrian asks his brother where he is going, to which Jared replies ‘Into battle where I belong! Later!’ Adrian begins to tell Jared that he cant go, as Puck said, when Manbot tells Flex to leave Radius and come with him. Flex asks Manbot if he doesn’t think Jared is going to get into trouble if they let him go. ‘The probability is 88.62%’ Manbot states. ‘Wow…that’s like a B+’ Flex exclaims.
Entering a chamber, Flex points out to Manbot that there is no one here. Manbot explains that mandatory evacuation of life forms to prevent detection scans of the floor are standard assault protocol. Flex asks Manbot if this is the “Monitor Bay” he was talking about. ‘Affirmative’ states Manbot. Adrian remarks that he doesn’t see any monitors anywhere, so how are you supposed to see? Suddenly, Manbot places a visor attached to a device on Flex’s head, and the young Alphan exclaims that he can see everywhere. ‘Affirmative’ replies Manbot.
If Flex knew where to look - or how to look - then he might see Heather lost not only in the catacombs of Department H, but also in her thoughts. Heather flies along a corridor, holding Murmur and Dr. Haddock in each arm, apologizing to them for taking so long, but points out that this building is Labyrinthine in the best of circumstances - ‘And we are far from the best of circumstances here’.
Heather arrives in a large room where she sees some Medics. She is relieved that they are still here. Dropping down beside a doctor, she informs him that Murmur is critical, and Dr. Haddock less so. The doctor checks Arlette and informs Heather that she still has life signs. ‘You go and fight your battle and we’ll fight ours here’ the doctor remarks, motioning to the other medics helping wounded Epsilons and other Department H personnel. Heather tells the doctor to do his best for Murmur, then, surprisingly, Arlette wearily thanks Heather. ‘Don’t hurry to thank me, Arlette. We aren’t out of the woods yet’.
Which one? Which one will it be?
Making their way through the many halls and corridors of Department H, Guardian informs Judd that this obviously wasn’t the right way to go, as they haven’t seen anything. Judd shushes Mac as he hears noises ahead. Judd then points out to Mac that it is doing them no good to be at each other’s throats, suggesting that until this is over at least, they put their differences aside, then settle it like men. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Mac asks. ‘Whatever you’d like’ Judd replies.
Judd glances around and asks Guardian if he heard something, when suddenly an image of Flex appears before them. ‘Hey guys! It’s men, Flex! I can see you!’ Adrian exclaims excitably. ‘Oh yeah? Then how tall am I?’ Judd asks. ‘You’re the same height you always…oh, that was a joke, huh?’ Flex mumbles. ‘Can’t put one past you’ Judd tells the youngster, before asking him why he is gray, and what he has found out.
Flex informs the senior Alphans that he and Manbot are in the Monitor Bay and that Manbot says he is able to hologram himself to anyone with an Alpha identitag implant. Judd mutters that he doesn’t have an implant…does he? Guardian then asks Flex if he can use the monitors to find out if there are any Zodiac near them, to which Adrian exclaims that is the reason he called! ‘There are three of them…right behind you!’
Suddenly, there is a large explosion, and Mac and Judd are knocked off their feet. ‘Balance!’ exclaims Libra as she holds her sword out towards the Alphans. Aquarius exclaims that the Air Signs are making a strike for the Zodiac. ‘Gemini and I can handle them!’ both of the Gemini twins exclaim. ‘Plan “A”, Mac?’ Judd asks. ‘Uh-huh’ Guardian replies, exclaiming that they are too powerful so they need to fall back. Both Alphans turn and run down the corridor, with Judd muttering that he hopes they don’t follow. Cryptically, the Gemini exclaim ‘Don’t let them escape! They are the ones who have harmed us most!’
Lower, Heather streaks down another hallway, thinking to herself that this is unbelievable, for they are only gone for a matter of hours and in that time, the entire Department falls. ‘It’s as if our departure to the Microverse was times by the Zodiac’. Heather turns her thoughts to her new battle suit, not only is it bad enough that she doesn’t trust its geothermal “power” channeling, not it is registering some weird earth energy power arc, but like nothing she has ever seen on her meters before.
Heather realizes that the energy is just ahead and flies towards it, only to come across Sunfire! ‘Gonna kill you!’ Taurus exclaims to Alpha Flight’s ally. Virgo warns Taurus to stay with Scorpio’s plan - strike and retreat. Sunfire asks Heather what that means, to which Heather points out that they are teleporting away, trying to keep them distracted. ‘We’d better find the others!’
Lower still, Radius finds himself in amongst a group of Epsilons who are screaming ‘Fall back! Fall back!’ Jared asks them what is going on, what it is they are running from. Flex’s hologram appears beside his brother and asks Jared what he is doing. Jared points out that Puck wants him to be more of a team player, ‘And the team needs more arsenal!’ ‘Get out of here, man! It’s coming!’ another Epsilon exclaims.
Jared asks what it is that is coming, to which one of the Epsilons informs him that something the Zodiac let loose from a lab. ‘Come on, or it will get us like all the others - nothing can stop it!’ That is just the kind of challenge Radius likes - the impossible. ‘Nothing? We’ll see about that!’ the cocky Alphan boasts.
Which one? Which one will it be?
Suddenly, Radius sees what all the Epsilons are running from. ‘No way!’ he shouts. ‘Brothers! Our little pet’s next snack has arrived’ Aries remarks to Leo and Capricorn as they ride on some platform, propped up by the living bacteria which also hosts bones of its Epsilon victims in its form. Flex urges his brother to run, informing him that Manbot is sating that thing they are leading around is a bacterial super-organism and it can eat through anything. Radius tells his younger brother to get out of here, boasting that he can handle this.
Capricorn tells Radius to look at what they found in the Prometheus Lab. ‘We’re taking it for a walk and it’s stripping everything it runs over to the bone!’ ‘And you’re next, Alpha punk!’ Leo exclaims. ‘Yeah, I’m quaking. Why don’t you “Wild Kingdom” rejects come down here and I’ll feed you some fist!’ Jared exclaims. Flex urges his brother to pull back until he can send him some help, as there are too many of them. As Aries and Leo both pound Jared, he replies that he doesn’t need any help. Unable to see the hologram of Flex, Aries tells Radius that he doesn’t know who he is talking to, but that he is going to need all the help he can get!
Jared knows that Aries is right, for he is in way over his head - not that he would ever admit it to himself. But luckily for Radius, random, uncomplicated chance is smiling down upon him - through jagged yellow teeth. Sasquatch growls as he enters the room. Capricorn screams as Aries exclaims ‘Uh-oh…he’s back!’ Jared smiles and declares ‘That’s right, goat-boy, and he’s on my side!’ Flex points out to his brother that without Murmur to control him, Sasquatch isn’t on anyone’s side, he’s just wild. ‘Shut up, dweeb!’ Jared snaps.
Sasquatch brings his mighty fist down on Capricorn, but Flex’s hologram points out that Capricorn isn’t there anymore. Held back by Leo, Jared asks his brother what he means. Flex motions to where Capricorn teleported away to when Leo announces that he has the signal and Scorpio wants them back. ‘Good’ mumbles Capricorn as he releases the catch that is holding the bacteria back. Releasing it causes the deadly liquid to gush out, and Capricorn smiles, ‘Good-bye and good-luck, “loser”!’ The three Zodiac are then teleported away.
Radius is left on the floor, suddenly a feeling comes over him and he almost remembers what it is - after all, he was only six years old when it was beaten out of him. The feeling of FEAR. Frozen in place, he doesn’t move, despite Flex’s hologram urging him to run. Fear could cost a life in a situation like this.
But which one? Which one will it be?
Suddenly, Sasquatch growls loudly and grabs Radius in his hand. ‘Good, Sasquatch! Get him out of there!’ Flex exclaims. Suddenly, Radius finds himself slammed up against the ceiling, and he tries to tell Sasquatch to put him down as he is going to crush him. Flex urgently tells Sasquatch to go the other way, when suddenly, there is a slurping and grinding noise coming from down below.
Which one will it be? You, Sasquatch.
‘No no no no no no NO!’ shouts Radius, still held up high in Sasquatch’s hand, while the carcass of Sasquatch lies on the floor below. He was ripped from the wilds, stolen from his family and pushed around Department H like an animal for months on end without ever comprehending why. Adding to that, he was mistaken by his teammates for the man they knew as Walter Langkowski. He finally met his end preserving the life of a teammate - but why? Instinct most likely, the urge to protect one’s young. Accusingly, Flex exclaims ‘You did this to him, you! Going off by yourself!’
Which one will it be? It’ll be you…but who said it will only be one?
‘Cowards!’ shout the Zodiac as they follow Guardian, who carries Judd on his back now as the fly with haste down the corridor. ‘What can we say? You frighten us something fierce, eh?’ replies Judd mockingly, while urging Mac onwards, as they almost have the Zodiac where they want them. Mac calls out to Flex, asking him if he can hear him, when the holographic form of the youngest Alphan appears, exclaiming that he has to tell them what happened to - but he doesn’t get the chance, as Mac exclaims that there is no time, and orders Flex to patch him through to Manbot.
Suddenly, a humming sound signals the arrival of Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn, joining Libra, Aquarius and the Gemini twins. Taurus informs his teammates that Scorpio sent them to help them bust some skulls, before asking them what they are all standing around. ‘What are you waiting for?’ ‘Balance!’ exclaims Libra. ‘They went into the room ahead!’ the Gemini twins declare. ‘A room? That’s it! They’re finished! Let’s gut them!’ Taurus declares as he and the others enter the room Judd and Mac are standing in.
‘You Alpha idiots have no where to run!’ Taurus exclaims, to which Judd replies ‘Who said we were running, eh?’ ‘Manbot! Deploy!’ orders Guardian, when suddenly, all over the room dozens of weapons load into place, and the doors to the room shut. ‘What is this?’ ‘Balance!’ ‘My teleport signal isn’t registering!’ ‘We’re sealed in!’ the Zodiac acclaims. Guardian tells the Zodiac that they are stuck in here with them, in Combat Centrale, Alpha Flight’s state of the art training facility. As the Zodiac stand together, surrounded by the weapons, Judd tells them to get ready to learn some lessons - the hard way!
Lower, Sunfire and Heather fly alongside each other, and Shiro asks Flex if he is still tracing the Zodiac. Adrian replies that he is, and informs his teammates that in Combat Centrale there are six of them against Puck and Guardian.
‘Six to two? We’d better get over there!’ Heather exclaims. Heather reminds Sunfire that she hasn’t seen him lately, and asks him to forgive her for asking - ‘But what happened to your skin?’ Indeed, half of Sunfire’s skin is now turned black, and Shiro begin to tells Heather that the doctors tell him he has radiation poisoning and that he will soon - ‘No!’ Sunfire exclaims as he and Heather fly into a corridor littered with bones.
‘My Lord! What is it?’ Heather asks. Flex suddenly declares that he forgot to tell them but that Radius ran off to fight, then he ran into the Zodiac who let loose this biological “thing”. Flex exclaims that then Sasquatch ran in to save Radius, but the biological thing ran over him and…his voice trails off as Heather sees a giant hand sticking up in the air. ‘Oh, no…not again…Walter…’.
Sunfire remarks that Sasquatch’s bones are almost polished, and asks the where the entity is now, when suddenly, there is a loud ‘HELP!’ ‘Never mind, I believe I have my answer’ Shiro remarks. He and Heather fly along the hallway, above the bacteria, and see Radius at the end, keeping the bacteria at bay by extending his force filed, also protecting the Epsilons behind him. Jared tells Heather to stay back, as he has got it with his force field. Heather points out to Jared that he is exhausted, and tells him to fall back and get these Epsilons to safety, to let she and Sunfire handle this.
‘No! You get the men out of here and leave me alone!’ Radius exclaims. He boasts that he is going to beat this thing and that he is going to beat it own his own, that he doesn’t need anyone to help him. ‘I DON’T NEED ANYONE!’ he shouts. ‘Radius! Do as your told!’ Heather remarks, when suddenly, she sees General Clarke run past the Epsilons. What is he doing here? And why would the acting head of Department H be wearing a containment suit and looking worried? Is General Clarke trying to escape the battle…or join in?
Well? Which one? Which one will it be?
Heather quickly tells Radius and Sunfire to handle this and flies off, reminding them to keep in touch with Flex and call if they need back-up. ‘I’ve got a rat to catch’.
Back in Combat Centrale, Judd and Guardian engage in battle with the Zodiac, who are also kept busy by the large arsenal of Alpha Flight’s “Danger Room”. Judd asks Mac if he notices something odd about the situation, to which Mac replies ‘Two of us, six of them and still a stand-off?’ ‘That’d be it’ Judd replies. Mac calls to Flex and asks him to trace the other six Zodiac, to which Aquarius tells Guardian that he better worry over the six he has got right here. ‘Lay it on him, Aquarius!’ Taurus shouts.
Judd calls to Mac and asks him to tell Manbot to program them out. Mac calls to Flex, who replies that he has found the rest of the Zodiac. ‘I can see six Zodiac fighting…oh, whoops, that’s you guys!’ Flex turns to Manbot and asks him what he should do. Manbot tells Flex to select the bio sign scan from the main menu to access group life scan search. Judd tells Mac that the Zodiac may be pushing pieces around, ‘But we sure don’t have to, eh! Let’s take it up a notch!’
Flex announces from the Monitor Bay that he can see some of the building and that the Zodiac stole something and are moving it towards, ‘Um, I’m not sure where’. Mac asks what it was they stole, to which Adrian replies that he cannot tell. Manbot tells Flex to apply zoom function and describe the object to him for analysis.
As Guardian fires an electromagnetic blast at one of the Zodiac, he asks Judd if he heard that the other Zodiac are taking something. ‘As we will take your lives!’ the Gemini twins exclaim, as one of the reshapes the metal artillery bank. Mac is surprised, but Judd is thinking along the same lines, and exclaims that it is if one of the twins has the ability to transfigure metal. ‘I think it’s time we had off with the goalie mask!’ Judd declares, leaping onto the Gemini twin and ripping the mask from his face.
‘No!’ exclaims the twin as Judd declares that he has a bad feeling about who is underneath the mask. ‘Madison Jeffries!’ exclaims Guardian in horror. Jeffries and the other Gemini twin exclaim ‘Jeffries is no more. Now there is only one of us. Gemini of flesh and Gemini of steel, but only Gemini!’ As Jeffries is cornered in by the door to Combat Centrale, he uses his mutant powers to transmutate metal, plastics and glass to create a hole. Guardian tells him that he isn’t Gemini, but Madison Jeffries, a member of Alpha Flight. ‘You have been for years!’ Judd tells Jeffries that they have all been through some mental tug-of-wars lately, but that he has to shake this off, remember who he is, who Alpha Flight are and what they stand for.
‘We are of the Zodiac! We will do only what the Heavens demand of us’ Jeffries exclaims. ‘And just what would that be, eh?’ asks Judd. ‘Balance!’ cries Libra, when suddenly the large Taurus comes up behind Mac and Judd and tells them that he will mess them up, which is what the Heavens demand of them. Taurus adds that he wants them to tell the “metal-hand boy” that chopped him up last time that when he finds him, he’s dead meat. There is a humming sound and the Zodiac begin to teleport out again. ‘Now who’re the cowards?’ Judd asks. Jeffries grins insanely and declares ‘We are not afraid of you…but you will soon fear us…as will the world!’
Judd tells Guardian that this is bad, that they’re being played hard. Mac declares that if it is a game the Zodiac want, then it’s time to put the ball back in their court. Judd calls to Flex and asks him to get a hold on where the Zodiac went. From the Monitor Bay, Flex replies that he is currently trying to see where the other Zodiac are taking that thing. He informs Manbot that it just looks like a big metal cube, before exclaiming that he can some sign posts, and announces they are going into the Hangar Bay.
‘Comparative visual records match - “Metal Cube” commencing’ Manbot announces as his databases begin scanning. Flex tells Guardian and Puck that they need to hang on a second as Manbot is looking to see if he can figure out what it is the Zodiac are stealing. Suddenly, Manbot exclaims ‘Identified! DANGER!’ Flex then screams and tells Manbot to get away from him, as Guardian asks him what is going on. ‘Are you under attack?’ Judd exclaims that he doesn’t like the sound of that.
In the Monitor Bay, Manbot exclaims ‘DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!’ and suddenly brings Flex close to him. ‘Manbot! Don’t’ Flex pleads. What should be made of Manbot? His actions and motives have always been a little gray. He could be considered a hero or a villain at this point. ‘DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!’ Suddenly, on Floor 13, there is a loud THOOM sound, then silence.
Which one? Which one will it be?
Back in Combat Centrale, Guardian calls out to Flex, but gets no response. Judd suggests to Mac that they should go with the Hangar Bay info, but Mac replies that he is not going to put Flex’s life at risk, and declares that they are going after him. Judd points out that they do not even know where Flex is, but that they do know that the Zodiac is about to get out the door with something that must be worth causing a whole lot of ruckus about. Judd remarks that Flex has probably just spooked himself again, and points out that he is with Manbot, which should be enough. As Mac flies out of Combat Centrale with Judd on his back, he tells the diminutive Alphan that he hopes he is right. ‘Me too’ replies Judd. ‘Won’t be able to live with myself if I’m not’.
Lower, Sunfire unleashes powerful blasts of flame at the bacteria and tells Radius to keep pressing on it with his force field, for they have almost destroyed it. ‘Almost is for losers! I want that stupid gunk DEAD!’ Jared exclaims. And in a moment, it is. ‘All right! You did it, man, you did it!’ one of the Epsilons congratulates Radius. Jared hangs his head, and solemnly replies ‘Yeah…I did it, all right’.
Guardian and Puck enter the hallway and see Radius and Sunfire. Mac tells them to come with he and Judd, as they have got to get to the Hangar Bay. Judd asks the others if they have seen Heather, pointing out that she should have met up with them by now, and he is worried. Radius reveals that Heather went after Clarke, and that she is fine, before beginning to explain about Sasquatch - but a determined Guardian tells Jared to shut up, as there is no time for stories. ‘Get moving! We have to catch those creeps!’
‘Hey, creep!’ Heather exclaims. ‘What -?’ General Jeremy Clarke mutters, turning in surprise. Heather flies straight towards Clarke and shoving him up against the wall remarks that she had a feeling he would answer to that name. Clarke tells Vindicator to release him, ‘I have no time for your dramatics!’ Heather replies by telling Clarke that dramatics would imply she is acting. She tells him fiercely that this is no act, ‘I want answers!’
Heather begins her list of questions by asking Clarke what the heck is going on here, followed by what is the chemical ooze that ate Sasquatch and what it was doing in this facility, and finally ‘Where are you going and why are you wearing a radiation suit?’ Clarke replies by telling Heather that the Zodiac have destroyed the building’s reactor. Heather is confused by this comment and tells Clarke Alpha Flight have always been told that Department H uses hydro-electric power. ‘It sounds better in the press releases!’ Clarke replies.
‘What!?’ exclaims Heather, obviously bothered by this. Clarke explains to Heather that if the reactor reaches critical mass, everyone in Ottawa will be killed. ‘I’m trying to prevent that. Are you going to stop me?’ Heather tells Clarke to take the radiation suit off, so she can go in. Clarke tells Vindicator that it is very noble of her, but that there isn’t time. However, as Heather flies Clarke down into the reactor core, Clarke tells Heather that she can help him.
Does Heather realize this sounds like a no-win situation? Clarke tells Heather that if he is not successful, she is to leave him and use her battle suit to cool the reactor housing.
One of you could easily die. Which one? Which one will be it?
Meanwhile, in the Hangar Bay, Taurus and company announce that they are here. ‘You’re late!’ snaps Scorpio. Taurus replies that something screwed up their teleportation wave, to which Scorpio explains that Vindicator’s battle suit operates on similar frequencies, and supposes she must have been near them. Scorpio asks of Alpha, to which Libra exclaims ‘Balance!’ Jeffries remarks ‘They said we were one of them’. Scorpio asks Gemini how he feels about such heretical statements. Jeffries’ reply is ‘We are Gemini - we wish all of Alpha dead. Like Sasquatch and Radius!’ ‘Dead?’ remarks Scorpio, before remarking that it is a pity, as they would have made excellent conversions as well.
Scorpio orders Cancer to take the others and load the cube into the cargo hold, and tells Virgo that she will co-pilot with him. ‘My work here is finished!’ Suddenly, Jeffries alerts Scorpio to an unexpected turn in his plans - the arrival of Guardian, Puck Radius and Sunfire. ‘You’re done all right!’ Mac exclaims. ‘So let’s put a fork in them!’ Judd declares.
In the Reactor Core, Heather stands by a computer and informs General Clarke that she can see him on the monitor, then asks what he is looking at in there. Clarke replies that he wishes he knew, before explaining that it looks like a new safety control bypass - not complicated though, so it shouldn’t take him long to remove, that is, if there are no fail-safe components. ‘Vindicator…Heather, I know the two of us have been at odds, but once this is over, I’m committed to improving my rapport with Alpha’ Clarke declares.
Clarke tells Heather that he knows his command style has been difficult, and claims that he cares so much for Canada and all the brave people who work to protect it. Heather smirks and tells Clarke that she understands life and death situations make a person meta-physical, but that if he says any more, she is going to have to open a window. Clarke tells Heather that nevertheless, he hopes she will give him a chance to - suddenly, Heather informs Clarke that the radiation levels are climbing and urges him to get out of there.
Clarke replies that there must have been a fail-safe, to which Heather tells him to hurry, as the core temperature is sky-rocketing! Wearily, Clarke replies that he can’t reach the fail safe and tells Heather with his dying breath that she will need to use her suit to absorb the heat. ‘Absorb? General Clarke?’ Heather exclaims. Suddenly, there is an explosion and Clarke screams. Heather turns her head from the monitor and puts her hands over her face.
And have you heard the phrase “Things happen in THREES?’ Which one? Which one will it be…Next?
‘Balance!’ cries Libra as Aquarius exclaims that something is coming through the wall of the Hangar Bay. Taurus tells his teammates to keep Alpha Flight away from the cube, or to die trying. ‘I vote for that last one!’ Radius declares. Suddenly, Manbot enters the Hangar Bar, ‘DANGER!’ he announces, before stating ‘Payload Flex, prepare for extraction!’ A panel on Manbot’s form opens and Flex is thrust from it, right for the cube with his hands transformed into giant sheathes of metal. Manbot orders him to destroy the containment unit and object.
Manbot announces that the object has been released, and Flex sees the device come out of the cube. He exclaims that it isn’t a cube of steel, ‘But what is it?’ Manbot announces that it is a weapon designated ‘The Nth Projector’. He reveals that it was acquired by the Prometheus Division from the United States Project Pegasus. Manbot adds that the Nth Projector was thought destroyed in death of its creator, Thomas Lightner, and informs anyone listening that is last recorded usage created a rift in the fabric of space.
Scorpio grins wickedly, and exclaims that the Projector’s next usage will cause another rift in space, ‘Though there may be nothing left to record the event when it’s used again!’
Back in the Reactor housing, Heather has pushed her capabilities to the limit. Everything she knows and doesn’t know about this geothermal force-manipulating battle suit she wears has been put on the line to lower the reactor core temperature. But deep inside herself, Heather knows that it is not enough. She think to herself that she has to find more power and force the suit to absorb more of this heat or it is all over. ‘Come on! Take it in…take it in…’
Suddenly, the warning siren shuts off. Heather McNeil Hudson has once more saved Canada - but she is not even sure how. She sighs, exhausted. But the suit that Heather reviles on so many levels has saved the lives of everyone she holds dear…with maybe one exception. Did you hear something? Heather hears it - a small electrical sound coming from her suit. If she doesn’t isolate and remove the arcing component, her suit will explode in fire and consume her in 15 seconds. Oh yes, Heather or her suit. ‘Oh no…’ she utters.
Which one? Which one will it be?
Back in the Hangar Bay, Scorpio orders Leo to load the Nth Projector into the craft. ‘You’re not going anywhere, Scorpio!’ Guardian exclaims. Leo asks Guardian if he wants a bet, and boasts that this place is going to become the biggest radioactive dump in the world when their bomb blows out their generator. Aries snaps at Leo, telling him it is no fun if he gives it all away. Judd asks Scorpio what he is talking about. ‘Only a madman would do something like that!’
Scorpio grins, ‘If you like’ he mutters, declaring that, regardless, Department H will be razed in moments unless they go help their idiotic General Clarke at Ground Zero. Scorpio informs the men that Vindicator is already down there, and adds that he doesn’t think she has enough time left to save herself. Scorpio exclaims that the choice is simple - stop them, or save her. ‘Which one will it be?’ ‘Heather?’ Mac and Judd utter in unison.
In the Reactor, Heather is furiously pulling at her battle suit. But there isn’t much time left…10... And…9... Time…8... Goes…7... By…6... So…5... Fast…4... When…3... You’re…2... Alone…1...
‘Heather…Heather!’ exclaims Mac as he, Judd and the others enter the Reactor room. ‘Mac? NO! Don’t come in here, get - out?’ Heather exclaims, just as the siren on her battle suit stops. Heather looks over at Mac, who looks back. ‘Mac…?’ ‘Heather…’ The two embrace, with Judd, Manbot, Radius, Flex and Sunfire looking on. There is an emotion here so tangible that the entire team can feel it…in Judd’s case, some more than others.
As Mac holds her in his arms, it is a feeling Heather has longed to know. She has waited for it and wanted it every second that she has been a member of Alpha Flight. She cannot pluck the exact term for this feeling from the rush of words that fill her head and threaten to come spilling out - she cannot quite bring herself to speak it. But if all present could hear the one word that describes what she is feeling, that word would be…vindication.
Alpha Flight have suffered losses today, but they have gained something extremely valuable in the process. Who knows, things may finally be looking up for Heather McNeil Hudson and Alpha Flight.
Have you checked your horoscope?


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

[Assistant]
Reflection
Do you feel responsible?
On a chilly day at Department H in Ottawa, a funeral is being held for a hero. But not the hero everyone thinks. Jared Corbo, a.k.a. “Radius” stands by the massive coffin. His mutant power is to have an impenetrable force field at his disposal. It makes the handsome hero impervious to attack, but also keeps him a touch away from the world around him and all the people in it. But standing, waiting for the funeral services for Sasquatch to begin, Jared cannot help but dwell on the fact that for all the protection his force field offers, it cannot protect him from the feelings of responsibility welling up inside of himself.
Jared doesn’t want to be here - so he walks away from the funeral procession. He tells himself it is because he cannot stand the thought of all the speeches about honor and duty and God and Country that are sure to follow. Nor the false emotions about to pour out over a man who lived out his final days on this Earth as little more than an animal in a cage. But the truth of the matter is that Jared doesn’t want to be here because he is afraid - afraid that someone will use their parting comments to point out the fact that Sasquatch died saving the life of one young man who didn’t follow orders that fateful day in Department H.
That young man is named - ‘Jared? Did they start yet?’ asks Jared’s younger brother Adrian Corbo. Jared doesn’t turn to his brother, he just walks away thinking that it is easier to avoid even looking at the one person who knows that what happened to Sasquatch was entirely his fault. Seeing his brother just walk away, Adrian a.k.a. “Flex” remarks to Arlette “Murmur” Truffaut, whom he is pushing in a wheel chair ‘Sheesh, what’s wrong with him?’ Huddled into a classy pink jacket Arlette points out to Flex that his brother has always been moody.
Flex agrees, and asks Murmur if she is okay, apologizing about the bumps, before asking her if she is sure she should be out here, reminding her that she got pretty banged up by the Zodiac. Arlette reminds Flex that she alone had the power to tame Sasquatch’s wild instincts, and she had more contact with him than anyone. She points out that even if it were not the case, Sasquatch was still her teammate, and she owes him the respect of coming for his final rites. Radius overhears Murmur comment and realizes that he owes Sasquatch something as well - but how does one repay a life?
Standing away from the rest of the mourners, in amongst some other grave stones, are Heather McNeil Hudson and James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator and Guardian respectively. Heather tells Mac that it is hard to admit, but that the life they lived together doesn’t really exist for them as a couple anymore. Mac asks Heather what it is she is trying to say. Heather declares that when Department H regressed him to a nineteen year old in order to save his life, they took away her life with him away from him - away from both of them.
Heather tells Mac that what she is trying to say is that they need to do what is best for both of them and let this go. She admits that she has come to realize she has been hanging on to him because she thought she had to make it work - but too much has happened that they cannot just simply ignore it. Heather reveals that she thought she was too weak to survive without him, but that after confronting her greatest fear, she has realized that she is stronger than she thought. Strong enough to face reality and do what is best for the both of them. ‘Strong enough to speak the words neither of us has had the courage to say’.
Heather smiles as she looks at Mac, telling him that there is no doubt Department H has dealt them a lousy deal here, but she thinks they should agree to be the best team-mates they can be and let the rest go for now. Heather points out to Mac that he is young and wants certain things, while she is older and needs other things. ‘It’s not great, but it’s what it is’. Mac turns and walks away, telling Heather that she is awfully quick to let go. This surprises Heather and she exclaims that she thought he would agree this was best.
‘Yeah, but you didn’t ask me, did you?’ Mac remarks, declaring that nobody asks him anything, they just do it and tell him later. Eugene “Puck” Judd approaches Heather and tells her that he hopes he isn’t intruding, but that the ceremony is about to start. Heather tells her long time teammate that she will be there, but she just needs a minute. ‘Take as long as you need to…’ Judd mumbles.
While this morning marks and ending for Alpha Flight, it also marks a new beginning for Department H. Free of the Machiavellian manipulations of its former supervisor, General Clarke, the rank and file employees, though they may not know it, are entering a facility that is about to undergo a stunning metamorphosis. All under the watchful eye and sure hand of one man…this man. ‘Hey, that print scanner’s for the top brass only, fella!’ a Epsilons shouts at respectable looking man. ‘Civilian scanner’s over to the right there!’ the Epsilon informs him.
‘Yes, I know’ the man replies. ‘Welcome to the Ministry of Defense,’ the computer exclaims as the man puts his hand on the scanner. ‘Security clearance confirmed, please enter to your left’ the computer declares after scanning his hand. The Epsilon looks surprised and apologizes to the man, telling him that he doesn’t look like the kind of man who usually has that kind of clearance. ‘Glad to hear it’ the man replies. Another Epsilon informs him that there is a private elevator reserved for him, but the man replies that he prefers to get to work like everyone else - ‘Private lifts have no place in the new Department H’.
In a meeting room high up in Department H, Doctor Horatio Huxley, Coordinator Proctor, Chief Engineer Su, Lieutenant Oculus and some other key Department H staff have gathered . ‘We all reported in on time, but where’s our new supervisor?’ one of them asks. Huxley mutters that he is late, and points out that Myra Haddock isn’t here either. ‘Surely that funds-draining vampire wouldn’t miss her initial opportunity to meet and suck up to the new operations manager!’
Suddenly, the new operators manager enters the room declaring that Dr. Haddock called earlier to request a special dispensation to attend the funeral ceremonies for Sasquatch. ‘A request, to be perfectly frank, I’m more appalled more of you didn’t make’. The man tells Oculus, Proctor and Su that he has read their files, before turning to Huxley and remarking that, since he brought it up, “sucking up” will play no part in his decisions about the operations here in Department H. He explains that his funding approval on projects will relate strictly to the merit of the projects to the Department itself and the citizens of Canada.
Bluntly, he adds that he is a face-to-face man, and as a rule doesn’t use speakerphones or video conferencing, for he likes to see who and what he is dealing with. Huxley addresses him as Mr. Gentry and remarks that they know little about him, adding that they had thought one of them would succeed General Clarke upon his death - not an outside. ‘Your qualifications for this immense job are…?’ he asks snidely. ‘My qualifications are that I have the position and you do not,’ Gentry replies.
Gentry tells the pompous Huxley that until such time as that changes, he will remember his place and stay in it. Moving on, Gentry informs everyone that he will be a very hands on supervisor, and to that end, he will spend the rest of this afternoon meeting with each of them personally to assess the worth of their respective decisions. Somebody asks of the Director, to which Gentry smiles and announces that the Director has turned the reins over to him. He adds that he and the Director are of the same mind - that Department H under General Clarke was an ugly beast…’A beast I’m here to tame’.
Outside, the funeral has started. Heather stands at the podium and thanks everyone for coming. She explains that in the absence of any blood relatives, she is speaking first. Heather declares that they are here today to reflect on the life of Walter Langkowski, and is going to begin by sharing a few memories with everyone, about Walter…the hero…Alpha Flight’s Sasquatch!
(Told with Flashback images)
Heather informs everyone that Walter was one of the first members of Alpha Flight, alongside the likes of Guardian, Shaman and Marrina, and he was certainly one of the best. Heather exclaims that Walter’s acts of bravery in the field were too numerous to list, but now matter how the danger, he somehow always managed to survive.
Heather remarks that there is one episode that she cannot get out of her mind - was when Walter was battling another Sasquatch - the former Alphan Snowbird who had assumed the form of the beast ti battle and evil Walter. ‘Geez, it seems like a lifetime ago’. Heather exclaims that she recalls it because that showdown ended as this most recent one with the Zodiac has - with the seeming death of Sasquatch when Snowbird ripped his heart out. ‘I lost my heart that day as well’.
Heather explains to everyone that “somehow” Walter came back to them in the Box armor which belonged to the former Alphan Roger Bochs. Heather declares that she wishes the same thing could happen now - but she has seen his remains, flesh and bones instead of the pebbles and clay left behind that day. ‘That was Walter the hero, always ready for the ultimate sacrifice’.
Heather announces that she was also asked to share a favorite memory of Walter, the man. She declares that she has chosen one again from the early days, because that means so much more to her now. She explains that Alpha Flight had been disbanded by the Canadian Government and everyone was depressed, wondering what to do next - when Walter suggested that Alpha Flight stay together even without government funding. ‘Those were simpler times - ones I wish could have lasted forever’. Heather exclaims that Alpha Flight has had so much loss, and Walter’s passing will not be easy to cope with, but they have to believe that what they do is worth it - ‘A hero died for us’.
(Present)
Standing towards the back, by a tree, Jared hears Heather - she said “us”, not “you”. One eulogy down, three to go.
Back inside the sprawling Department H, Gentry walks briskly down the hallways. ‘Your name again?’ he asks the younger man following him. ‘Hames, sir,’ the blond man replies. Gentry tells Hames that he wants him to write down everything that is said in these encounters and type up the results as a report. ‘Yes, sir,’ Hames replies, before the duo approach some Epsilons, and Gentry asks them what they have here. One of the Epsilons replies that this is the residential wing. Gentry is shocked by this and points out that they are armed to the teeth, before asking who it is they are trying to keep out.
The Epsilon replies ‘No one, sir,’ and explains that General Clarke posted them here to keep the resident Alpha trainees in, as there were break-outs. Gentry interrupts the Epsilon and tells him to open this door immediately, as this is not some prison camp. ‘Hames? Memo. Reassign these guards today’. ‘Yes, sir’ Hames replies as he furiously takes down notes. As they make their way through the residential wing, Gentry instructs Hames to record all the residents in this wing, pull their files and get him all reports on their powers onto his desk by the end of the day. ‘Yes, sir’.
The first young paranormal that the men approach says quietly to himself, ‘Can this man improve my fate? Y…E…S…’. Gentry introduces himself and explains that he has replaced General Clarke, before asking him how he is. ‘Complaints? N-O-N-E. bored though. Ready to serve but that day never seems to C-O-M-E’. The young man adds that he wants a new tag, for “Ouija” S-T-I-N-K-S. ‘They ran out of names when they got to M-E’.
Gentry assures Ouija that they can take care of that, and tells Hames to write down that they need a new codex for him, before telling Ouija to pack his things, as he will be moving today. Next the approach a room where inside a boy just stands there, and Gentry sniffs. Hames informs Gentry that the boy’s codename is Flinch, to which Gentry asks if he can hear them in there. ‘No, sir’ Hames replies. Gentry exclaims that is good and tells asks Hames to pull Flinch’s medical charts.
Walking towards their next young person, Gentry remarks that he is praying they had nothing to do with how Mister “Flinch” turned out. ‘Yes, sir’, Hames replies, before Gentry tells him to see if they can do something about that smell. ‘Yes, sir’. Gentry asks who is next, to which Hames informs him it is Lilli. A young girl sitting half-in and half-out of a solid object exclaims ‘Yeah, that’s me. Come in…um, who are you guys?’ Gentry introduces himself and explains that he has taken over General Clarke’s job, to which Lilli exclaims that she heard he blew up. Lilli reveals that they were all locked in here and couldn’t get out, otherwise they might have been able to help him.
‘How? What’s your special ability?’ Gentry asks. Lilli explains that things can ‘sort of go through me,’ as if she is a ghost. Gentry asks her how Alpha Flight has treated her, to which she replies that she hasn’t met any of them yet, except Puck, kind of. Gentry informs Lilli that from now on she will be living in the Alpha Wing so she can get to know them personally and see what they are like, and after that she can decide if she wants to stay or not. Lilli gets up and rushes through Gentry - literally - exclaiming ‘The Alpha Wing? Cool! Yaaaay!’ and running towards Ouija.
Back outside, Mac stands at the podium now and introduces himself to everyone, mumbling that he had something prepared but that he lost his notes, so he is just going to go from memory. Mac announces that he thinks Heather did a great job, and adds that he remembers the power of Sasquatch most of all.
(Told with Flashback images)
Mac tells everyone that the first time Alpha Flight went abroad as a team, Sasquatch stopped a plane with the X-Men on it with his bare hands. Mac remarks that as awesome as that was to see, watching Sasquatch rip big chunks out of the living  - ‘Shoot, what was its name?’ Tundra!’ - landscape, Tundra, was an unbelievable sight.
(Present)
Judd watches Mac intensely, thinking that Guardian is good. For Judd’s mind is finally clearing from the Department’s influence and now it is telling him that he cannot trust Guardian. So Judd waits for the cracks to show.
(Told with Flashback images)
Mac admits that he remembers Sasquatch more easily than Walt, but he kind of remembers the two of them working on some projects together - and he thinks they had a good time too. He adds that he cannot really remember, when he exclaims that he remembers Walter and Puck - and a time where Walter talked them into pinching the Alpha Jet without getting clearance and going to Montreal to see the Expos play.
(Present)
Judd is obviously shocked that Mac remembers that event, while Mac declares that he is going to hold out hope that they might see Sasquatch again some day, ‘In this universe, death isn’t always as final as it seems. Look at me!’
Back inside, Gentry and Hames come up to a lab labelled “Helios Project”, and Gentry asks Hames what is inside this lab. Hames reveals that it is listed as a black project assigned to Dr. Huxley. ‘Another black project?’ sighs Gentry, asking if there isn’t anything in Department H that isn’t shrouded in secrecy. Opening the door, Gentry remarks that “Helios” means “sun” and tells Hames to shield their eyes as they enter.
Dr. Huxley is in the center of the room and tells one of his assistants to shove something in the back, as he wants this damage covered up before - he is interrupted by Gentry who comes up behind him and exclaims ‘”covered up” is not a phrase I like to hear in while on inspection, Dr. Huxley’. ‘Ah, Gentry. I was expecting you later,’ Huxley replies. Gentry asks Huxley what it is he is doing in here and points out that it looks like a bomb went off. Huxley declares that he is not at liberty to discuss the specifics, to which Gentry interrupts him, reminding him he is in charge of Department H now. ‘You have my condolences’ Huxley tells him, to which Gentry replies that nasty little one-liners are the mark of an insecure man.
Gentry asks Huxley if he is insecure and afraid that his little project here won’t measure up. ‘Nothing about me is little!’ Huxley retorts, boasting that the Helios Project is a grand experiment in human genetic power amplification, but that they have just had a few problems. ‘So I see’ mumbles Gentry, before motioning to the gaping hole in the roof and asking what it is - ‘Planetarium Star Projector?’ Huxley replies that the untrained eye might see it as such, but that a more learned man would recognize the D’amp 30000T - the single most advanced stepped-coil solar amplification system in existence!
Huxley claims that after years of tediously pain-staking modifications and cross-pollination with the Prometheus Division’s procured Zero Fluid, he created a means of turning man…into God. ‘Oh? And who exactly have you deified?’ Gentry asks.  Huxley motions to the monitor behind him and reveals to Gentry that the primary subject of the Helios Lab is Shiro Yoshida of Clan Yoshida - also known as Sunfire. Huxley begins to babble on about Sunfire’s powers, until Gentry interrupts him, telling him to skip the pointless flowery similes and cut to the chase. ‘Why was he here, where is he now?’
Gentry exclaims that from what he knows of Sunfire, Shiro is a Japanese national, not a Canadian, before pointing out that by the looks of this lab, Sunfire might have gotten a little too powerful under Huxley’s care and taken off through the unauthorized “skylight” that has been blasted through his building. Anxiously, Huxley claims that Sunfire seems to have gone back to Japan for a temporary - Gentry interrupts and starts walking out of the lab, informing Huxley this project is no longer relevant and is officially cancelled. He tells Huxley to clear out his personal effects immediately. ‘But…’ begins the bemused Huxley. ‘Hames, come along’ is all Gentry says.
Back outside, Puck stands in front of the podium and speaking with a microphone begins by saying that whoever designed the podium should have his or her rump kicked. ‘Second, if you think a comment like that’s inappropriate at Walt’s memorial, then you didn’t know bunk about Walter Langkowski, eh?’ he adds, before thanking Heather and Mac for their speeches, claiming that they reminded him of a Walt he might have let drip from his memory, but one that he never wants to forget. Radius listens intently as Judd adds that Heather and Mac also reminded them all of what a tragedy it was to lose one of their own, especially this way. Judd declares that there was no good reason for this, and that losing Walt is like losing a brother, maybe a son, but definitely a friend.
(Told with Flashback images)
Judd informs everyone that he has known Walt since Alpha Flight started, and that he wants to flesh out his story for those here who didn’t know him as long or as well. Judd remarks that he and Walt hit it off from day one. ‘By that I mean to say he called me a “mascot” and I hit him’. Judd admits that he didn’t know Walt before Alpha Flight, but informs everyone that Walt was a pro football player, which made talking sports with him top-notch, and is probably why they became fast pub buds.
Judd declares that Walt was also as smart as he was tough, and somewhere along the line thought he could become the next Hulk, so he bombarded himself with some gamma rays. Judd remarks that, incredible as it may seems, Walt didn’t die from his test, ‘But he did get a bad case of orange shag carpet back hair…and front hair…and side hair’, which is what turned him into Sasquatch. Puck announces that he doesn’t know if he ever believed Snowbird’s story about Walt being possessed by some ancient evil spirit at the same time, he just remembers him being man and hero enough to take the baddest with the team or on his own, like the Super Skrull, whom Walt fought and defeated single-handedly.
Judd exclaims that Walt had other talents too - ‘He could always work that nerd image to get the ladies’, like his teammate Aurora. ‘Until the time he came back from the grave as a lady himself!’ Judd remarks that he is half waiting for Walt to jump out of the coffin behind him in a black satin cocktail dress and pumps. Judd gets back on track, commenting on how no matter how weird things got, Alpha Flight always seemed to get back to normal, Walt in tow, just in time for someone to pull the plug, like in the days of the Clampdown.
Judd says that not it looks like the plug has been pulled on Walt for what looks like his final time, though he has got to say it - even if no one else has the nerve - given what has happened to Walt lately…going wild, being held in chains in the basement…’He’s probably better off this way’. Judd reveals that he spent most of his hours off going down to the dungeons of Department H trying to spot a trace of the Walt he knew - but there wasn’t any. ‘If that Sasquatch was out Walt, he died a long time ago’.
Puck adds that it seems like he even might have known how that happened somewhere lurking in his head - but he cannot for the life of him remember. Solemnly, Judd states that the one thing that never changed about Walt, even in his darkest days, is that he was there for this team and his teammates - no matter what. ‘That’s what makes a hero’.
(Present)
Meanwhile, in Engineering Lab Theta. Gentry, Hames, Dr. Su and another scientist all stand underneath a holographic image of Vindicator in her new geothermal battle suit. Su explains to Gentry that they added the visor in direct answer to “Miss Hudson’s” complaint about dry lenses. Gentry points out that he notices that there seems to be new gauntlets and boots on this image - substantially larger ones at that, and asks if they are cosmetic changes, or functional. Su assures Gentry that his staff of engineers add nothing that does not have value.
Su explains that all extremity cells feature enhanced power controls that - Gentry interrupts hi, ‘Has Mrs Hudson been consulted in regards to these additions?’ Su declares ‘We are the experts behind the Vindicator technology. Why would we consult a woman who is merely its wearer?’ Gentry begins to leave Engineering Lab Theta, exclaiming that the “wearer” is the one who has to entrust her life to this battle suit, and because he has a file of over thirty requests in writing for modifications that were never implemented…until the visor which was only added today. Gentry informs Su that he is to contact Heather, and furthermore, make the needs of the people behind Alpha Flight his number one priority - or else he will find someone who will. Scowling, Su replies that it will be his most humble pleasure to accommodate.
Judd is about to conclude, and exclaims that it all that needs to be said on that subject by him, before informing everyone that he asked the new recruits if they wanted to speak, but that he got no takers, which he chalks up to them being young and afraid of talking in public. Judd remarks however that he was thinking if any of them is fearless enough to rise to the challenge and say something for Walt, Radius would be the man for the job. Handing the microphone to Radius, Judd says his name.
Radius thinks to himself that he almost made it through the eulogy’s, but now the gauntlet has been dropped. Will he take the challenge - or does his failure with Sasquatch extend even beyond the grave? Jared notices all the mourners looking at him. Everyone is waiting for him to say something - but can he accept the challenge of admitting his part in this or not? ‘Yeah…yeah, I got something to say about Sasquatch - he was a big, dumb, orange ape who was controlled by a girl just to keep him from going ballistic on his own teammates!’
Staring up at the large coffin, Radius exclaims that he had no business even being in Alpha Flight, before adding that everyone is talking about him like he didn’t know it was coming, but points out that he took his chance just by being in Alpha. ‘Same chance we all take every day. It’s just that his number came up’. Alpha Flight look at Jared in silence as he exclaims that if they think he wants their sympathy, ‘I mean that he wants your sympathy…then…then…forget this! I’m outta here!’
Radius storms past the people seated in chairs, shouting ‘Leave me alone! Everybody just leave me alone!’ Alpha Flight watch him go and Mac remarks that he is really taking this hard, before suggesting that one of them should go after him. Judd tells Mac that he is way ahead of him there, and that he was hoping Jared would let it out. As Jared stands amongst the other tombstones in the graveyard, Judd cartwheels over to him.
‘Go away!’ Jared exclaims. Judd just tells Radius that he knows what he is feeling. ‘I’m feeling lame! Jared exclaims, reminding Puck that he told him he didn’t want to make some stupid speech for Sasquatch because…because…. Radius’ voice just trails off. ‘Because you feel responsible for his death? Because you didn’t follow your orders and he had to save you, eh?’ asks Judd, saying again that he knows what Radius is feeling.
Judd tells Radius that he has to be willing to admit that to himself before he can understand that it wasn’t his fault, at least, not entirely. Judd tells Radius that he was wrong to rush off alone like he keeps reminding him, but he is right about the risk being Sasquatch’s own. Judd declares that the fact of the matter is he watched Walt fall more than once because he acted on bad impulses. ‘Reminded me a lot of you that way’. To conclude, Judd tells Radius that he didn’t do good, but that he doesn’t have to hang himself over this either, and if he feels like talking about it some more, then he knows where to find him.
In Department H, on level 66 - the office of the Director. The mysterious Director sits at his desk, an Epsilon Black stands ominously behind him. The Director informs Gentry that he has received some rumblings from Huxley that things are being shaken up here. ‘You gave me orders, Sir, and I’m following them’ Gentry replies. The Director asks Gentry if he thinks it is wise to brazenly displace men like Huxley, for he has years with the Ministry. ‘You have less than a day’.
Gentry declares that Huxley is past his prime and remarks that if his mandate is to turn things around in Department H, then he has to look at Huxley’s work now, not base judgments on what he has accomplished in the past. Turning, Gentry excuses himself, explaining that he has very little time left to make an appearance at Sasquatch’s memorial service. ‘He’s not dead, you know’ the Director exclaims. Gentry stops in his tracks, exclaiming that he saw the remains.
The Director tells Gentry to rest assured that whatever they’re burying was terminated, but that it was not the Walter Langkowski Alpha Flight thinks it is. Gentry asks the Director why he would let them go through with such a trying ceremony, to which the Director replies by telling Gentry that there are many complexities involved with arbitrarily eliminating the emotions of an entire squad with such a revelation - not to mention the embarrassment of having to admit the mind-wiping sessions - such revelations could drive the entire team to quit.
Gentry asks if he is being told not to tell Alpha Flight these facts, to which the Director remarks that he is not telling Gentry what to do - or what not to do, but giving him sensitive information and waiting to see what he does with it. ’Tell them or don’t. The choice is yours’.
The choice is the same for everyone here this day…do you own and master what you now know? Or does it destroy you? Heather asks Mac if he is all right, to which Mac tells Heather not to worry about him, as he will manage. Flex looks to the sky and sees three jets zoom past. ‘Cool…a fly-over!’ he exclaims. ‘He deserved the honor, Flex, and much more’ exclaims Gentry as he approaches Alpha Flight. Mac asks him who he is, and Gentry introduces himself as “Coordinator Gentry” and reveals that he has taken Clarke’s place - in title, but not, as they will find, in disposition or methodology.
Standing around the coffin, Gentry tells the heroes that he doesn’t mean to intrude on their mourning, but he did want to make sure they knew the Department was represented here, and that he wanted to assure them he is committed to cleaning up the Department and making it worthy of the service Alpha Flight provides to this country. ‘Amen to that’ Heather exclaims, before Judd asks him if there is anything else.
Gentry states that there is one more thing, but to be honest, which he always hopes to be with them, he hasn’t decided the best way to tell them what he needs to. He calls to Hames and tells his assistant to place a general meeting on the books for tomorrow morning, the first day of a new era for Department H and Alpha Flight. ‘Yes, sir’ Hames replies.
It’s is a wide world of new beginnings…one occurring in the Labrador Sea south of Greenland’s Cape Farwell. Aboard a boat, someone points to an iceberg and exclaims that it is huge. The captain of the vessel announces that it is the one they have been assigned to reduce. Someone asks the Captain if his men position themselves on icebergs, drill them, drop dynamite and blow them up to prevent modern day Titanic disasters. The Captain asks the young man if he listened to anything he told him, reminding him that they blow icebergs but that it has little to do with passenger ships like the Titanic.
The young man asks Captain Fortier to forgive him, but points out that his magazine sent him here to get a Titanic-themed article - and if he doesn’t come back with one then he is a dead man. Some of Fortier’s crew are on the ice berg and the journalist asks Fortier if he can join them on the ice berg. The Captain replies that he cannot, as it is an insurance liability, adding that it is not exciting, just some tools, some ice and maybe a - ‘Ship! Ship!’ exclaims one of the men on the iceberg.
Fortier is surprised and remarks that they are the only vessel out here, until he turns and sees a ship approaching them. He shouts to them to turn back, before asking who they are and what it is they are doing here. ‘I gotta get my camera!’ exclaims the reporter. A flaming skull hovers next to man dressed in armor and standing at the tip of the ship. ‘This sea is cold and endless, but with your ship, my journey may finally cease!’ exclaims the armored man. ‘My ship?’ asks the Captain, confused. ‘Yes, my lamb. The Brass Bishop has come for collection…!’


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Congregation
Have you ever felt completely alone?
Out on the iceberg fields in the Labrador Sea, south of Cape Farewell in Greenland, you might. Three Canadian choppers approach an iceberg, and the pilot of one announces that they have two bodies on visual, but no sign of the ship. The first chopper adds that there is no movement and asks if they have permission to land. Someone from another chopper replies that he does, but to be careful and do ti by the numbers. Thr first chopper lands and someone asks what is wrong with all the snow, as it is the wrong time of the year for it. Someone else remarks that it is El Nino from the Pacific which is messing up the global air currents.
Someone else motions to the two men sitting several feet away from them in the snow. One of the men remarks that they must be dead, and he is not surprised, for a couple of days out in these conditions would do that to you. From the second chopper, the commander asks his men if they are going to bring them back. ‘What kind of question is that? We’re Canada, not Latveria, of course we’re taking them back!’ Suddenly, one of the rescuers exclaims that one of the men is alive!
‘…Not going to take me…won’t let him take…’ one of the frozen men exclaims. ‘Who’s he talking about, eh?’ one of the rescuers asks. ‘He’s not gonna take me!’ the frozen man screams, before standing up to reveal a large pile of dynamite. The rescuers see the clearing dynamite and realize that the man has rigged it to him and his partner. The men start running back towards the choppers, and seeing the frozen man hit the detonator, they wonder how long the fuse is. ‘Not long enough!’ However, the other two choppers begin taking off without the rescuers. ‘No! Wait for us! Wait!’ they shout. Some of them jump onto the side of the chopper as it takes off, while inside, someone radios for help, exclaiming that they have men on the iceberg still but that it is about to blow - and on cue, it does, in a mighty explosion.
Department H, Ottawa, Canada. Coordinator Gentry stands before a screen which just played out that scene for Canada’s premiere super heroes, Alpha Flight, and informs the heroes that it is the last image the reconnaissance video feed picked up before the helicopters were destroyed in the blast. Gentry explains that the workmen apparently used their entire supply of explosives to avoid being “taken” as they out it.
‘I don’t blame them’ remarks Jared “Radius” Corbo. Manbot whirs and clicks before telling Radius that self-termination is not rational. ‘Click this, Manbot’ Jared mumbles, holding up a finger. James “Guardian” MacDonald Hudson asks Gentry what the motive of the two men was. Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator also wants to know why and asks what would prompt such an extreme response. Eugene Judd a.k.a. Puck remarks that it would be fear, as they looked like they were trying to protect themselves from something more than hurt anyone.
Alpha Flight’s youngest member, Adrian Corbo a.k.a. Flex, asks what could scare them so badly. Gentry explains that those men are part of the crew of the Navigator, a commercial iceberg clearing vessel that dropped them off to wire the iceberg and then just sailed off. Gentry adds that aside from the odd fog bank in one of the video feeds, there is nothing else out of the ordinary. ‘They were abandoned? I’d be afraid too!’ Flex exclaims. ‘You’re afraid of your own shadow, Flex’ his brother remarks.
Flex asks why the men were left, to which Gentry replies that they have no idea. Guardian suddenly tells Gentry, with all due respect, that it sounds like he is assigning Alpha Flight to go investigate, which he is rather hesitant about. ‘But what does it have to do with you?’ Gentry asks, before telling the six heroes to bear with him, as the mystery is deeper - and more complicated. Gentry reveals that standard channels have picked up no sign of the Navigator, meaning for all intents and purposes, that ship was never in the area.
Gentry remarks that if it wasn’t for a sharp-eyed visual tech down in monitor scanning, they would never even know where it went, but she pulled this satellite image which now appears on the screen from a standard scan just hours ago. Gentry reveals that the ship has made a course change for White Cross, Newfoundland and that further visual enhancement showed no visible crew - it is still a “ghost ship” sailing under a steady hand somehow. ‘You mean, something actually happened in Canada that Department H didn’t know about in advance, Gentry?’ Heather asks.
Guardian points out that this should still be a matter for the police or the army, and Judd adds that they have been sent on too many government “errands” without knowing why lately. ‘Yeah!’ agrees Flex. Gentry announces that as of 2.41pm yesterday, all contact with White Cross was lost - including reports from the body guards of the Prime Minister’s wife who was in town on personal affairs. He adds that a special forces army corps was sent in, but it too was lost with no contact within minutes of arrival. Manbot declares that the probability of terrorist action is 15.862 percent.
‘So you want us to go pound on whoever’s doing it?’ Jared asks. Gentry declares that he wants them to go find answers, that he wants his first official assignment of Alpha Flight to end in a fast and unqualified success. Glancing out the window, Gentry adds that he wants the Prime Minister’s wife returned safely - for she is his sister! ‘Count on us, sir! Alpha Flight stands ready for province and planet!’ Guardian declares. ‘That supposed to be our rallying cry?’ Jared asks mockingly.
As the team begins to disperse, Gentry asks Guardian for a moment. Suddenly Mac feels completely alone - even in a room of his closest friends. Heather tells her estranged husband that they will meet him at the jet. ‘Sir…?’ Mac asks, standing with his hands behind his back. Gentry informs Guardian that he has been reading up on his files and that it appears he has been under a lot of pressure to lead since the team’s reinstatement. Guardian agrees, but claims that he thinks he has handled it as well as could be expected. ‘To be blunt, I don’t’ Gentry remarks, saying he doesn’t want to diminish his efforts, before pointing out that a member of Alpha Flight - Murmur - was severely injured while under his watch.
Guardian replies that he cannot make excuses for that, to which Gentry tells him ‘Good, a great leader wouldn’t’, before declaring that is what he is looking for in this mission - great leadership and no excuses. Mac replies that he is the perfect man for the job, when Hames, Gentry’s assistant, enters the room. Gentry tells Mac that that is the kind of statement that makes him nervous. ‘Don’t be perfect. Be a leader’. he says, before turning to Hames and asking him what is going on. Hames reveals that Dr. Huxley is causing quite a ruckus, and wants to see him. Mac leaves the room, feeling alone - which is just like feeling your insides freeze.
The best way to alleviate that feeling is to reach out to another - to come in from the cold. At a makeshift medicine hut near Anchorage, Alaska, that is what one man is about to do. Do you know this man? He is a former professional football player with a PhD in physics - an unlikely combination - a dichotomy. He is also a friend to the man inside the smoke hut - Doctor Michael Twoyoungmen - a man of medicine, both practical and profane. His patients call him “doctor”, while the tribes he assists call him - ‘Shaman! I’ve found you!’ exclaims the man as he enters the hut. ‘Really? I wasn’t aware that I was lost…’ the elderly former Alpha Flight member remarks, turning to the handsome Doctor Walter Langkowski…a.k.a. Sasquatch!
You never know where you’ll run into old acquaintances - nor if your reception will be warm and loving or stone cold dead. ‘You notice something, Mac?’ asks Judd, peering out of the Alpha Jet down at the town of White Cross, Newfoundland. ‘It’s deserted, just like the boat’ Mac replies as the six Alphans emerge from the aircraft. ‘Cool, I’m moving here!’ Jared exclaims while Judd declares that the whole town couldn’t have just vanished, so he thinks it is time for a little search and scour. Mac agrees and declares that he wants three teams as follows. But before Mac has a chance to divide the team into three, Heather exclaims that she will take Manbot to scan the residential area. Manbot begins to follow Heather. ‘Confirmed. Infra-red spectrum disrupted. Visual scans enabled’ he states. Judd leaps over Mac exclaiming that he and Flex will sniff around the shipyards.
As the four take their leave, Mac tells them to wait, as he is supposed to - ‘I wasn’t going to group you that way!’ Frowning, Radius asks Mac if he didn’t want to be stuck with him. Mac replies that it isn’t it at all, and asks Jared if he is ready to follow orders. ‘To the grave. Let’s go’ Radius replies.
Heather flies alongside Manbot and asks him if this place is giving him the creeps too. ‘No’ Manbot replies. Heather apologizes and remarks that she forgets sometimes that he is a man only in name, no emotions. Heather informs Manbot that General Clarke told them little about him when he was in charge of the Department, quite the opposite of this Gentry fellow. Manbot whirs and clicks and states that General Clarke followed a need-to-know paradigm.
Suddenly, Manbot states ‘replaying stored example’ and an image of General Clarke appears projected from Manbot. In this recording Clarke states that he is concerned about Heather, as she is downright uncooperative. Heather is shocked and asks Manbot where he got that image from, for even she hasn’t seen it. The recording continues, and Heather sees Clarke state that they might have to supplement her conditioning program, for she can have no future in Department H if she doesn’t get in line.
Manbot reveals that he houses a number of similar programs, but that his programming would not allow him to access them before. Manbot informs Heather that his programming has now been altered, and Heather tells him that she wants to see every file that he has, but later, after - Heather stops in her tracks, as there is a loud BWAAAOO sound coming from the church nearby. ‘What was that?’ Mac exclaims. ‘Don’t ask me. I just work here, boss’ Jared remarks.
At the wharf, Flex asks Judd what that noise was. Judd replies that it sounded like a horn. ‘Like…a fog horn?’ Adrian wonders. Judd tells him only if they are really lucky. ‘Do you feel lucky?’ Adrian asks. Judd replies that he doesn’t, and adds that he doesn’t see any fog either. He tells Adrian that they cannot let their imaginations run away with them until they have good cause to. Nervously, Flex asks “Mr Judd” if that is a good cause.
Turning to see what Adrian is looking at, Judd sees the missing ship - the Navigator - crashed into part of the wharf. Judd wonders where it came from, while Flex motions to the man strung from the front of the ship, exclaiming that it is the Captain, and that he looks dead. ‘I think I’m gonna be sick!’ he exclaims. Judd tells him to do it to the right, and to make it fast, as this is not good news. Flex asks what they should do - call the others? Judd tells him that he is guessing the Captain didn’t put himself in that position, and leaping up the chains, he exclaims he is going to see if he is alive. Judd calls down that the Captain isn’t looking too good, when suddenly, in a strange voice, the Captain, with glowing red eyes, exclaims ‘And…so, he said unto his flock - Come my sheep, your master calls. My will is strong and there is work to be done!’ The Captain’s voice returns to normal and he tells Judd to run away as fast as he can. Judd tells Flex to call the others  - for their luck has officially run out! ‘Uh-oh!’ remarks the frightened Flex.
Meanwhile, back at Department H. Doctor Horatio Huxley is having a go at Gentry, asking him how he dare move the new Alpha recruits from their private wing without consulting him. ‘How dare you!’ ‘You mean from their holding cells?’ Gentry remarks, pointing out that Lilli, Flinch and Ouija are people, not specimens, so he “dare” do what is best for them. A furious Huxley declares that Gentry has none of his seventeen years of experience in the development and advancement of the super hero.
Gentry interrupts Huxley, informing him that he knows all of his history, that he was an important player in the seventies, turning this back-water program into something special. Gentry tells Huxley that he knows his ego got bruised and so he jumped ship, moving to Washington DC, where he tried to recreate his success for the Americans. After a promising start, that series of experiments ended in an embarrassing failure, prompting him to return back to Canada, sniffing around for his old job.
Gentry begins to walk away from Huxley, telling him that while they are on the subject of jobs, he knows that Huxley has been making statements about the fact that he has designs on his job now as well. ‘What if I have been?’ Huxley asks, exclaiming that he is better qualified. Gentry turns back to Huxley and declares ‘Since no one else is willing to tell you, allow me - you’re past your prime, Huxley!’ Huxley mutters that he will not even grace that comment with a response. ‘You just did!’ Gentry points out, before declaring that Huxley’s best days are far behind him, and that if he wants his job, then say it to his face, then they can have it out. ‘I love a fair fight!’
Gentry declares that what he cannot stand are backdoor, side-stepping cowards, and tells Huxley that if he has a problem with him to bring it up at the next general meeting. ‘I…will!’ Huxley shouts, storming past Hames. Hames begins to remind Gentry that he is late for his check up of Murmur, but Gentry knows this, and they enter the rehab room where Arlette “Murmur” Truffaut is exclaiming ‘Non! It hurts!’ Gentry asks Murmur what she is doing, and goes over to help her. Arlette knows what it feels like to be alone and it is a feeling that leaves her cold.
Gentry grabs Murmur so she doesn’t fall, telling her that he has her, Murmur declares that she will cooperate. Arlette much prefers the warm touch of another, as that and a word from her lips can give her control over their actions. Arlette smiles and thanks Gentry, to which Gentry asks her if she should be in bed, reminding her that she was shot by the Zodiac. He points out that she has to recuperate and asks if she isn’t in pain. ‘The pain of boredom’ Arlette replies, informing Gentry that she wishes to finish therapy and return to active duty.
Gentry informs Murmur that after reviewing her files, he is worried that she might now have been ready for field action, pointing out that her lack of training ay account for her wounds, and adding that her powers have not even been fully examined. Arlette exclaims that she has nothing but Alpha Flight and tells Gentry that to take it away would be the death of her. She remarks that she would do anything to ensure her active status, and asks Gentry to help her. Gentry smiles, and tells Arlette that he will, but that they must discover better ways for her to more actively help the team. ‘Now, lets get you back on those legs of yours. If you can’t talk the walk, you can’t fight the fight!’
Huxley sits in his private lab watching the scene between Gentry and Murmur play out while eating some potato chips. ‘Go ahead, Gentry…play the hero…and may you soon learn what happens to the heroes here in Department H!’ he exclaims wickedly, while behind him, trapped in a vat of green liquid…is Diamond Lil, one of those very heroes!
Back in White Cross, Judd asks what they are going to do now. Heather tells him that as soon as Mac gets the Captain secured, someone is going to have to fly him out for immediate medical attention. ‘I don’t know how to fly, but I’ll go!’ exclaims Flex. Judd tells the young Alphan to relax, as there isn’t any fight yet. Mac walks down the ramp of the Alpha Jet and declares that there is no flight either, as their on-board computers are dead - including communications - meaning they have been cut off. He remarks that whatever is in this town doesn’t want anything that gets here getting back out.
‘It’s happening to us, just like that team the army sent out here!’ Flex exclaims. Judd tells Flex not to get his boxers in a bunch, as it isn’t a brawl if there haven’t been any punches thrown. Suddenly, the horn sounds again, and Heather declares that she has a bad feeling about it. Jared is standing on the porch of a church and tells his teammates that if they think a horn is bad, then they definitely want to come and see this.
Mac and Heather take flight, while Judd, Manbot and Flex follow on foot. Mac tells Radius to stay where he is until they are with him and asks Heather to take the Z-axis, and informs Judd that he is to take the point. ‘Sure, throw the short one to the wolves, why not, eh?’ Judd replies, leaping on the back of Manbot. Guardian asks Manbot for readings on the church interior, to which Manbot replies that the atmosphere has sulfur content of .323 above normal, and that the life form count is zero. ‘Guess again, transformer!’ Jared exclaims as the team enters the church.
‘Life form count zero? How do you explain that?’ The fog horn sounds again and the Alphans all stare at a group of zoned-out people. Mac motions to the Prime Minister’s Wife in the front, and asks what is wrong with her. ‘Maybe she saw the Canadian exchange rate, eh?’ Judd jokes, before remarking that there is something here more rotten than the economy. Guardian asks Manbot to confirm his life readings, to which the mysterious Alphan replies that the interior life form count is five. ‘That’s us’ says Guardian.
‘It’s only women and children. Not to sound like Murmur - but where are all the men?’ Heather asks. Jared is walking amongst the unmoving people and remarks that, for dead dudes, they are still warm, and suggests that Manbot’s circuits are on the fritz. The horn sounds again and Heather asks what it means. Judd remarks that he feels like he should know, but that he cannot remember. He declares that he wishes Clarke was still alive so that he could kill him again for wiping his memories. Judd adds that he thinks Clarke did something to the part of his brain that wants to tell him the horn mean - ‘Warning!’ announces Manbot.
Indeed, and suddenly, all the zombie-like people in the room light up and smile. ‘Welcome!’ one of the women exclaims. Flex screams and flexes his hand into a sharp weapon. Judd turns to a little girl and remarks that she didn’t say anything, but the girl just screams and with her teddy bear, begins to run away. Judd tells her  that it is okay, that they are the good guys, but the girl just tells him to leave her alone, and screams.
Heather and Guardian fly after the girl, with Guardian telling her to stop, that they are here to help her. Heather cautions Mac to be gentle so as not to frighten her. ‘Leave me alone!’ the girl repeats over and over. The fog horn sounds again and Mac points out that the intervals between the calls are decreasing, and asks Manbot to get a fix on it. Manbot attempts to, but replies that the origin point is indeterminate. Heather asks the little girl if she knows where that sound is coming from, to which the girl exclaims that it is coming from the tower in the sky, adding that she saw it in the woods, and then he came to her.
Mac asks her who came, and Heather asks her why everyone else is standing still except her. The little girl remarks that her mother told her not to go into the woods and now she is in trouble. The fog horn sounds again and Radius declares that they have to go find that stupid thing. The little girl exclaims that she could take them to it, and Heather asks her if she would be brave and do that for them. ‘Yes’ the girl exclaims as the fog horn sounds once more.
Elsewhere, there are some people that thrive on isolation, Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier always thought that he was one of those people. ‘Aurora!’ the handsome speedster shouts as he streaks across the sky. However, as the former founding Alphan approaches the magnetic north pole, he feels that it he cannot find his twin sister, Jeanne-Marie, then he will surely perish. Northstar recently found Aurora in her old school, only to lose her just as easily. Suddenly, Northstar discovers that his powers are gone, and crashes to the snow-covered ground below.
Aurora looked far worse, far more vulnerable than Northstar when he last saw her, and now, as he sits up, flagpoles all around him, he sees Aurora standing several feet away from him. In her native French, Jeanne-Marie asks Northstar if he came all the way to the North Pole for her. Jean-Paul asks Aurora if it is really her, to which the sultry former Alphan replies ‘Yes, Jean-Paul…but not for long’, before streaking skywards in a blinding flash of light. Standing in the snow, Jean-Paul calls after her to wait, as his powers are gone. How tragic it is for Northstar that he doesn’t realize he might be far better off…alone.
Back in White Cross, Alpha Flight and the little girl are in the teams jet, and Mac points out that with the radar and communication channels scrambled, they are flying blind, so everyone needs to keep their eyes peeled. Heather points out that they are blinded too, as there is nothing but snow and fog, meaning something is wrong with this weather. Judd tells Heather not to limit it to the weather, as there is plenty more wrong here, but he just cannot work out what. Mac asks Manbot if any of his systems are registering, to which Manbot replies that a conflicting input visual scan shows appreciable human movement at 144.8 Northwest, and his temperature scan shows only one human life form.
Guardian tells Manbot to input those coordinates, as he will settle for anything living at this point. Flex looks at the little girl nervously and reminds his teammates that Manbot said there were no other life forms at the church besides them, so wouldn’t that mean that the little girl - ‘Hard right, Mac!’ Judd exclaims, interrupting Flex. Mac tells Judd that he doesn’t see anything, but Judd tells him to trust him and just to veer.
Perhaps the most unnerving thing of all is thinking you’re alone…when you’re actually not. The Alpha Jet scrapes against something large in the air, and Mac exclaims that they hit something, but that there was nothing there. Judd tells him that there was, but he just couldn’t see it. ‘And you could?’ Radius asks, when suddenly, the little girl exclaims in the same freaky voice the Captain was using ‘Yes…he has the vision…he is the one!’ Radius exclaims that the girl is going “Exorcist” on them back here, and is looking like the people in the church. Mac orders Radius to hold onto her, while he tries to set them down.
Judd remarks that it isn’t going to be a three-pointer with a chunk of the flap missing and urges everyone to strap in. The Alpha Jet bounces along the snow-covered ground, and everyone leaves the plane unharmed. Mac asks for a status report and Manbot states that there is a craft system failure but with zero fatalities. Jared mutters that he hopes everyone is glad they came here, to which Judd exclaims they didn’t come here - they were brought!
Everyone stares up at the mighty tower before them, and Mac asks what it is and why they didn’t see it from the air. Heather asks why Manbot didn’t get a reading if all the men of the two are here working on it, for it is bigger than the C-N Tower. Judd remarks that it is a tower and reveals that it is called the Tower of Babel. ‘Translation for those who don’t speak Bible’ Jared exclaims. Manbot announces that the Tower of Babel is an ancient Mesopotamian structure built in the city of Babylon.
Guardian explains that the Tower is just a myth, supposedly built by the descendants of Moses to reach Heaven. ‘But we’re not in Babylon’ he points out. Judd exclaims that he remembers now, and informs everyone that this is a new tower, hidden from the eyes of man, and built for terrible reasons. He remarks that he never thought its architect would actually return to finish his work. ‘What architect? Who could build something like this?’ Radius asks.
Suddenly, the six heroes hear that strange voice spoken by the little girl and the Captain. ‘He refers to me…‘ exclaims a man clad in brass, surrounded by all the men of White Cross, and with a flaming skull at his side. ‘…the Brass Bishop!’