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A Thirst for Power
Corner Brook, Newfoundland, 1:23 A.M.
Interpol received a tip that a supply of high-tech weaponry was being shipped into Canada through this small city…so when workers were spotted at the Pulp Mills on the Humber River at a very odd time of night…Alpha Flight got curious - and for these heroes, curiosity is rarely synonymous with subtlety, especially as Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier, Eugene Milton Judd a.k.a. Puck, and Lillian Crawley, better known as Diamond Lil, charge their way across the docks.
The sultry Diamond Lil lands with a loud THUMP on the dock, knocking several workers aside, while remarking that Northstar and Judd told her to be sneaky and quiet, to which she said to them “No problem, boys - just watch me!” Lil points out that they have arrived, and asks Northstar what he thinks. The handsome speedster tells Lil that he thinks she would rather not know as he knocks someone aside, while Judd kicks someone over, telling Lil that she has made a start at least.
Judd points out that they have taken care of all the “workers”, before asking where the weapons are that they are supposed to be smuggling. Suddenly, his answer is revealed, as a large door opens behind them and several men wearing strange armor make their presence known, one of them declaring that in the name of the Latverian Liberation Front, and in the name of freedom for their country, they demand that their mission be allowed to continue unmolested.
‘I didn’t molest them - did you boys molest them?’ Lil asks her teammates. Northstar points out that they have better taste than that, and suddenly a large electromagnetic blast signals the arrival of two more Alphans - Madison “Box” Jeffries, and the recently resurrected James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator. Box tells Mac that his plan worked, but Mac declares that there is still much to learn from these so-called “Freedom Fighters”. He adds that while researching them, try not to unduly harm them.
Box flies towards one of the Latverian Liberation Front members and blasts him with some super-sonics, effectively knocking them out. Creating a whirlwind as he races around one opponent, Jean-Paul suggests they each chose their own opponent, before asking someone to define “unduly” for him. Lillian just mutters that Vindicator is spouting big words again, and as she lifts Judd up, the diminutive Alphan jokes ‘I could see as how unduly might unduly confuse you’. Lil points out to Judd that he is pretty gutsy making fun of a girl whose arms are wrapped so close to the family jewels.
As Lil tosses him towards their opponent, Judd jokes that he is a man of adventure, and as he curls up like a ball, aimed at their opponent, he hopes that whoever is in the tin can realizes that this is going to hurt them much more than it does him. Judd smashes into the Latverian at full force, exclaiming that two hundred and twenty pounds of rubber-like condensed flesh, and the Latverian takes the impact. Rubbing his head, Judd remarks that Ernest would be glad to see the European machismo still foolishly abounds.
As Vindicator starts attacking his new opponent with small electromagnetic blasts, he warns the Latverian that Puck is not the only Alphan with newfound strength and power. He explains that his ability to manipulate electromagnetic energies of this planet, or even their armor, is as much a part of him as his lungs, or his anger, are. As Lil is knocked aside by Mac’s powerful blast, she jokes that she is still only getting by on good looks, diamond hard skin and a charming wit.
The last-standing member of the Latverian Liberation Front boasts that as long is there is breath left in them, they will battle to the bitter end. Northstar comes up to him and starts pounding at his chest, eventually shattering the armor completely, and revealing the henchman beneath. Jean-Paul informs the Latverian that his naïveté and ridiculous spouting reminds him a little of himself, ‘Which is unfortunate for you, since I do not like myself very much’.
Vindicator announces that all the LLF members are out cold, and remarks that he had hopes to have a least one of them conscious in order to interrogate him. He declares that if the information they received from Interpol was accurate, then they should have expected far more weaponry and resistance than that, when suddenly, all the LLF and their armor disintegrates in a burst of flame.
Vindicator exclaims that this is fascinating, as someone would rather these men have died than divulge any of their group’s information in Canada. ‘Madmen and their causes’ remarks Jean-Paul. Vindicator suggests that this may be a well-planned and deadly deception and suggests they contact Guardian.
Ottawa, under the Parliament Building, the seat of the Canadian Federal Government lies a long-abandoned complex which has served as the original home of Department H, the country’s super human training program. The bunker now serves as Alpha Flight’s temporary quarters, and many memories echo off its cold, metal walls, some pleasant, some not…some you ignore, some you hide from…and for Heather McNeil Hudson, a.k.a. Guardian, long serving leader of Canada’s premiere super heroes, Alpha Flight, some memories just keep staring her right in the face. The particular memory being James MacDonald Hudson….Vindicator.
Via computer screen, Vindicator informs Guardian of the situation, explaining that it seems their guest was correct in his postulations. Guardian orders Vindicator to recall the strike squad and bring the remains of the terrorists back in for autopsies. Vindicator replies that he understands, and signs out. Walking through the complex, Heather thinks calling each other by their codenames is all business - how convenient. It has been two weeks since Mac returned and in all that time it has been nothing but business between them.
Heather recalls that Mac didn’t even hug her when she first saw him again, and wonders what he is really thinking behind that cold, mechanical exterior - is he more man than machine now? What happens if Heather doesn’t like the answer to that question? ‘How do I really feel about my husband being alive again?’ not to mention, how is it going to affect her status as leader of the team?
Heather approaches a conference table where Alpha Flight’s military liaison, General Jeremy Clarke and various other officials are waiting for her. Heather explains that the strike squad in Newfoundland ran into some men smuggling some very advanced weaponry, claiming they were members of the Latverian Liberation Front. Clarke realizes that a certain someone was right, before asking Heather of the status of the terrorists.
Heather replies that the terrorists are dead, apparently some automatic self-destruct mechanism. Clarke declares that these people mean business, ‘That’s a bit of an understatement, General’ remarks Heather, before exclaiming that according to Vindicator, the hardware shipment they stopped may have just been a drop in the bucket. ‘Then we have no choice to do as he requests’ exclaims Clarke, when suddenly ‘Yes, General Clarke,’ bellows a cloaked man at the top of the stairs.
Clarke looks nervous and Heather is shocked, as Dr. Doom steps into view! Doom declares that in order for the trade talks between Latveria and Canada to commence, he demands that he be provided a security complement that befit’s a diplomatic visit by a reigning head of State, and since in this case he is on Canadian soil…’Victor von Doom demands that Alpha Flight provide me their undivided attention and protection!’
Ottawa General Hospital, the next morning. Heather is catching up with her close friend and teammate Doctor Michael Twoyoungmen, aptly codenamed Shaman. Heather informs Michael that what it boils down to is Doom wants water for his country, and he is willing to barter with an array of technological secrets that he possesses. Heather asks Shaman what he thinks, and the wise Alphan replies that if one opens the door to the barn, they should not complain if the fox steals their hens. ‘And if there ever was a fox, it’s Doom,’ remarks Heather, before asking Shaman how Elizabeth is doing.
Shaman replies that his daughter is eating on her own now and is in physical therapy to improve her motor functions. He explains that her memory is spotty and she cannot access the wealth of mystical knowledge innately contained in her mind. Solemnly, Shaman declares that in essence, his daughter, the Talisman, allowed herself to be lobotomized in order to save the team. Shaman asks Heather if she realizes how helpless this makes him feel, and as they walk side by side down the hospital corridor, Shaman reminds Heather that time and time again Elizabeth has risked her life - body and soul - and he is never able to help her, only there to pick up the shattered pieces.
Heather suggests it is all part of being a parent, and suggests they check on Laura Dean. ‘Another casualty, and this one a ten year old girl no less!’ mutters Shaman. Twoyoungmen wonders why it all still bothers him so much, before asking Heather to tell him more about Doom’s presence. Heather explains that it seems Doom’s country’s only fresh water supply has been tainted by a bacterial infection, and neither of his neighbors, Symkaria or the Soviet Union, are willing to deal with him. Shaman realizes that Doom came to the country with the largest fresh water supply, before asking why Parliament would be willing to deal with him, to which Heather points out that the usual reasons - money and technology - and from Doom, they can get both.
‘Granted, but at what cost?’ asks Shaman as the duo enter Laura Dean’s private ward. Heather whispers that it is time to make nice, and asks Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier how things are going. Aurora greets Heather and explains that nothing has changed, that Laura is still in her coma state and Kara is still watching over her like a benevolent vulture. Heather turns to Kara “Persuasion” Kilgrave and asks if she is still “down in the dumps”, before pointing out that Laura is alive, and they should keep praying.
Kara replies that she knows, before asking what kind of life this is, and declares that she keeps thinking with all their powers and fancy names - they are all just raw meat, right? Heather gives the former Beta Flight member a hug, as Kara mutters that they can all get cut up and cooked up like everyone else. Heather tells Kara that they are all flesh and blood, but they are also heart and soul too, and asks her to keep her hope and faith for Laura’s sake, and her own.
Laura’s father, Darby Dean steps forward and tells Guardian that her words are very true, and understands that they could be directed at he and his wife also. Darby exclaims that he and Susan admit they were wrong to abandon Laura because she was a mutant, and want Heather to know they are going to make up for their mistake. Heather replies that is good to hear, before informing the Dean’s that the situation involving Laura is far from over, both physically and legally. Susan Dean asks Heather what she means by this, to which Heather reveals that once Laura is healthy again, Alpha Flight is going to petition to become her legal guardians.
Meanwhile, in Toronto, later that afternoon. At a large building site, founding Alphan Doctor Walter Langkowski a.k.a. Sasquatch remarks that this is going to be home sweet home, joking that besides the fact he hates the Maple Leaf’s with every strand of fur on his cute body, he supposes that this should be okay. Turning to Witchfire, Walt asks the young sorceress what she thinks. The former member of Gamma Flight replies that she doesn’t think the land will reject them, adding that she feels they will be well-attuned to this location.
Windshear snidely remarks that he feels “attuned” as well, to which Alpha Flight’s new government liaison Kerry Patrick tells Colin Ashworth Hume not to get snippy. Hume replies that he is “snippy”  because he and Witchfire are not even official Alphans yet and wants to know why they have to be here, before telling Walt and Kerry that they may as well come out and say it, that they don’t trust them. Walt, in a mockingly British tone, tells Windshear not to be so sensitive.
Sasquatch explains that Heather just wanted him and Kerry to take turns evaluating Windshear and Witchfire’s personalities, and this seemed like the best time to do it. ‘But if you’re going to act like a baby, I can feed you a bottle at a great bar a few blocks away’ Kerry asks Walt if he is talking about the Loose Moose, when suddenly, the crane carrying a set of planks snaps, sending the heavy planks plummeting to the ground. ‘Look out below!’ yells one of the construction workers.
Windshear exclaims that it looks like the whole building is coming down, and tells Patrick to stay behind him. Windshear takes flight and uses his mutant powers to create a hard-air screen to protect the two of them from the falling slabs. Sasquatch tells Hume not to worry about him and Witchfire, but to check with the workers and make sure none of them were hurt. A green glow emanates from Witchfire as she exclaims that a spell of attunement will cause the falling metal to seek other metal and the falling wood to seek other wood.
Windshear arrives at the top of the building frame and asks the workers if they are all right. One of the workers replies that they are fine, and explain that the mooring cables snapped. Windshear picks the men up and flies them down to the ground. Witchfire whispers to Walter ‘That was rather questionable’, and Walt declares that he is getting tired of having every one of their headquarters fall apart and exclaims that it is not going to happen again.
Turning to Kerry Patrick, Sasquatch declares that he thinks this construction site is going to need some serious supervision, and asks what he thinks. Hands in pockets, Kerry replies that in light of this escapade, he couldn’t agree more.
Three hours later in Ottawa, Dr. Doom addresses Ministers of the Federal Canadian Parliament, informing them that he is not one to beg or borrow, but he is a ruler whose people beg for the Canadian’s assistance, a ruler whose people raise their hands to borrow a taste of life. Doom explains that his land is in desperate need of fresh water, that his people thirst for life and points out that those who thirst for power deny them their rightful due.
Doom declares that he comes to Canada to secure a treaty which would provide Latveria with fresh water. He adds that he has done this under direct threat to his own life from forces who would oppose him. Turning and walking away from the table, past Mac and Aurora, he exclaims that tomorrow morning, when the talks official begin, he hopes they will see clear to grant his needs.
‘Vindicator…Guardian…whatever your name is now -’ remarks Doom, before Mac cuts him off, ‘It is Vindicator, your majesty.’ ‘Of course’, replies Doom as he asks if he and Aurora would accompany him to his quarters. Mac matter-of-factly states that they are here to provide the ruler of Latveria with complete protection, while thinking to himself that he can see Doom is representing Latveria, he is beginning to doubt that this Doom is the real Victor von Doom!
The next morning, protesters are in abundance as the flock around Parliament Hill. A reporter reports that in addition to protesters there are also supporters of the so-called “Water For The Devil” talks, who have come to make their voices heard. Inside Parliament Hill, Prime Minister Mulroney welcomes everyone, including Dr. Doom and exclaims that he hopes today’s discussions do not become as rambunctious as those held here recently. Doom, sitting on a makeshift throne, points out that he is here for a specific reason, and claims it is not to cause them any difficulty. ‘I am here to find a succor for my people!’
Doom declares that in that light, he wants to express his appreciation for the respect Canada has shown in his delegation, as well as the security he has been provided with through Canada’s super human operatives. ‘I’d feel a sense of security if I could knock him upside the head!’ whispers Walt, to which Heather tells him to hush.
Vindicator suddenly announces that there is something peculiar and asks Box to perform a wavelength spectrograph on the people in the room. Box replies ‘no problem’, before asking why. Vindicator reveals that he is registering broadcasts in the same frequency as those emitted by the terrorists in Newfoundland, and as Box scans the men flanking Dr. Doom, he sees that Vindicator is correct, and reveals that the readings are coming from lots of people.
Suddenly, there is a loud rumbling, and the men flanking Doom are revealed to be more of the Latverian Liberation Front. They are suited up and one of them declares that in order for Latveria to ever be free…Doom must die! Dr. Doom stands up and calls Alpha Flight fools for allowing the LLF to enter the chamber. Northstar rushes forth to hold back one of the soldiers with multiple punches while telling Doom to not insult those protecting his questionable armored hide. As Judd leaps into battle, he reminds Jean-Paul that they have a job to do and heads to bust - ‘so stop complaining and keep hitting, eh?’
Aurora darts around members of the LLF, boasting that her light-imbued abilities are simply too fast for them. As part of her new pacifist outlook, Jeanne-Marie asks the LLF if they would prefer to simply desist. As Vindicator attacks his opponent, he tells Aurora that he applauds her effort, but points out that it doesn’t seem they are willing to simply desist.
Guardian hovers high over several of the LLF, asking her team for a little less banter, and as she knocks out four of the LLF at once, she orders Alpha Flight to do their jobs and finish off these terrorists. Vindicator exclaims that an electromagnetic dispersal screen should sufficiently render his opponents armor inoperative, while Box takes a little more of a “biceps and pit-stain” approach, ripping the armor from his opponents’ bodies.
As Sasquatch shoves his opponent through some glass, he comments that Jeffries could have made on heck of a “free-safety” if he had an ounce of coordination. Lil tells Walt to trust her on this one: that Jeffries is coordinated where and when he needs to be. ‘And you can bet that goes double for me!’ she adds as she uppercuts one of her opponents.
Shaman kneels before several members of the LLF, informing them that most of his teammates revel in their exertion, as it has been too long since they have had such an opportunity. However, he explains that for his part, a spell of local seismic upheaval is a harmless, though effective remedy to their assault, and Twoyoungmen’s opponents are soon knocked to the ground by a small earthquake.
‘Die, Doom! Die and let history spit upon you!; shouts one of the LLF as he blasts Doom with some power. Doom stands his ground, pointing out that as long as his personal force field can protect him, he will not be soiled by one such as he. Judd asks Doom why he needs Alpha Flight then, to which Jean-Paul points out that it is for show, for the petty sake of looking sympathetic. Together, Jean-Paul and Puck hit one of the LLF from two directions, knocking him out.
Heather blasts two of the Latverian Liberation Front at the same time, exclaiming that whatever the reason, she wants less talk and more action. With her two opponents down for the count, she asks if that is all of them. Blinding one of them with her light, Aurora announces that this is the last, before suddenly declaring that when her burst of light engulfed the LLF member, she felt something odd.
Vindicator remembers what happened last time and orders everyone away from their foes, explaining that they are about to explode. However, all of the LLF members scream in pain, before turning to dust. Guardian exclaims that they are all dead and asks how they could have done this too themselves. Vindicator approaches Doom and in reply to Heather’s question reveals that the LLF did not kill themselves, declaring that when the first group self-destructed in Newfoundland, he registered a triggering signal, and exclaims that he just registered the same signal, as well as the frequency  which activated the teleportation device which brought the terrorists here, coming from one location, one source…Dr. Doom!
Vindicator announces that he can see Doom’s force field is raised, and points out that while it protected him during the battle, it cannot protect Doom from him, nor can it shield him from the guilt. Vindicator uses his electromagnetic abilities to extinguish Doom’s force field, and puts a hand around Doom’s neck. ‘What now?’ asks Doom, as Vindicator reveals he can control and override all electromagnetic frequencies once he has accessed their wavelengths, which now includes Doom’s force field.
Vindicator declares that rumors have been running rampant that this man is merely a pretender to the throne, that behind the armor, he is not the true Victor von Doom. Mac suggests that if so, what better way to allay those suspicions and place him in a sympathetic light among the international community, than having an assassination attempt on his very life in a very public and very political forum.
‘Disengage your hand from my person, Vindicator, or I will snap it in half!’ comes Doom’s reply. Vindicator complies, and Doom declares that as official sovereign ruler of Latveria, he claims diplomatic immunity from their hostilities. Vindicator informs Doom that he is correct, and Heather tells Doom that they are not going to allow him to get off so easily. As Doom fades before their eyes, he informs Guardian that one does not “allow” Doom anything!
With that, he is gone, but Vindicator announces that Doom escaped using a variation of his time machine, explaining that he was able to set its usage for moments after its activation, using time travel as a teleportation device. Mulroney asks if it is over, to which Heather replies that it appears to be. Heather declares that all of Doom’s plans and all of his manipulations backfired completely. She points out that even if the threat to Latveria’s water supply were true, Doom will suffer even more international isolation than before.
Heather claims that the only question left unanswered is how could Doom, even if he is not the real one, have allowed himself to get into such a predicament to begin with?
Elsewhere…reports come through via a computer, “-reports of the ruckus in the Canadian parliament-”, “-questions regarding the Latverian leader continues to grow as-”, “-though it appears the water supply still remains tainted, this is CNN Newswa-”
‘This is all that is needed?’ asks a man dressed in black, holding a small vial of water out. ‘Yes’ comes the reply, ‘The contents of that vial will return my land’s water supply to normal’. Dr. Doom steps into view, informing Ambassador Fyotr that it is to be presented to the Latverian people as a gift from his great nation of Symkaria. ‘It will be, Herr Doom,’ Fyotr replies, before thanking Doom for the use of his elegant Swiss Chalet, and most especially for his benevolence.
‘Yes, of course,’ replies Doom, declaring that all has worked as planned, that Kristoff is impotent in the face of his greatest challenge as Monarch, and very soon, Victor von Doom will reclaim his land…and Kristoff’s head will be served to him on a silver platter. ‘Very, very soon indeed…’.
Back in Canada, various parts of conversation is picked up from patrons at a fancy restaurant, ‘The GST is going to kill the regular folks, but -’, ’Yeah, yeah, Blue Rodeo’s playing there tonight -’.  At the table shared by General Jeremy Clarke and Kerry Patrick, Kerry tells the General that he understands his reservations, but… Clarke cuts him off, ‘But nothing’ he says, telling Patrick that he has to discuss this with him, not that it means he doesn’t give one whit about Patrick’s opinion on the matter of course.
‘Well, General, that’s certainly a good way to start a new relationship, isn’t it?’ asks Kerry. ‘Trust me, son, the last thing in the world I want is a relationship with someone like you!’ replies Clarke, pointing out that Kerry is a paper-pusher, while he is a soldier, and exclaims that from an operational standpoint, this has to be his call.
Kerry tells Clarke that he is overstepping his bounds as the military liaison. Clarke smirks, ‘what a surprise’ he says, before declaring that no matter what Kerry thinks, he thinks that James MacDonald Hudson should be leading Alpha Flight, not his wife…’and I intend to see my thoughts acted upon…immediately!’


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Compromising Positions
From the Art of War by Sun Tzu: “All warfare is based on deception”. General Jeremy Clarke likes that. He also likes: “Offer the enemy a bait to lure him, feign disorder and strike him”. Clarke believes it is a strict adherence to these teachings that have allowed him to attain the rank he has within the Canadian Military. From the safety of a booth, he watches as Heather McNeil Hudson codenamed Guardian, has been requested to unleash her suits energies to their fullest extent during this conversation. Clarke believes this is necessary to better gauge the abilities of her newly returned husband, James McDonald Hudson, codenamed Vindicator.
Clarke thinks that this is all made more interesting due to the fact that the husband and wife have had a less than tropical tone to their dealings in this. However, Heather is an ice-maiden and Mac is a cold fish. What they should be is a perfect match, but what Clarke has here is a psychological game as well as a physical one, and he likes that.
Guardian blasts Vindicator with a burst of plasma, and Mac tells her it was a very efficient assault, but blocks it with a field of charged electrostatic particles. Mac points out that Heather’s combat technique and use of the electromagnetic suit are far more physical in nature than his had been when he originally donned the armor. ‘Maybe so…’ begins Heather, before flying fast towards Mac and blasting him in the stomach at close range as she declares ‘I’ve learned to shut up as well as put up!’
Mac lands with a thump against the viewing panel, and Alpha Flight’s government liaison, Kerry Patrick, shouts ‘Watch out!’ before pointing out to Clarke that the Hudson’s are really going at one another. ‘That’s the idea, Patrick’ Clarke replies matter-of-factly. Standing over a monitor nearby, Mac and Heather’s scientific teammates, Shaman and Sasquatch, are also monitoring their status. Shaman asks Walt how Mac’s vital signs are, to which Walt replies they are almost too good to be true.
Clarke thinks to himself that he doesn’t like Michael Twoyoungmen, Walter Langkowski or even Kerry Patrick. Walt announces that Vindicator’s signs are so calm. Kerry Patrick points out that Hudson was never very excitable before he returned from the dead, and he always seemed to lack the killer instinct for fighting. Walt suggests that they shouldn’t count Mac out just yet, as a burst of orange fills the battle room and Heather falls to the ground.
Clarke watches as Mac nails Heather with an electromagnetic pulse and he can almost smell the crackle of ozone through the observation glass wall. As Heather lands with a fleshy, slapping sound, Mac has her, and Clarke wonders if he will put her out. Vindicator tells Heather that he may have over-compensated in his attempt to scramble her suit’s functions.
Mac lands near Heather and asks her if she is unhurt. ’Just dandy, Mac, nice of you to ask,’ Heather replies, obviously annoyed, before she points out that he just locked into her cybernetic signals and overrode her suits functions. Mac admits that it required more time and energy than he had anticipated to do so. Heather tells Mac that he operated completely contrary to the purpose of this exercise, and asks him how many opponents they will have to face where he had a hand in creating their powers or weapons?
Angry, Heather storms off, telling Mac that he fought her as someone he knew, while he should have approached her as an unknown. ‘Don’t take shortcuts. It’ll get you killed. Again’. Shaman calls down to Mac, telling him that the session is over so he can hit the showers. Mac calls back that he doesn’t need to shower, that his perspiration is rechannelled as electro-osmotic reaction, reinverting it into further electrical energy.
Walt and Shaman smirk a little before Shaman tells Mac to get changed and they will go over the results in ten minutes. Walt exclaims that Mac is the same as he always was and totally different at the same time, making it a little awkward.
As Clarke heads down to the locker room, he takes with him some of Twoyoungmen’s words: ‘Think how Heather must feel’. He rolls them around in his head, and like all good thoughts, they set up a chain reaction in his mind, for every bounce and tumble, a dozen new thoughts are created. It opens a veritable road map of possibilities in his mind…’which road shall I take today?’
Clarke calls to Mac, who gives signal to where he is. Mac takes off his costume, revealing a synthesis of flesh and cybernetics. Clarke tells him he made a cute comment about the perspiration. Mac replies that he wasn’t trying to be cute, and exclaims that he knew how odd it sounded as he said it, but for some reason he couldn’t stop himself - it was a statement of fact.
Clarke replies that he understands, and declares that he is a firm believer of speaking plainly. ‘No, you don’t understand -’ begins Mac, before Clarke cuts him off, declaring bluntly that they want him to lead Alpha Flight again. Mac asks Clarke if that is because Heather doesn’t like him, but Clarke claims it is because Mac is more qualified. Mac disagrees, pointing out that Heather now has approximately three times the field experience he does. ‘I don’t ask this lightly, Mac…’.
(Flashback, takes place between the flashback sequences of Alpha Flight (1st series) #52 and Uncanny X-Men #120-121):
‘…I ask it for the good of Canada!’ a young General Clarke tells Mac who is dressed in a fancy suit, patting him on the shoulder. Gary Cody, leaning on a desk, tells Mac that Clarke is right. Clarke points out that Gary Cody agrees, to which Mac reminds Clarke that Cody is their government liaison and therefore he trusts his opinion, but still believes there was no call for Major Chasen’s outburst, and reminds Clarke that he already said he would talk to the others.
Major Chasen snaps at Mac, telling him that it isn’t enough, and asks if he didn’t hear a word of his “outburst”. Clarke suggests to Mac that he be a little more forceful with “them”, to which a hesitant Mac declares that he doesn’t know, and declaring that Chasen’s expectations for the biochip implants are more extreme than what they had discussed. Motioning to a large scan of the biochip, Hudson declares that Chasen wants his group marked and tagged as property of the State. He reminds everyone that the initial intention of the chip was as a communications implant, as anything else would severely compromise their privacy. Mac tells the officials that he understands their reasoning, he still has to bring this to the others and will try and explain the official’s position to them.
“The others” Clarke thinks that Hudson makes them sound so normal, when who - or what - are these people that he has gathered. From what he does know about Hudson’s group, they are Northstar and Aurora - mutant siblings, Snowbird - “some sort” of super natural being, Shaman - ‘An Indian mystic for crying out loud’ and Sasquatch - a self-created furry Frankenstein.
Mac enters the training room where the five super beings are practicing against one another, and Mac calls that they are taking a break as they need to talk. Sasquatch transforms to his human form of Walter Langkowski and asks what is up. Jean-Paul and Jeanne-Marie Beaubier land on the ground and Northstar boasts that he was just getting their resident gorilla to work up a sweat. Aurora tells her brother to stop teasing.
‘Headache pain gets in your way? Try Excederin!’ remarks Snowbird. Hudson just looks at the goddess confused, and addresses Michael “Shaman” Twoyoungmen a stern manner. Twoyoungmen replies that he knows, and asks Mac to give Narya time to assimilate. Walter seems to know what Mac wants to talk about, as he points to his head and asks him what the verdict is. Mac announces that the officials want to proceed with the Roxxon biochip model and he is supposed to discuss it with them all.
Jean-Paul asks what there is to talk about, to which Shaman declares that Northstar may be a little blunt in his approach, but he mirrors his sentiments exactly. Shaman points out that the government is worried about them, and he can understand that, even sympathize a little. He suggests that the government want to be able to keep watch on them, which is all well and good, as is the idea of alerting them to danger at a moments notice. However, speaking as a one whose mystic senses precludes the need for such an implant, he has reservations not only of the officials ultimate intentions, but of the fact that the technology is being created by Roxxon, and reminds Mac that he knows Roxxon’s record is less than sterling.
Mac turns from his team, assuming that Shaman is speaking for them all. He declares that he understands their position, but that Chasen, their Hitleresque military liaison is adamant, and the other officials are listening to him. He informs everyone that he will take their views to the officials tomorrow, but he knows they are going to push this.
‘Lousy nigh,t’ Mac mutters sometime later as he opens the door to his house. ‘Heather - I’m home!’ he exclaims as he walks in. ‘Your favorite super hero is exhausted and famished! What smells so…burnt?’ Mac’s wife, Heather McNeil Hudson calls from the kitchen, explaining that dinner died in the oven, she tells Mac to sit down and call for a pizza.
Mac sits down, but mutters that he is too tired to reach for the phone. ‘I’m never leaving this sofa chair. Ever’ Heather walks up behind Mac and starts rubbing his shoulders, asking him if it was that bad and what happened today. Mac replies ‘The usual’ that it is the biochip mess, exclaiming that Chasen and Clarke don’t trust Alpha, Alpha don’t trust Roxxon and no one seems to trust him. Heather asks Mac what about him - who does he trust.
Heather sits on Mac’s lap as Mac replies that he doesn’t know. The chip…Roxxon… he exclaims that he doesn’t want to believe that scientists like Cary Albertson would create anything improper, as from an ethical standard that would be unthinkable. Heather asks Mac of corporate ethics and reminds him what Jaxon did to him, stealing the original armor designs, and suggests he may be dealing with more than scientists and technology. When Mac asks Heather what she means, Heather replies that he is dealing with corporations and politicians.
Heather explains to Mac that these people are genuinely afraid of those he is recruiting, and asks him how he thinks Chasen feels about super humans, reminding him that Wolverine nearly sliced off his throat a few weeks ago, ‘you expect him to trust your people now?’ Heather suggests that perhaps the officials are right, ‘Maybe your group can’t be totally trusted?’
Mac wishes he were certain, or that he could find out one way or the other what Chasen and Roxxon have planned. ‘Why don’t you then?’ suggests Heather, reminding Mac that he still has access to Roxxon’s Sault St. Marie facilities. Mac replies that he does, and he has the suit too!
Clarke compares Hudson to a roulette ball, spinning around, around and around, and while spinning, Clarke closes off each possible slot, until the only one left is the one that he chooses to leave open.
‘Midnight oil needs burning, eh, Mr. Hudson?’ asks the security guard as he opens the gate for Hudson at the Sault St. Marie facility. ‘Something like that, Eric’ replies Mac. As Mac walks through the facility, Clarke claims that Hudson doesn’t notices how much the Roxxon plant resembles a maze, and how much he resembles a mouse. Clarke wonders what is going through Mac’s mind, what he expects to find? Clarke decides that as Mac enters the research center quietly, he looks not unlike a curious dog, sniffing about the house.
Mac access the mainframe through his own research file and opens Roxxon’s private research menu. Clarke thinks that Mac is good to get into it, even though it takes him a bit of time. On screen, three files appear on screen: Bio-Synthesis Project 1-A; Weapon Alpha Bio-Chip Development and Nth Projector Research notes and opinions. Clarke thinks that right now, Mac must be seeing that the light at the end of the tunnel makes a dead end. Hudson opens the computer file and read what it says:
Super Human Biochip Program:
Program Functions:
- Communications
- Cooperation
- Control
Program Goals:
- Provide the people of Canada with protection from para human fallibility
Program Specifications:
- The creation of neurological implant which will allow frequency specific communication, tracking access and bio-function sensory systems manipulations
‘”Bio function sensory systems manipulations”?’ Hudson is shocked, and thinks that they are taking this project to an unnecessary extreme. Hudson downloads the information into his personal file as proof of Chasen and Roxxon’s illicit intentions. Hudson takes the disc out of the computer, nervously wondering how he is going to present this to Clarke, wondering how to use this to his advantage.
Watching from security cameras, Major Chasen thanks Cary Albertson for making this so easy. Albertson suggests it may be too easy and that Hudson may suspect. Chasen just grins, ‘No…I think not.
The next morning, Clarke suspects that all night Mac must have been tossing and turning, so much to think about, not a good nights sleep. Reading over the file that Mac downloaded, Clarke exclaims that this is quite a lot to think about. Mac replies that he realizes that, and Clarke tells Mac that this is obviously what he was afraid of. Mac declares that he cannot allow his people to be subjected to this, and adds that his decision should not affect their funding, or their relationship with the government. ‘I mean, is this what we had in mind when we started Department H?’
Clarke replies that it wasn’t, and declares that he wants the biochip program terminated immediately - and physically. Mac gives a half smile and informs the General that the Flight is ready for field work. Clarke replies that he knows, and tells Mac that he wants to handle this personally, adding that they will each take care of their own ends. ‘Chasen?’ asks Mac. ‘Chasen’ replies Clarke.
Weeks later, Mac puts on his battle suit for the first time since that incident with Weapon X in the States. The suit weighs heavily on him, though he seems to increase in stature every time Clarke sees it on him - and interesting contradiction, and food for future thought. Clarke thinks of Hudson in action and bites through his lower lip. The suit is a marvel of modern engineering. Flight, propulsion, gravity stimulation, electromagnetic manipulation and enhanced strength - he is a cybernetic God. Power to dream of. Clarke thinks that the suit is a veritable roadmap of possibilities, and if he were twenty or ten years younger, then he would peel it off Hudson with his own hands.
Mac, as Vindicator, enters the facility, ripping a skylight out of its fixture and dropping down into a large lab, ‘Stand away from that laser-welder!’ Vindicator demands. He declares that by the authority of the Canadian government and the province of Ontario, he is hereby rescinding their business license! Vindicator rips some contraption from its fixture and as bullets are fired Vindicator informs his assailants that he can demagnetize the bullets completely, skewing their polarity so the bullet’s wont touch him.
Mac suggests the men stop firing before they accidentally get hurt, but when they don’t listen to him, he shouts ‘I said stop!’ and blasts one of them with an electromagnetic pulse. However, it is only after the pulse is released that he realizes his suit pumped out twice the E-M charge that he accessed. Suddenly, Mac is airborne - but he never triggered the cybernetic flight response. As he crashes into a wall, he realizes he is no longer in control of the suit, then the inexperience shows through, and the panic sets in.
Vindicator holds his hands up, asking everyone to stay away, to back off, when suddenly he unleashes blasts which hit the roof and cause rubble to fall down on everyone. Mac calls to Albertson and asks him if this is his doing, when suddenly Albertson is struck by some of the debris. Mac runs over to him, asking Albertson if he didn’t realize what overriding his cybernet would do, while hoping that he is alive still. Reaching Albertson, Mac sees that he I alive. ‘Thank God, get an ambulance!’ exclaims Albertson.
Of course, Mac is scared now, and Clarke recalls how weeks back, a man named Weapon Alpha went into the United States to retrieve a Canadian agent named Wolverine. But mistakes were made, a civilian was injured and Weapon Alpha didn’t come back - a man named Vindicator did. Hudson had a lot to vindicate - inexperience, guilt, weakness. Tonight’s escapade certainly hasn’t helped Mac much.
As Vindicator flies out of the complex, Clarke decides that they will tell him the mission was accomplished, that the biochip manufacturing hardware was eliminated, but only Hudson and Clarke will know that the methods by which the task was completed were hardly the most professional. Mac feels that he has failed again in that civilians were almost hurt. Clarke thinks that all night long, Mac must have wondered “Will I end up killing someone in this suit, will the suit end up killing me?”
The next morning, Hudson meets with Clarke, Cody, Chasen and Kerry Patrick. Gary tries to give Mac some compliments, but all he can muster is ‘good work’. ‘Yeah, sure, Gary’ mumbles Mac. Clarke tells Mac that he wasn’t to have known that someone would provide Roxxon with his suit’s specifications, before turning to Chasen, and revealing to everyone that Chasen was responsible, exclaiming that what he did yesterday was not only unnecessary, but reprehensible.
Chasen tries to say something in his defense, but Clarke cuts him off, telling him there is nothing more he can say as he is finished, as of this moment is no longer liaison to Alpha Flight. Chasen storms out of the office, slamming the door hard. There is a minute of awkward glances, then Hudson thanks Clarke for his vote of confidence. ‘Yes of course’ states Clarke before asking Gary if he and his assistant would excuse them for a minute. ‘Certainly, let’s go, Kerry’.
With Cody and Patrick gone, Clarke tells Mac that Chasen may be out, but that the military, and the bureaucrats still believe the bare bones of the biochip program are essential. He explains that they are going to want to maintain some semblance of, not control, but accountability, of their super human personnel. Hudson starts to protest, but Clarke asks him what they do if one of Alpha Flight is subverted, or loses control. He points out that last night was proof enough that the potential for such an occurrence exists.
Mac turns away, but Clarke explains that he is only asking for a communications chip so that they can contact each other in case of emergency, and so that the government can be made aware of their location. Mac replies that Alpha Flight may not see the difference between this and Roxxon’s version. Clarke tells him that they will if Mac is the one to build the chip and maintain complete control over its design and implantation. Clarke assures Mac that it will be done with the strictest code of ethics and privacy possible. ‘I don’t ask this lightly, Mac…I ask it for the good of Canada’.
Clarke leaves the office and walks into the brisk Ottawa air, finding his car waiting for him. All the right pieces in all the right places. The look in Mac’s eyes, the haunted tenuous look, he will always treasure it. It was the same look a fish has when its mouth closes around the hook. ‘Well?’ asks Chasen from inside the car. Clarke gets into the car and replies that Hudson is going to do it himself and he is talking to Alpha Flight, telling them about it, right now.
Chasen smiles, ‘So the good cop / bad cop routine has worked like you thought it would?’ Clarke pats Chasen on the shoulder, ‘And all it cost you was a prestigious assignment’. Chasen tells Clarke he is more than welcome to it, ‘You can deal with these freaks until Department H collapses under its own weight! Which as we both know is only a few years away!’ Clarke points out that at least now they will have constant access to the whereabouts of these para humans as long as they live, which is what they wanted all along, right? The two men shake hands, on a job well done.
(Present)
‘…And a job only you can do well’ Clarke tells Mac, seeing a glint in his eye, reminds him of a similar moment from years ago, but the moment passes. Clarke asks Mac if he will talk to Heather and tell her their decision. Mac replies that he doesn’t know about this, and admits he is not sure it would be beneficial to the cohesive functioning of this unit at this time. Clarke exclaims that Heather has proven herself to be too independent, and too radical time and time again.
Clarke points out to Vindicator that he doesn’t know the kinds of trouble Heather has gotten herself into while he was…away. Clarke reminds Mac that he should understand how these things work, and understands the compromises which have to be made for the good of the country. Mac admits that Clarke is right, that he does, and Clarke smiles. ‘Roulette ball spinning around; mouse in a maze; fish on a hook; an on/off switch with my finger calmly poised’ Clarke thinks to himself.
Mac opens the door to the female shower room, and Heather quickly pulls her towel around her, ‘What do you think you’re doing in here?’ she asks before asking him where he presumes to barge in here while she is showering, pointing out that they may have been married - may still be - but she couldn’t tell it from his cold-fish demeanor. Mac, still wearing nothing but his briefs, walks over to Heather who has turned her back to him, and informs her that he has been asked to supplant her as leader of Alpha Flight. ‘”Asked” - by whom?’ Heather mutters.
Hudson reveals to Heather that Clarke doesn’t feel she is capable of handling the responsibilities. Heather puts her glasses on and tells Mac that it isn’t really news to her, before asking him what he told Clarke. Mac replies ‘I told him I would talk to you’. ‘And you are. Now what?’ asks Heather. Mac heads towards the door, replying that there is nothing else, all he wanted to do was warn her - to protect her.
Mac informs Heather that he didn’t want Clarke manipulating her like he had done to him in the past. Heather runs after Mac, telling him to wait she grabs him by the neck and he turns around. ‘I don’t need you to protect me anymore’. Heather declares. ‘I know’ replies Mac, ‘But I think I may need you to protect me’. With that, James and Heather embrace, kiss passionately, and Heather’s towel falls to the floor.
Prologue:
Manhattan, home of Four Freedoms Plaza, headquarters of the world famous adventurers the Fantastic Four. In one of his labs, Reed Richards a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic discovers something peculiar, and believes that these readings of such intensity and duration are unprecedented. His wife and teammate, Susan Storm-Richards also known as the Invisible Woman asks Reed if everything is all right. Reed replies that everything is fine, but that some electroencephalographic analyzers that he has in orbit are reporting an alarming increase in psychometric activity coming from a remote region of the Yukon Territory.
‘Does that mean I should start packing the parkers then?’ asks Susan. Reed replies that he had been planning on calling Alpha Flight to have them download a report on their skirmish with Doctor Doom into their shared datanet, but figures that they may as well ask Alpha Flight permission to investigate this matter personally. ‘Alert the others, darling. Tell them we are going to Canada immediately!’


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

[Assistant]
Playgrounds of the Mind
(Present)
A quaint chalet, nestled in an icy valley. Inside the chalet, six super heroes lie motionless on the floor. James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator, Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski, Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier and Michael Twoyoungmen a.k.a. Shaman of Alpha Flight, along with Reed and Susan Richards, Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, respectively of the Fantastic Four.
The thoughts of a singular mind float around the room. Sticky. Sticky minds. Their brains feel like old gum on a hot city street. Sticky. Can kind of stretch it out and around like taffy if you tug and pull just so…just so…but you have to be careful with heads. Grey matter, soft brains, frightened, fragile minds…not like bodied. No, not at all. Hard, sinewy flesh. Biceps and triceps and deltoids. I swoon. Minds are different. Minds are super bodies, eve more so. Super-duper. Khee. They call themselves super heroes. Khee-khee-khee-hee. Why do they do that? What makes them think of themselves in such vainglorious ways?
An odd-looking naked man with a sick-yellow glow hovers above the motionless heroes. He is wearing Shaman’s cloak. I have a lock on their heads. I do. I am a Headlock. Locked heads. Locked and linked. With mine in mine. And we’re all in my house, my crazy-spacey brain-fried inside-out house. Not THAT kind of an out-house. I am Headlock. Hear me roar in numbers too big to ignore. Helen Reddy. Classic, never locked her, eh? Know what I mean? Say no more, say no more.
Headlock leans over Mr. Fantastic’ body. Super duper hero. Why are you a guest in my parlor, said the spider to the fly? Sticky. Reed Richards. Mr. Fantastic. Taffy. You stretch a body, I stretch a mind. Let me stretch your mind sir, good leader of your noble band. Not very sticky. Very clean mind. Oooh, Mr. Clean. Felix Unger mind. Clean city. Ottawa. Clean. You talked to them, very polite, Reed Unger. Khee.
(Some time earlier):
Parliament Hill, Canada, where a top-secret complex beneath the Canadian parliament currently serves as the temporary headquarters for Canada’s premiere super heroes, Alpha Flight. Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman and their teammates Johnny Storm a.k.a. the Human Torch and Ben Grimm a.k.a. the Thing stand before several members of Alpha Flight. Mr. Fantastic tells Vindicator that it is very good to see him up and around again, to which Mac replies, somewhat stiffly, ‘Thank-you’ before reminding the Fantastic Four that when they called, they sounded urgent.
Reed explains that he noticed some rather extreme levels of psychometric encephalographic energies registering in the upper Yukon region. ‘Yeah, I noticed it too, Hudson’ replies Ben Grimm, who is not currently appearing as the Thing. Reed clears his throat, telling Mac not to mind Ben, as he is just joking. ‘I understand the concept of humor, Reed’ replies Vindicator. Reed looks to the ground, embarrassed, he mutters ‘Yes, of course you do’ before declaring that at any rate, they have come to Department H to request official permission to investigate the source of these readings.
Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian, long-serving leader of Alpha Flight, tells Reed that they would be happy to help if, as he said, only he and Susan will be investigating, then they can send Vindicator, Sasquatch, Shaman and Aurora to assist. Vindicator replies that the field unit would nicely suffice should the readings be of scientific or supernatural origin.
The handsome Walter Langkowski points out that since Grimm and Johnny only came to catch the Leafs / Rangers game, then would he be allowed to join them. Heather tells Walt that she thought he hated the Mapleleaf’s. ‘Get shaggy and get going’ she orders. Reed reveals that they are ready to leave immediately, as he has all of the equipment they need in the Fantasticar.
(Present)
Headlock wonders if this is why the heroes came here, out of curiosity, and ponders the possibility of them being of both mental as well as physical superiority. However, walking over to the Invisible Woman, Headlock notes that she is not a specimen of physicality. Why do you do this? Why play this foolish game? Inside…Inside you are uncertain…invisible feelings… “sometimes I wish I could be normal”. With his hands on Susan’s head, Headlock discovers that thought beats within her as the pulsing of her heart. You came to my domain. You came to study my world. Goog-goog-a-joob. And inside of you, every fiber screams to be home, to be home with your son, maybe playing games, baking cookies? Oatmeal raisin, mommy!’
(Recently)
The Fantasticar lands in the barren Yukon, and Reed announces that this is the source area for his readings. Vindicator points out to Walter that it has been several house since Guardian requested that he transform into Sasquatch. ‘Jamie…go calculate the square root of pi’ Walt snaps back, before pointing over a ridge and announcing that they have a town at the base of the mountain. Wearing a funky green visor, Reed declares that his sensors indicate that much of the psychometric activity is centered there.
(Present)
The one of light and innocence and hope…Aurora…she flew ahead, she wanted to prevent the others from acting rashly. Recalls Headlock, wondering what Aurora meant by that.
(Past)
Aurora informs her teammates and the Richards’ that everything seems quiet in the town, and suggests there is no need for any battle cries. Battle cries! How delicious! Let me hear one, please! Oh yes, how ideal, charge into the town of Tuktoyatuk and beat up those bird sanctuary keepers! Headlock thinks to himself as the heroes approach a gas station that is part of the Roxxon Corporation. Reed Richards asks if the proverbial “too quiet” cliché would apply. Susan asks her husband if they are that paranoid, that a quiet town automatically means a dangerous one.
Still wearing his funky green visor, Reed is about to tell Susan what his readings indicate, when Vindicator cuts in, announcing that he is also registering abnormal electromagnetic activity. Suddenly, one of the locals approaches the heroes. Aurora informs everyone that the man appears indifferent to them, and as more people approach them, Reed declares that they are registering no E.E.G. whatsoever. Walter points out that that would imply they have no cerebral functions, to which Vindicator points out the peoples very presence denies that implication.
Jeanne-Marie points out that the people may not be in control of their actions, and Shaman agrees, offering the suggestion that someone else is exerting complete control over them. Reed declares that it would explain his readings, not to mention why the people of this town are surrounding the six of them in such a malevolent manner.
(Present)
“But Reed, we can’t fight back against them!” is the thought that Headlock plucks from Susan’s mind. Quite right. A-plus on that quick quiz. Controlled the nice townsfolk for months now. Headlock reveals. Sticky, but sweet. See like through their eyes. Feel life through their touch. So…physical. Headlock approaches the slumped over Sasquatch. Oh, my! So biiig you are. Why wouldn’t you have lashed out against the townsfolk?
(Back then)
‘Sasquatch, darling, can we talk?’ asks Aurora, informing him that there are several dozen people in total. Headlock knows that Sasquatch thought to himself that there are plenty of beat up on then. Headlock also knows that Sasquatch felt guilty about it too. Vindicator asks Jeanne-Marie what there clearest means of egress is.Shortest distance between two points is a straight line, wouldnchuknow?’
Hovering above the others and keeping an eye on the civilians, Aurora declares that she would hazard to say that there may be no means of a clear retreat. Ooh how that word set you off. RETREAT. Walt transforms into Sasquatch and declares that they let the civilians worry about retreating, but Shaman declare ‘No!’ and reminds him that just like in their battle with the Remnant Men, these people are innocent dupes.
Nevertheless, Sasquatch engages several of the men in battle, and as they hit him with sticks, he declares that he is getting a little tired of letting himself get smacked around like a fuzzy medicine ball. Shaman suggests that they backtrack up the cliff, and Vindicator disperses an electromagnetic field which he hopes will disrupt the civilians neural signals, limited as they may be. Mac explains that the civilians’ lack of locomotion should prevent them from pursuing the heroes up the mountainous terrain.
The Invisible Woman unleashes an invisible force screen to hold the civilians back also. As the heroes make their exit, Walter points out to Jeanne-Marie that they could have just as easily politely punched the civilians out, to which Aurora tells her ex-lover that he sounds as if the Great Beast still resided in his soul. Walt replies that sometimes he thinks it still does.
(Present)
Lots of anger. GRRROWR. Scary inside you, Walter. So much intelligence, so much brutishness. How could the two co-exist inside one person? Headlock walks over to Aurora and pulls her cowl off. But this one…this little ray of sunshine…her I could love. She’s trying so hard to be non-violent - hey, it could happen! Headlock picks Aurora up and clasps her head. Oh what a lovely life we could have together! Honey, I’m home! Are you? Ah, you were very self-satisfied.
(Previously)
Alpha Flight and Mr and Mrs Fantastic had retreated without any need for real confrontation, and Reed announces that he thinks he has been able to isolate the E.E.G. wavelength which is controlling the citizens minds, it is coming from above them. Vindicator asks Reed to allow him to access the frequency, and taking to the air, he performs aerial reconnaissance in search of the transmission source.
Aurora lets flow a brilliant light, explaining that she is trying to ease the pain of the innocents who are pursuing them. ‘How come when I wanted to do the same thing everyone jumped down my throat?’ asks Sasquatch. Aurora points out that it is because his method would not have helped, and informs everyone that she is simply immersing the townspeople in a warming flood of her light. Aurora hopes that it will instill a calmness of spirit and body in them.
Oh, I could feel it in their numb little minds. Sleepy time, cuddle up. Like a warm blanket in the winter. Like the purring of a kitten at you fingertips. Unfortunately, I was in more of a “New York State of Mind”. Go ahead, bite the Big Apple, don’t mind the maggots uh-huh. Shadooble.
Aurora suddenly screams, and begins to fall to the ground. She simply couldn’t generate enough inner light to burn out my dark presence from their duped minds. boasts Headlock. Susan calls to Aurora, telling her to go limp so she can catch her in an invisible cushion. But Aurora slams into the ground. Shaman goes to his teammates aid asks her if she is hurt. Aurora replies that she isn’t, before asking Twoyoungmen why it is that whenever she seeks to help through non-physical means, she is rebuffed? ‘Why do all my efforts fail? Shaman cautiously replies that he doesn’t know, to which Aurora asks ‘Is our only means of helping people through violence and aggression?’
(Present)
No, no, I wouldn’t say that, my little angel of light. You’re just drawn that way exclaims Headlock. A tear falls down Jeanne-Marie’s cheek. I-I’m sorry, angel, don’t cry. She’s so sad inside. She feels empty and hollow. Yeah, sure, sure, but her outsides are just fine. Growr. Ahem. Headlock turns his attention to Shaman who is lying nearby, and thinks that as Shaman mirrors Aurora’s compassion, he is interesting too. Michael Twoyoungmen. Surgeon. Mystic. Shaman.
What makes you tick-tock? He tried to soothe my angel of light. His first instinct was to heal, not hurt. So unlike this species I call HOMO SPANDEXUS, and I mean that in a purely Latin sense of course. Headlock leans over Shaman, and touching his face, he exclaims Patient says to the Doctor: “Doctor, it hurts when I do this…” Doctor says “Tough luck, here’s your bill. Pay on your way out”. Whoa, I’m paying on my way in!’ His mind is really fighting back, he must be mad at me for taking his nifty cloak from him! Tough luck, Mikey.
(Back then, some more)
Shaman approaches Reed and asks him if he has had any luck, the Fantastic Four’s leader replies that he hasn’t. He reveals that he can locate the energies general location, but not their exact source. He proclaims that it is up to Vindicator to do a visual recon, before Sasquatch asks if they have any idea of who it is they are up against. Reed replies that there are countless telepaths it could be, but points out that he has never encountered anyone who could manipulate cerebral energies with such facile ease. Shaman wonders why someone would do this, what it is they could stand to gain by controlling a town as small and remote as this. He wishes Vindicator would hurry so they can begin top answer some of these questions.
Elsewhere, Vindicator swiftly approaches a quaint wooden chalet. I’ll just move over to Vindy and plumb his mind…
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
James MacDonald Hudson
James MacDonald Hudson who?
That’s not funny, he’s not too sure, either!
Haw! I kill me! Wait a minute here. He’s got me dead to rights! Ooh, so he’s hiding in the stove eh? From his little Timex/Rolex/Purex paste he sends out a whole bunch of nifty-keen electromagnetic impulses. My teeth chattered as they washed over me. I felt as if my brain were going through a car wash. Then he knew I was there. Hi, Jaime! And he went back to get the others. After staring at the chalet for some time, Mac turns and heads back to the others.
(Present)
Headlock has now moved from Shaman to Vindicator. Going from one mind to the other, like choosing between jelly beans and sesame seeds…a teensy-tiny bit conflicting. But it’s the thrill of tasting the food that really counts. From the spiritual to the mechanical…what do you have to show me, James MacDonald Hudson? Clean. Precise. Logical. Like the rubber-band man’s mind, but even more structured. Oooh, and they call me a head-case! You see everything in absolutes James? How limiting.
Even I pity you, your rigid, mathematical method of seeing life! Did you ever think of streaking James? Now there was a liberating fad! No. Streaking has a whole ‘nother definition for you. Streaking into battle: TAN-TA-TA-DUM!  Peeking into your mind is like looking under the hood of a car, James. You know what’s going to be there, but you never know what’s going to be wrong. You led your do-gooders toward my house…and I waited for your arrival like a super villain of honor is supposed to do. You know I try so hard to do things according to the rules and dictates expected of my kind.
(The past)
Sitting in the back of the Fantasticar after Vindicator explained the situation to his teammates and the Richards’, Sasquatch assumes that the naked guy is behind this. ‘Figures. The Avengers get Kang and we get butt-naked under-nourished geeks’. Mr. Fantastic declares that their enemy’s physique seems to match that of a telepath the Avengers faced called Headlock. As the heroes approach the chalet, Vindicator announces that Headlock is transmitting wavelengths on a multi-band spectrum, disrupting the cyber link with his biochemical systems, ‘I cannot maintain flight mode!’ Yup remarks Headlock as Mac crashes into the snow.
The rubber-band man was next. Mr. Fantastic announces that Vindicator is down and is about to explain what he wants everyone to do, when he goes silent, and the Fantasticar stops flying like it is supposed to and heads for the ground. Sasquatch asks Reed what is wrong, to which Twoyoungmen reveals that his mind has been usurped, and they are going to crash. As the Fantasticar smashes into the snow, Headlock exclaims James Cameron and Steven Spielberg have nothing on these folks, eh?
‘REED!’ shouts Susan, who along with Aurora, used their own means of transport rather than the Fantasticar. Jeanne-Marie wonders if they could have survived, and on-cue, Sasquatch, Mr. Fantastic and Shaman appear before the women. ‘Oh yeah, they could have…question is, will we be able to say the same about Headlock?’ asks Walt. Reed warns Sasquatch who is making his way to the chalet, not to rush into this, because of Headlock’s powers. Suddenly, Sasquatch raises his arms above his face. This one is sooo simple. Bestial violent man.

Sasquatch growls, drool spills out of his mouth, as Aurora approaches him and with her calming light, she tells Walter not to give into his animal passions, but to let them go. Sasquatch lets out a mighty roar, before declaring that he cant let them go, as they are a part of him. Sasquatch collapses into the snow, and Shaman and Reed run over to him, Shaman pointing out that Sasquatch couldn’t fight Headlock’s control. Reed realizes that Sasquatch’s mind has simply shut down from the strain, but figures that he should recover, given a chance to rest.
Reed explains that Headlock is capable of attacking them through their psychological foibles. He tells the remaining heroes that they cannot allow themselves to lapse into a state of mental weakness. Oh, how presumptuous, Richards…to think that one does not “allow” a weakness - one simply accepts that they exist. And YOU may not perceive yourself as the type of man who has them, but guess what? GOTCHA!
Reed suddenly screams and his body uncontrollably stretches ‘They want me! They all want a piece of me!’ he yells. Susan rushes to her husband, but Shaman holds her back. Susan asks ‘What? Who?’ to which Reed asks her if she doesn’t see them, ‘Are you blind? They all want me - they’re stretching me out!’ The races that have been killed by Galactus the Planet Devourer! I saved his life and now all they want is revenge! Billions upon billions upon billions! They all blame me for what he did!’ exclaims the panicking Mr. Fantastic.
As Reed collapses, Susan starts to run over to him, but Shaman holds her back, pointing out that Reed is unconscious, just like Sasquatch, so there is nothing they can do for him right now. Susan turns, and suddenly sees Headlock before her. ‘It was you!’ she gasps, realizing that Headlock attacked Reed’s worst self-doubt, his worse uncertainty. ‘How could you have known?’ she asks. Oh, dead Susie, it wasn’t very difficult. You see, from the strong of will to the weakest among you, you all have that one tasty morsel I can chew on.
The Invisible Woman begins exclaiming ‘No!’ over and over, and Shaman asks her what is wrong. ‘Michael, don’t you see? My baby - my daughter…my miscarriage! She would have been so very beautiful…’ remarks Susan as she looks at the baby in Headlock’s arms. You got that right, Susie! You wanna hold her? But as Headlock passes the baby over to Susan, a deformed creature sits in his arms, drool spilling from its mouth it mutters ‘By the way, mother, I don’t feel too good!’ Susan screams and falls into the snow. Yes! Goochie coochie coo! So much pain! I swam into it. It engulfed me. It engulfed her.
‘We have endured you enough, you mind raper!’ exclaims Shaman as he confronts Headlock. Mind Raper, Shaman? Mind Raper. Kinda like that. Shaman reaches into his medicine pouch, claiming a handful of clouding dust will dull Headlock’s mind. Suddenly, Shaman realizes instead that he has drawn something else from his pouch:
Official Certificate of Death:
Name: Kathryn Twoyoungmen
Place of Death: Calgary
Time of Death: Big hand on the ten, little hand on the two
Next of Kin: Michael - Husband; Elizabeth – Daughter
Cause of Death: MICHAEL’S INCOMPETENCE!!!
‘This is a lie!’ exclaims Shaman, dropping the death certificate. Next he thinks he pulls the Staff of Sisiutl from his pouch, but instead he is holding the head of his daughter, Elizabeth “Talisman” Twoyoungmen. ‘It’s true, Daddy! You killed Mommy and you let me hurt myself! Why couldn’t you help us when we needed you most?’ Shaman calls to Elizabeth, but falls to the ground, ‘I tried…I’m so sorry…I tried’. Lights out for Mikey!
Aurora flies towards Headlock and asks him why he is doing this. Oooh, lights back on! Headlights that is! Hey cutie, is that a twenty-watt bulb in your pocket or are you just glad to see me? Why am I doing this? Hmm…hold on a sec, hon, let me think about this…jeez, well, I’m stumped! jokes Headlock. Aurora suggests to the villain that he look a little more deeply within himself, and bathes him in her healing light. Felt like someone put a shower massage inside my spleen. And the worst thing about it is, her healing light actually reached inside of me and made me tell the truth: I DID IT BECAUSE I CAN!
The mind wave erupted out of me with the same anger as the answer did, and it’s an effect pretty Aurora didn’t like. And neither did any of the other perky little personalities she’s had buried inside her for so long. As Aurora falls to the ground, Headlock tells himself that it was all very interesting, Never really dug inside the mind of a multiple personality before. Kind of like doing tequila shots. Salt, shot, lime, KA-BOOM.
Suddenly, Vindicator flies towards Headlock and orders him to surrender. Vindy-Baybeee…welcome back to consciousness!  But if I were you, I’d back off from the tuff hombre stuff, don’t make threats you can’t back up! Vindicator replies that he is not, as his mind is made of mechanical as well as organic components. ‘I have the least amount of human brain to control’.  Exactly declares Headlock as he enters Mac’s mind, It was like the “Cyclone” and “Space Mountain” rolled into one. What a ride!
He let go of a whopper electromagnetic pulse as he realized he was slipping away. Then he felt himself becoming more and more mechanical. The mind taken over by the machinery. It was too much for him to handle and he passed out…because he found himself liking the idea.
(Present)
And then they were all defeated. One by one their minds were mine to play with as I pleased. But they didn’t give me the answers I needed. The game was fun, but it wasn’t educational. I’ve made my position clear, I want to be known as the education super villain. Headlock leaves the heroes and walks up a flight of stairs. Why do they do what they do? He wonders as he puts on a pair of overalls, then shoes, and other accessories. What makes them so physical, so virile? I can become them. I can wear the garb they wear. Walk the walk they walk. Talk the talk walk. Fight the fight they fight. I can prove myself worthy of them.
Headlock stands, looking rather dorky, as he boasts: I can defeat them on their own level, mano-a-mano. I have the duds to do it. I represent warriors of great renown from throughout the ages.  Ares, Mithra, Heracles, Osiris, Mel Gibson and Bill Freehan. They come and I am ready for them. The friends of those I have conquered in battle - Northstar and the Human Torch and Witchfire and Windshear and the Thing and Guardian.
They come and I am ready for them. They come to feel the truth of the flesh - more fragile than the mind, I have come to understand. They have come to face me flesh to flesh. They come to die like heroes should, in battle!


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

[Assistant]
Mind Over Matter
They come here. To my domain, to do battle. They come to save their friends and teammates who also came to my domain to do battle. And lost. They prance about with virile names like Human Torch and the Thing and Guardian and Windshear and Northstar and Witchfire. They turn themselves into little fighting clubs with name like Fantastic Four and Alpha Flight. ‘Ever get the feeling yer’ walking straight into a George Romero flick?’ asks Benjamin Grimm a.k.a. the Fantastic Four’s Thing.
They come to battle the likes of me.  The Thing points out that the only way to figure out what is going on and where the rest of their teammates ended up is to go looking for them right? So brave, so bold - so valiant and virtuous! But I have looked inside their minds.  Johnny Storm a.k.a. the Human Torch exclaims that the whole town looks empty. Alpha Flight’s leader, Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian, remarks that this is too strange and tells everyone to stay on their toes.
I have looked inside their minds and seen the thrill of physical violence in all its splendor. Now I see their determination, their confusion and their growing fear and I lock on to it…because I am Headlock and this town ain’t big enuff fer’ the both of us, ah-mee-go.  From the balcony of his chalet, Headlock gazes down upon the small town of Tuktoyatuk, Canadian land of my dreams he exclaims. I’ll protect you and your fair denizens from this spandex swarm intruding on our daily lives. Yukon bet on that! Hah! Hawr! Aha…wait, that was evil villain dialogue, I need to be more explanatory now:
The official rulebook specifically states I must painfully detail the course of events which have led to the current situation. It began three days ago, when Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman and Vindicator and Sasquatch and Shaman and Aurora came to investigate what had happened to this fair Hamlet. And they found out I happened. So naturally, their friends and loved ones have come charging to the obligatory rescue.
The heroes begin walking through more of the town, and candidate for a membership in Alpha Flight, Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear asks ‘So us super folks do this kind of thing often?’ ‘What, stumble into an eerily silent, isolated town in search of teammates who may very well be dead? Always.’ replies Heather sarcastically. I know the truth. They partake in this ritual banter to mask their concern. The Human Torch returns from his aerial search and Heather asks him what he came up with. Johnny replies that there are people ahead of them in what looks like the town square. The heroes approach a grouping of civilians, and the Thing remarks that from the way the people look, they may as well not be there at all. ‘This is like a Romero flick!’
Windshear exclaims that they are just staring, and Heather assumes it to be drug-induced or some kind of mind control. Ooooh, very good! Just say no to drugs, but yes to mind-raping. Shaman gave me that one. I like it. “Headlock, Mind-Raper”. Nice ring to it. I’m going to trademark it. ‘This is downright creepy!’ declares Windshear, until Hume’s fellow Alpha-wannabe, the enigmatic Witchfire, wearing her new costume, tells Windshear to be calm.
Witchfire turns to Guardian and informs her that she senses no supernatural forces in evidence, though she is picking up residual mystical resonances from Shaman, so she remarks that at least they are sure their teammates were here. And maybe they still are, Witchfire. The Thing declares that he is beginning to think that what happened to these humans also happened to Reed, Susan and the Alphans.
As they turn a corner, the Thing suddenly declares that he has found their teammates. He asks them why the didn’t come out to meet them when they landed, and James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator replies ‘Because, Ben Grimm, we would not have been able to do…this!’ before unleashing a powerful blast of electromagnetic energy on the Thing, knocking him backwards. ‘Look out back there - It’s getting clobbered time!’ he exclaims as he lands in the side of a building.
Heather orders everyone to regroup back towards the jet, and tells Windshear to set up a hard-air screen around them to keep the people protected. ‘Protected from what?’ asks Windshear. ‘From what’s coming’ Heather replies ominously. ‘Good move, kid, this could get a little nasty’ remarks the Thing to Heather as he makes his way out of a pile of rubble, when suddenly, Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski arrives and begins pummeling him.
The rest of the missing heroes make their presence known too. ‘You are not wanted in the town of Tuktoyatuk’ declares Reed Richards a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic. Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier, Michael “Shaman” Twoyoungmen and Susan Richards a.k.a. the Invisible Woman bring up the rear as Vindicator announces that their actions, thoughts and words are directed by He-Whom-Above-All-Else-We-Obey. He states that in unison they act to ward off their evil threat, for when ‘Ne’er-do-wells threaten this fair hamlet there you shall find…’ ‘The Headbangers!’ exclaims Sasquatch.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me’ declares Heather as she flies near her husband, who says ‘Quite possibly so, darling, Heather - but now the joke is on you’ and with that he unleashes another burst of energy that sends Heather careening into a nearby building. The Human Torch flies towards her, asking her if she is all right. Stuck in an awkward position, Heather mutters that she is beginning to feel a little like Alice in Wonderland. ‘Take them down, people, fast and hard’.
‘Ever as you wish, fearless leader’ remarks the handsome Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier as he flies towards the stretched out Mr. Fantastic and punches him in the face. As Northstar smashes away at Reed, Heather reminds him to keep in mind that they are friends who are no in control of their actions. Heather notices Mac fly up behind her and she turns to face him, propelling herself into him she warns him that he will not catch her by surprise again. Heather informs Vindicator that she has changed her suits frequency wavelength so he cannot override her cybernetic signals like he did a few weeks ago.
Back on the ground, Sasquatch growls as he continues to smash up the Thing. ‘Hey, that’s good Langkowski, now try a two-syllable grunt! Jokes the Thing.I watch the fighting through all of their minds, revelling in the accelerated beatings of their hearts, the pounding of their fists. Sasquatch growls again as he whacks the Thing yet again.
Windshear flies over to the Invisible Woman, and addressing her as “Mrs. Richards” he asks her if she wouldn’t rather discuss this over tea or a larger. Susan replies by slamming an invisible field into Windshear, who realizes that she is incredibly powerful and wonders how much longer he can keep her fields back with a hard-air wedge. The delicious battle extends to such dizzying proportions!
Nearby, The Human Torch approaches the mind controlled Aurora, who suggests to Johnny that he would prefer to relax, and unleashes a calming light on him. The Human Torch exclaims that the light is so soft, and Aurora tells him to bathe in it, to allow the tranquil, soothing warmth to flow through him.
As dozens of small but powerful invisible bubbles hit Windshear, one followed by the other, he is held back, and asks why nobody told him the Invisible Woman’s force field could do this. Aurora tells the Human Torch to feel his mind relax, and Johnny floats about in suspension. Windshear mutters that the Torch has it real tough up there, ‘I need some bloody help here!’ As Susan slams Windshear too-and-fro, she tells him that he is pathetic, and states ‘I didn’t know that Alpha had opened its ranks up to amateurs’.
The Human Torch declares that it is so peaceful in his heart, so still, that he can see Alicia sculpting. He is relaxed, sinking into a warm bed with his wife. He decides he can “flame off” and relax a little more, just fall, sharing the warmth - but as he begins plummeting to the ground, he realizes that he is falling and mutters that his head feels like it is on Novacaine. Johnny “flames on” and grabs Aurora, asking her why she doesn’t turn some of her little white light back on herself.
As her cowl is pulled off, she shoves Johnny away from her, exclaiming that she cannot look inwards as she is too afraid of what she may see! But suddenly her white light begins flooding within her, she realizes that when she held the Human Torch, the light was turned against her - and she can’t stop it. Aurora exclaims that she sees so much pain, so much confusion, for so very, very long, before boasting ‘No more…do you hear me, Headlock? All of you? I will not be manipulated, used or abused ever again!’
Aurora flies around furiously, declaring that she is free. She calls to Headlock, asking him if he can hear her, she boasts that she is free from his malicious control, and warning him that she will similarly free the others, before coming after him. Uh-oh. I didn’t expect this. What do I do now? Aurora flies towards the Invisible Woman and tells her not to fight, but to give herself the chance to be cleansed. Aurora bathes Susan in the healing light as Jeanne-Marie announces that she can feel the tendrils of Headlock’s mind-grip dissipating.
It’s time I think for me to consolidate me position here. Shaman - how are we doing? Witchfire comes up behind Shaman, asking him if he is distracted, she realizes that Aurora’s actions have subtly affected his perceptions. The young sorceress supposes that it is the time now for her to help Shaman, and with a small wand in her hand, she asks Twoyoungmen to work with her, to allow the soft touch of Agamotto’s light to soothe and comfort him. Shaman starts to come too, before he and Headlock both let out a mighty scream and both fall to the ground.
The light - the scorching embrace of self-examination - self-realization - it burns through Michael Twoyoungmen like a soldering iron through a baby’s eyes. And through me too! I don’t like it! It hurts! I don’t want to feel pain! Michael It hurt so much when your daughter hurt herself - the pain - how could you accept such agony - such despair? How could you deal with the sense of failure - the loss? Ughh - no - more coming sweeping through his mind now - oh Elizabeth, my/his wife - she died - he/I couldn’t save her - he was a doctor! Why couldn’t I/he help save her? Too much - too much - I let go of Shaman - leave him to his pain, his loss, his angers, and realize how much stronger a man he is than I - to live with such anguish, such agony - every day.
Witchfire stands near Shaman in case he needs her. Twoyoungmen declares that he is free, and calling Witchfire by her real name, Ananym, he exclaims that it hurts so much. Witchfire puts a hand on Shaman’s shoulder and apologizes for it, claiming she didn’t know what else to do. Twoyoungmen replies that it is all right, and asks her to hold him for a moment, and tell him he can continue to cope with his failures. ‘The fact that you have dealt with them is a testament to your strength, not your weakness’ replies Witchfire.
Yes, gloat over it! Revel in it! You’re better than I am! So what? I wasn’t strong enough - is that what you think? I’ll show you strength! I’ll show you what rage and anger can do! I’ll tweak around inside Langkowski’s mind. As Headlock does, Sasquatch continues to smash away at the Thing. It is a symphony of violence! I am Mozart and the pounding of flesh is my concerto! I feel Sasquatch’s physical surge, like riding the crest of a wave - his fist hitting rocky flesh, the sting, the rawness of it all. I hold these feelings in my heart. I cherish them. After my stinging humiliation in Shaman’s mind, the sheer glorification of gratuitous mayhem makes me finally feel as if I am one of them.
Sasquatch suddenly stops his growling and stares at the Thing. ‘What’s the matter Langkowski? Be a man - finish it off!’ Sasquatch has one hand on the Thing and one pulled back ready to strike. He is confused as to the Thing’s appearance, and Ben Grimm takes his mask off, asking him why he is surprised that he is in an exo-skeleton and asks if he is surprised that there is a man inside the monster.
‘What about you, Langkowski? Is there a man left inside the monster you’ve become?’ Sasquatch stares at Grimm, before shouting loudly and falling to the ground in his human form. ‘Was kinda hoping you’d say that’ mumbles the Thing, who also on the ground declares that if no one minds he is going to lie here and count his broken bones. Walter tells the Thing that he is so sorry for what he did.
I’m back in the saddle again! That was simply delightful! So what if I lost my control of the furry beast? It was so beautifully visceral! How about the angry little gnat and that intellectual rubber-band? Jean-Paul is struggling against Mr. Fantastic, and the handsome Alphan informs Reed that he will only play this cat and mouse game for so long before he begins to fight back. ‘No response? Very well then’ Jean-Paul exclaims, before pointing out that since Reed’s mind and actions are controlled by Headlock, he will see how much physical abuse Headlock is willing to let go?
What is this bitter little man going to do? No! No! screams Headlock. ‘Nooo!’ screams Mr. Fantastic as Northstar stretches his body by pulling one part along with him as he flies in the other direction. How far is he going to stretch him/me? Surely he wouldn’t rip his/my body in half - would he? ‘How much further, Headlock?’ Jean-Paul asks, pointing out that even he must surely understand that Mister Fantastic has limitations. I know! I know! It hurts so much! So different than before - Shaman’s pain was so emotional, this so physical! I…I…let go.
Northstar announces that Mr. Fantastic has gone completely limp, ‘Or should I say “limper”’, before pointing out that he is unconscious. Turning to Heather, Jean-Paul asks her if she requires assistance. ‘No, thanks’ Guardian replies as she continues to engage in combat with Vindicator. Mac retaliates and suggests to Heather that she should not have let her pride get in the way of reason. Darting around her he points out that he has successfully countered every maneuvre she has made, every parry, every aggressive attack. ’So I’ve noticed’ Heather mutters. ’What’s your point?’
The Hudsons continue to let electromagnetic energies flow as Vindicator wonders if Headlock’s usurping of his biological mind has allowed him the freedom to act in a mode superior to Heather’s. ‘And what mode would that be, Mac?’ Heather asks, before realizing that it is a mechanical mode, as Mac’s body is functioning with computer precision, which means the mechanical proportions of his mind are subconsciously overriding his normal neural functions.
And in that instant, she knows. It’s the last thing she wants to do, but the only way to defeat him. Overload the sucker. Let the mechanical parts of her hubby’s mind completely usurp the biological…and the only way to do that is….
‘Hit him with everything I’ve got!’ exclaims Heather, knowing she has to force the computer part of Vindicator’s mind to take over. Shaman, Witchfire, Windshear and the Human Torch join in, all using their innate powers to attack Vindicator.
He screams. I scream. We all scream for ice cream! I can feel him slipping away from my control…just as they have all been wrenched away. The precise, logical, orderly mind takes over. He puts up an electromagnetic shield, than places himself at rest with the Earth’s rotation for one microsecond…shunting himself away from the barrage and away from my control.
‘You may desist! This unit has by-passed its external encephalographic constraints and is now operating in a controlled capacity’ states Vindicator. ‘Wonderful…’ mutters Heather ‘…Didn’t my plan work out just great?’ She’s let the mechanical genie out of the bottle. What if she can’t put it back in? What if dear hubby begins to enjoy being more than a man?
Vindicator states ‘This unit has accurately analyzed the frequency in which the encephalographic imposition has been operating. This unit can now effectively scramble the signals and prevent the impositions from occurring again’. Sasquatch translates for everyone: ‘In other words - lets go punt Headlock up and down this mountainside!’
Sitting inside the chalet: They’re coming to get me! I just know it! I have to get out of here - bid goodbye to my kooky, kinky, kwirky house on the hill. Out and about! Out and about! I won’t need any of this, no, no, no! He remarks, tossing various items around, before turning to a helmet. This I’ll need. Etruscan helmet, very important. Oooh and this too - bull-headed staff of Mitra. So much to carry! Where’re my super-villain henchmen when I need them? Put it in a bag. Grab-bag. Santa Claus Bag. Gifts and goodies inside for all the little boys and girls who’ve been bad. I’m ready to go now. Bye, ol’ house. I’ll miss you!
I’m outta here! Headlock declares as he carry’s his sack of goodies and opens the door to make his leave. But as he opens the door: ‘Hey, Headlock. Ain’tcha gonna invite us in fer tea?’ Several of the heroes enter the house and follow Headlock as he declares Suuuuurrre…let me go and get it…the terrace. I’ll escape out the - uh-oh. Guardian and several others fly up to the balcony and block Headlock’s escape from that direction.
Vindicator informs Headlock that his neural frequencies have been disrupted and that the townspeople have been released, adding that there is nothing he can do to affect any of them. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, honest. You’re all so big and strong and virile - look at me. All my life I’ve been frail and sickly! I only wanted to know what violence felt like! I only wanted to share in your ways! You know - might makes right and all that. Sasquatch places a hand on Headlock’s head and asks him if he wants to feel flesh pound flesh, before lifting him up and telling he will show him what a broken bone feels like, asking him which one he wants to start with.
Guardian orders Walter to put Headlock down, ‘He’s pathetic, what are we going to get out of him?’ Jean-Paul informs Heather that it is not so much what they would get, but what Headlock would get. Sasquatch tosses Headlock to the ground, ‘sure…a broken arm or two, fractured rib or ten’. No! Please - no! I can’t flight you! ‘Why don’t you give it a try though?’ suggests Walter. Northstar jibes Headlock too: ‘Of course you can…you will try’.
I…I… mutters Headlock before he starts whacking Sasquatch, his arms flailing about pathetically. The ever-reasonable Susan asks Walter to stop, but the more forceful Heather orders him to. Headlock falls to the ground, I can’t fight - I’m not a big warrior - strong soldier…I’m not a man - okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?
‘No it wasn’t!’ declares Reed Richards. Vindicator points out that they must find a way to sublimate Headlock’s mental powers until he can be permanently incarcerated. Incarcerated? But I gave up! Go away! Go away! Reed announces that he has equipment available which could be calibrated to Headlock’s specific brainwaves.
They’ve put some clunky equipment on my head and I cant think right anymore. Or is it that I cant think wrong anymore? I do know I have learned something. They are better because they are bigger and they hit harder and they like it that way. I’ve learned that’s why they win.
In the town square, the citizens have come to thank Alpha Flight and the Fantastic Four. Vindicator informs the mayor that his town has been freed of Headlock’s control and Department H will send a psychiatric unit to verify that they are experiencing no lasting effects. They mayor thanks everyone. As they approach the Omnijet, Sasquatch asks if they are all going to be able to fit in. Mr. Fantastic, whose Fantasticar was recently destroyed, that it is only until they return to Ottawa and can retrieve their Pogo Plane.
Aurora and Windshear wait outside of the Omnijet, and Vindicator asks them if they are not coming, pointing out that contrary to Walter‘s doubt, there is sufficient room. Colin replies that he is going to fly back on his own as he has a few things to think about. Aurora adds that she has the same plan.
The Omnijet takes off with the two mutants in tow. Windshear asks Aurora what is on her mind, and Aurora points out that her powers seem to have evolved to a state which by their very nature forces her to question her future participation in Alpha Flight. When Aurora asks Windshear what is troubling him, Hume replies that after fighting someone as experienced as the Invisible Woman, he is wondering if he is good enough to do this for a living. Aurora points out that they both have much to think about.
That night in Toronto. ‘Well, I’m glad that’s over with!’ exclaims Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Diamond Lil. Madison “Box” Jeffries points out that baby sitting the new headquarters as it is being built is not a barrel of fun, and Eugene Milton Judd a.k.a. Puck reminds everyone that it must be done. As the trio walk through a bar, Diamond Lil replies that she knows, and asks how she is supposed to prove herself if she doesn’t get the chance to strut her stuff. ‘Ah, who wants to hear me whining, right?’
The trio are about to go their separate ways, before Diamond Lil confirms that they will meet in the lobby in an hour for dinner at Lichee Gardens. ‘Right’ Jeffries replies, before Lil asks him if he is sure that he doesn’t want to join her for a quick shower. ‘No, I’m not sure - but cut me some slack anyway!’ Madison exclaims.
‘Fine, Mr. Jeffries. I’ll cut you some slack for now…’ Lil thinks to herself as she gets changed. In the shower, she decides that as soon as Heather and Mac figure out what is what between the two of them, she will be there to pick Jeffries up. Lil realizes that she doesn’t feel that great, watching a bunch of construction workers using power tools used to be her idea of a good time, but now…nothing interesting happened at all - except for the lump in her breast that she admits she has been ignoring for the last year has gotten bigger. ‘Oh, god…please don’t do this to me now…’.