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…and DIE in Infamy! (The Pacific Overlords, part 2)
Avengers West Coast Compound, Palos Verdes, California. A rather large - well, massive - child screams from its “play pen” - which is in fact a cell. The members of the Avengers West Coast gather around to discuss the child, and Iron Man jokes that the kid has a nice set of lungs. ‘”Nice”? You’ve gotta be kidding me!’ Greer Grant Nelson a.k.a. Tigra exclaims as she hangs onto Iron Man so as not to be blown over by the kids screams, like Doctor Hank Pym was. Hank lands on his arm, which Simon “Wonder Man” Williams sees, and asks his friend if he is all right, before motioning to the child, which they have dubbed “The Big One” and remarks that the kids vocal chords are knocking everyone except Iron Man down like pinballs.
Hank tells Wonder Man not to worry about him, and motions to his ex-wife, Janet van Dyne a.k.a. the Wasp who is being blown away in her tiny form. Wonder Man remarks that he may not have magnetized boots like Tony Stark’s “rent-a-hero” their new Iron Man and reaches out and grabs the Wasp before she splatters against the wall, to which Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the Scarlet Witch tells Simon that she is glad his late date did not last all night. Tigra turns to Iron Man and asks him if he can’t use his repulsor rays to stop the Big One from giving off these vibrations.
Iron Man replies that he can’t without the risk of hurting the kid, and pointing out that he doesn’t want to do that and more than Doctor Pym wants to shrink the poor mutated toddler. Suddenly, Julia Carpenter a.k.a. Spider-Woman, a friend of Hawkeye and Tony Stark’s and ally of the Avengers suggests that Tigra might be able to keep the Big One quiet if she climbs into his reinforced cage - and purrs! Tigra is offended by that and asks Spider-Woman if she is crazy, until the Scarlet Witch calms Greer down, remarking that Julia might be right. ‘Well, if you say so, Wanda’ Greer replies, and Iron Man thanks her for volunteering, then propels Tigra into the cage, despite her shouting that she only said “maybe”!
The Big One grabs Tigra, ‘And boy can he grab!’ Greer exclaims, before asking what she should do now. ‘Like Spider-Woman said - start purring!’ someone suggests. The Big One looks at Tigra, who begins to purr quietly. ‘Louder!’ someone shouts. Greer complies, and her teammates and Spider-Woman watch intently, as the Big One begins to go quiet, sucking his thumb as he holds onto Tigra tightly. Someone tells Greer to keep going, and Greer exclaims that the kid is actually calming down, before asking how she gets out of here without riling the kid again.
Wonder Man remarks that is a good question, and asks if anyone has an answer. Spider-Woman notices Wanda holding a teddy and declares that she thinks the Scarlet Witch does. Simon looks at the teddy and Wanda informs everyone that she remembered it was in the storage draw. ‘My children used to…I mean…’ her voice trails off, unsure of what to say, luckily Hank comes to her rescue, taking the bear from Wanda and telling his friend that it is a great idea. Wanda remarks that she has no use for such things any longer, and watches as Hank uses his Pym Particles on it to increase its size.
Hank informs everyone that he will sneak it into Big One’s arms, when Spider-Woman asks if she can do it, remarking that she has more experiences with teddy bears than he has, and approaching the Big One, Julia tells Tigra to slowly slide out of the Big One’s arm as she slides the teddy bear in. ‘If you absolutely insist’ Greer mutters. Wanda exclaims that the plan worked and tells everyone to leave the room quickly and quietly as the Big One is now sleeping. Tigra asks Spider-Woman how she knew that would work, to which Julia replies she will tell her outside. The Wasp remarks to Hank that they have some lullaby music they can pipe into the room, to which Hank thinks is a good idea.
Outside, Tigra asks Spider-Woman to tell her how she and Wanda knew the Big One wouldn’t turn her into striped jelly while she was playing “little miss purr-fect”. Julia replies that they didn’t, but it was a chance they had to take. ‘What?!’ exclaims Tigra angrily. The Scarlet Witch tells Tigra to use her brain, reminding her that they had already deduced their captive is actually just a young child whom some one mutated and left to guard that hidden lab. Hank exclaims that naturally the Big One would react to a toy left over from when - his voice trails off as he realizes what he was about to say. ‘Nice going’ Jan whispers to Hank, but Wanda declares that it is all right, that she has come to terms with the fact that her twins never truly existed.
Iron Man brings up Dr. Demonicus, whom they suspect it was that transformed the helpless child, when Clint “Hawkeye” Barton enters the room, announcing that it was Demonicus, and holding up some papers declares that he has the transfer of ownership to prove it. ‘So that’s what you stayed behind in Costa Mesa!’ the Wasp remarks. ‘Affirmative!’ the handsome Hawkeye replies, before joking that he doesn’t get his name just because he is a wiz with a bow and arrow, and holds up some photos which he found also, before informing everyone that the papers prove that the wax museum was purchased recently by one Dr. Douglas Birely. ‘A.k.a. Dr. Demonicus!’ Iron Man exclaims.
The Wasp examines the photos and exclaims that ties everything up, as Birely is a geneticist who used something called the Lifestone to evolve small animals into monsters. Hank remarks that, as far as they know, he has never experimented on human beings though. ‘But there’s always a first time for a crumb like that!’ Hawkeye exclaims. The Wasp points out that Demonicus’ modus operandi fits what they gleaned from the apparatus they captured also. Iron Man adds that he ascertained Demonicus’ machines were manufactured in Japan and Australia, to which Hank points out that they know Demonicus has usually operated along the Pacific rim.
Wonder Man asks Iron Man if he is sure about that, pointing out that the country of origin had been sanded off them. Iron Man tells Simon to trust him, as Tony Stark has taught him a few things during the time he has worked for him. Hank brings up the photos that Hawkeye mentioned and asks if he learned anything from them. ‘I thought you’d never ask!’ Clint jokes, before holding the photos out and informing everyone that they are of Tokyo and another Japanese city, and also one of the Sydney Opera House in Australia, which ties in with what Iron Man pointed out.
The Wasp remarks that it is pretty convenient isn’t it, all these photos left lying around. Hawkeye replies that he knows, and agrees, before pointing out that it is all they have to go on right now. The Scarlet Witch suggests that if they are going to investigate, then somebody has to make some assignments, before pointing out that they never did get around to electing a chairman. Hank asks Iron Man, as the newest Avenger, if he wants to do it. Iron Man replies ‘If that’s what everyone wants’ and as no one objects, proceeds to give out the missions.
Iron Man tells Wanda that she, Wonder Man and Dr. Pym will head for Australia, while he, Tigra and the Wasp go check out the Japanese manufacturer, and Hawkeye stays here as liaison. Arms folded across his chest, Wonder Man tells Iron Man that, if it is all the same, he would prefer going with his team. Iron Man replies that it not all right with him, and goes over to Simon, whispering that they both know he wants to switch teams because he and Wanda have had a dispute, before reminding Simon that he is a pro - as an actor and an Avenger - so he should start acting like one.
Spider-Woman stands by Hawkeye and remarks that Iron Man sure comes on strong, for being new in the group. ‘New? Oh yeah, right’ Hawkeye replies, before telling Julia that he was just about to object to being left to hold the fort, but considering the circumstances, thinks he will do as he is told. Shortly, two Quinjets depart Avengers Compound, and Clint and Julia go back into the room where the Big One is being kept. Julia begins to say that with her not being an Avenger she might as well head home, but doesn’t complete her sentence as she sees Hawkeye holding up the photos in front of the Big One and asks him what he is doing that for.
Hawkeye motions to the Big One who is looking at the photos through his large pen, but gets no response. Julia asks Clint what he expected, as the Big One is practically an infant. ‘Yeah, guess it was a dumb idea’ Clint replies, before reminding Julia that she never said why she left Denver. ‘No, I didn’t’ Julia replies, glancing away. Clint suggests that she can fill him in over a pizza sometime, to which Julia replies that she read somewhere he was married. ‘Legally separated!’ Clint replies, before pointing out that he was talking about pizza, not a pre-nuptial contract! ‘Well, in that case - your phone’s ringing’ Julia replies, interrupted by the telephone.
‘Story of my life. Put me alone with a gorgeous redhead and a two-ton toddler - and that’s when Century-21 calls to ask if we want to sell this place!’ Hawkeye jokes as he runs for the telephone. ‘Hank Pym? Sorry, he had to leave town’ Clint informs the person who is ringing. ‘Who? Dr. Jennifer Falk? Oh, yeah, from U.C.L.A. No, he didn’t mention having a dinner date, sorry’ Clint tells Dr. Falk, before promising that he will have Hank phone her as soon as he gets back.
Hanging the phone up, Clint remarks that it looks like Hank and Janet really are going their separate-but-equal ways. ‘Never thought I’d see the day!’ he jokes, when suddenly the phone rings again. ‘Hey! What is this?’ he mutters, asking if someone got their phone number mixed up with Larry King’s. Hawkeye answers the phone, and the woman on the other end informs him that she is from the Titan Talent Agency. Clint assumes she wants to speak with Wonder Man, so tells her that Simon isn’t here, when he is surprised to find out that she wants to speak with Janet.
Trish Titan from the Titan Talent Agency learns that Janet is not there and asks Clint to get Janet to call her when she gets back, and to tell her that Trish definitely wants to represent her and that screenplay that she sent her. Hawkeye hangs up the phone and wonders what that was all about, as he didn’t know the Wasp was into writing letters, let alone movie scripts! Hawkeye then wonders if there is anybody in Tinseltown who isn’t writing a screenplay, before deciding that it is none of his business anyway.
Spider-Woman calls out urgently to Hawkeye, who comes rushing in and asking what the big deal is, before noticing the Big One holding a photo and asking Spider-Woman what the kid is doing with it. Julia replies that the Big One just reached through the bars and grabbed it off the floor, but that she does now know which photo it is, and the Big One is not keen in giving it up! Hawkeye reaches for an arrow from his pack and suggests that he can stab the photo and pull it back, to which Julia stops him, asking if he wants the kid to start crying again and bring the house down around their ears.
‘Point taken!’ Clint exclaims, before asking Julia what they should do, as he wants to see that photo. ‘Here, let me!’ Spider-Woman exclaims, raising her hands towards the play pen, she explains to Hawkeye that it usually takes a few seconds for her psionic webs to fully materialize, adding that since what she is going is affecting the inter-atomic attraction between molecular boundary layers, but when it does, perhaps she can pull the picture away from the Big One without hurting him.
Julia’s plan works, and Spider-Man tells her that sometime she has got to remember to tell him where she learned all that physics, before pointing out that the Big One is still going to want the photo back. ‘Not necessarily’ Julia replies, as Clint grabs the photo and examines it, while Spider-Woman gives the Big One something else to play with, like her glowing web-weave. ‘Nice touch!’ Clint replies, before alerting Spider-Woman to the photo. Julia points out that the photo is not of Japan or Australia, and Clint realizes that this photo must have been stuck between the others and no one noticed. ‘Feel like taking a ride?’ he asks. ‘Well, I was really supposed to…sure! I wanna see this thing through!’ Julia exclaims. ‘That’s the spirit!‘ Clint tells Julia, before checking that the Big One is asleep, Hawkeye and Spider-Woman leave in a third Quinjet, with Hawkeye informing Julia that the music and the ground crew will take care of the Big One.
Somewhere else, Dr. Demonicus strides about his laboratory, where lab technicians are busy going about their tasks, and two prisoners are kept in stasis - the Living Lightning and the man called Taifu, or Typhoon. Dr. Demonicus’ aid Kain points out that the big day is nearly here, to which Demonicus replies that it is indeed, and tells Kain that during his Californian sojourn, Kain has supervised the ongoing work here superbly, and that he will receive an honoured place in the bold new world he is in the process of creating.
Demonicus remarks that, by now, their foes have doubtless divided their forces between Australia and Japan, just as he intended when he left a few obsolescent machines behind. Demonicus points to a technician and orders him to increase the power-drain on Typhoon and Living Lightning by seven percent. Kain asks Demonicus if it was truly wise to leave their enemies what amounted to nothing more than clues. Demonicus replies that after Kuroko and Jawbreaker encountered Spider-Woman, he realized that other West Coast super heroes were bound to find his labs. ‘Far better to direct their actions than to wonder where they are every moment!’ Demonicus exclaims. Kain supposes that Demonicus is right, but he never looked at it that way.
Demonicus motions to the Lifestone and tells Kain to think of everything else as mere stepping stones - his Pacific Overlords who do his bidding in several nations washed by that ocean, even the precious Lifestone which mutated the Overlords so that each one gained a different power. Demonicus exclaims that all of them are mere way-stations on the path to the Pax Demonicus which he shall soon impose on the region known as the Pacific Rim. Demonicus declares that it will be only a little longer, then it will be too late for the super heroes of Earth to stop him.
Demonicus apologizes for lapsing into the clichés used by earlier would-be conquerors, ‘But it is true!’ he boasts. Kain points out that if anything went wrong, and the heroes somehow tracked them here - Dr. Demonicus interrupts Kain, explaining that is why he has kept his most powerful Overlord here, to destroy any costumed fool who blunders into the domain of Dr. Demonicus!
Meanwhile, in Hawaii, or “the Big Island”, which is the youngest, largest and southernmost of the Hawaii chain. Its major active Volcano, Kilauea, has been erupting constantly since the mid 1980’s, making a popular tourist attraction. A man tells his girlfriend to look through the binoculars, and exclaims if that fire goddess, Pele, really lives in the volcano like the legends say, then she has got to be on the market for one of his air-conditioners. The girlfriend tells her boyfriend to save some of that for the luau tonight, ‘Quarter to eight in the morning and you’ve already used up the whole day’s quota of enthusiasm!’
The man begins to reply, when suddenly the volcano begins spouting lava furiously, high up into the air, it splatters everywhere. Civilians and tourists on the viewing platform begin running for their lives, while the boyfriend exclaims that he has got to get a picture of that. The girlfriend asks her partner if he thinks it might hit them over here, to which he replies that the tourist bureau wouldn’t let them get this close if there was any chance of danger, when suddenly there is a mighty sound as two figures burst from the opening of the volcano. ‘Hey! What was that?!’ someone asks pointing upwards. As the two figures streak away, someone else remarks that whatever it was, it’s gone now.
Meanwhile, at Honolulu, 7.55am. Admiral Hinkley begins a speech, exclaiming that nearly fifty years ago, on another Sunday morning, the U.S. battleship Arizona lay anchored where this memorial stands now. In the dark months following imperial Japan’s sneak attack, there were but a few indominatable heroes who could carry the war to the enemies. ‘And one of the foremost was the Sub-Mariner. Thus it is my honor to present you with this plaque, honoring your exploits, Prince Namor!’ the Admiral exclaims. Dressed in a suit the Sub-Mariner accepts the plaque, while remarking that he is a prince no longer.
Namor declares that he is not a speech maker, yet accepts this on behalf of his fellow invaders, Captain America and the original Human Torch. Namor goes on to say that the true heroes are the more than two thousand men who died on this island on December 7th 1971 - half of whom lie forever entombed below the Arizona, from whose rusted tanks oil still seeps even to this day. Namor declares that he did fight in that war against Nazi Germany and militarist Japan, now because he is half-American, or even half-human, but because he saw the essential justice of the Allied cause.
Namor goes on to say that, thankfully the old enmities between those nations are long since buried, when suddenly, ’It is you who shall be buried, Sub-Mariner!’ cries a voice from above as Namor is bombarded by a blast of powerful flame. ‘Namor’s down!’ the Admiral shouts, while asking who could have done that, only to look up and see two figures flying in bursts of flames towards the memorial - ‘I am Sunfire - or to use the words of my native tongue, Taiyo Kaji!’ cries the one-time X-Man, while his female companion introduces herself as Pele, goddess of fire, and spirit of these isles usurped long ago by despoiling foreigners.
Sunfire a.k.a. Shiro Yashida declares that they have come to drive all Americans out and back to the mainland where they belong. ‘Like fish you will!’ an officer exclaims as he begins firing bullets at his assailants, only to discover that the bullets cannot get past Sunfire’s fiery aura. Admiral Hinkley exclaims that he knows Sunfire, ‘He’s one of those mutants’ he exclaims, wondering if mutants are turning against humans again. Sunfire replies that he makes no common cause with mutants, but only with those he chooses. Pele speaks up, declaring that Sunfire chooses to help her as she reclaims these isles for its native people, her worshipers.
‘That’s bull lady, and you know it!’ someone cries out, to which Sunfire warns the man to hold his tongue. ‘I said bull and I meant bull!’ the man replies. Admiral Hinkley exclaims that he knows Sunfire is Japanese, and declares that he suspects that fake “goddess” is part Japanese too, before remarking that they used to be out to avenge Japan’s defeat in 1945, and points out that they are attacking at the exact time Japan did in 1941, ‘Proves you’re still looking to get even!’
Sunfire admits that is a peripheral part of his mission today, though it is one he shall enjoy most thoroughly. Pele exclaims that they shall destroy them together, and their concrete memorial to conquest with them. Sunfire agrees, ‘With our different flames we shall -’ he begins to say when he is caught off guard by something streaking in front of he and Pele, an arrow, with thick black smoke trailing behind it. As the smoke spreads, Pele exclaims that there is so much of it she cannot even see the hated memorial, when suddenly Hawkeye, balancing himself on the outside of the Quinjet which lands on the water exclaims ‘That’s the idea!’
Sunfire is surprised to see the Avenger, ‘You - here?’ he exclaims, to which Hawkeye remarks ‘I might toss the same question back in your face, Sunfire!’ and points out that the last he heard, Sunfire was one of the good guys, even if the rest of the world wasn’t sure about mutants. Julia clings to the edge of the Quinjet, whispering to Hawkeye that they witnessed Sunfire and Pele’s firepower before they landed, and asks if he thinks they can take Sunfire and Pele down with nothing but arrows and whatever she can throw at them. ‘Maybe - maybe not!’ Clint whispers back, before joking ‘That’s why the Avengers keep my in pocket change…so I’ll be there when somebody as to try!’ Julia wonders what she is doing here then, as she is not an Avenger, and is even on the lam from the last Government group she worked for.
Hawkeye tells Sunfire that he and his lady friend have got until the count of three to clear out of here. ‘Then I’m gonna get mad!’ Clint exclaims. In the memorial meanwhile, an officer exclaims that they are the ones who better clear out of here before they get caught in the crossfire. The Admiral announces that he is going to call in some air support, while back outside, Sunfire tells Hawkeye that he should not have given him an ultimatum, for that merely gives him the opportunity to rain down his solar flare upon their foolish heads.
Hawkeye leaps out of the way of the falling flames, remarking that he forget “you guys” attacked this place once before without fair warning, and firing an arrow up at Sunfire exclaims ‘Here’s a little American firepower right back at ya!’ Clint thinks to himself that Sunfire’s power missed him, while he got the chance to fire an explosive tip-arrow at Sunfire. Clint knows that he should not bait Sunfire like he holds him personally responsible for Pearl Harbor, especially since Sunfire got his powers as a freak after-effect of the atomic blast at Hiroshima, ‘But he got under my skin!’.
Noticing what happens when his arrow reaches Sunfire though, Clint realizes that his arrow just annoyed Sunfire, while thinking to himself that he isn’t even sure what they are fighting about. Suddenly, Spider-Woman tells Hawkeye to keep Sunfire busy while she takes care of the self-appointed volcano-mama. Julia unleashes her psionic webs against Pele, who just hovers in the air, who discovers that she cannot burn them, but flying away boasts that she can easily evade them, ‘And hurl my own spark of divine fire!’ with that, Pele sends several blasts of lava down at Spider-Woman, who makes a joke, while dodging them.
The Quinjet receives the full brunt of the fire power and is tossed up above the water, and in the process the hatch opens and Spider-Woman falls into the craft. Hawkeye boasts that it will take more than that to sink the Quinjet, when suddenly his arrows slip from their case, he grabs them just before they hit the water though, ‘Couldn’t play hard-ball with soggy arrows!’ he exclaims. Clint thinks that this is weird, for this is the second run-in the Avengers have had with the so-called Pacific Overlords, supposing these two are part of that group, but the Avengers still have no idea as to what the Overlords are up to besides sheer destruction, for so far nothing they have done makes much sense, and therefore the Avengers are still not seeing the big picture.
Hawkeye calls out to Spider-Woman and exclaims that the Quinjet may be getting damp, but that it will take a lot of water before it goes under, and asks her to watch the left wing while he watches the right. When he gets no answer, Clint calls out to Julia, asking if she is still there. Pele informs Hawkeye that Spider-Woman is dead, and boasts that he will soon join her. Suddenly though, Julia climbs out of the hatch she fell into, telling Pele not to get her shirt in an uproar, as she is alive and ready to kick grass! Julia tells Pele that if she has the guts to come down here for a little one-on-one, then she will find out just how alive she is. ‘Pele accepts your challenge!’ the self-styled goddess snaps back furiously.
Pele flies down towards the Quinjet, boasting that now they will find out she is indeed the true goddess of fire - when suddenly she gets trapped in a large psionic web that Spider-Woman created. Julia jokes that Pele is actually the goddess of clumsiness, and Hawkeye tells Julia that he is glad she is okay, before asking her how she did that. Julia explains that as Pele dove down towards them, she formed a web right above where the sun glistened on the water. Clint realizes that Pele would not have been able to see the web and tells Julia that, for a rookie, she is not too bad.
Spider-Woman smiles at Hawkeye’s comment and thanks him, ‘Coming from a bona fide Avenger like you -’ she exclaims, when she is interrupted by Pele, breaking free from the webbing. ‘I think the word you’re groping for is “premature”!’ Hawkeye exclaims before telling Spider-Woman that all her psi-web did was slow Pele down, ‘Not that I’m complaining mind you’ he assures Julia. Pele flies towards the Quinjet once more, warning Hawkeye and Spider-Woman that they are now going to face her wrath, to which Spider-Woman exclaims ’As far as I’m concerned, you fired-up mass of clichés - you’re all wet!’ With that, Julia rips a piece of the Quinjet from its fixture using her super strength and smashes it against Pele, causing her to fall into the water.
Julia sees Pele begin to flounder around and dives in to help her. But swimming over to Pele and grabbing her arm to stop her from drowning, Julia gets slightly burned, as Pele’s skin is still so hot. ‘You dare lay a hand on Pele?’ the deranged woman exclaims, before unleashing her heat rays on Spider-Woman and warning her that she will find the heat waves render her far more helpless than she was, adding ‘Nor will I bother saving you from drowning!’
Sunfire congratulates Pele, when suddenly Hawkeye remarks that he was wondering where Sunfire had got to, and gives him a welcome back present in the form of a flare arrow. ‘A flare arrow against Sunfire? Why not shine a flashlight into a furnace instead?’ Shiro laughs, but Hawkeye just fires another arrow. Shiro watches and sees that it is another flare arrow judging by the head, he remarks that Hawkeye must be down to his last arrows, when suddenly, tear gas surrounds the cocky mutant. Hawkeye smiles and remarks that arrowheads can be switched, when suddenly he is thrust into the water as a beam of flame erupts from underneath the Quinjet.
‘Ad have I, archer!’ Pele bellows as she flies up from the water. Clint sees that Spider-Woman is unconscious and swims over to her, hoping to get to her before she drowns. ‘How touching. The two of you will die together!’ Pele exclaims, when suddenly she hears a mighty roaring. ‘Have you forgotten me already, woman?’ the Sub-Mariner asks as he rides a massive wave that sweeps towards Pele - who instantly flies away as fast as she can. Namor remarks that it seems Pele does not wish to fight him after he recovered from her cowardly attack.
The Sub-Mariner regrets that he has lost his ankle wings recently, otherwise he would follow her, though a mere leap brings him fist-to-face with Sunfire, who he smashes hard in the face. Namor reminds Sunfire that they were foes before Sunfire had fought with almost anyone, before remarking that he thought Sunfire had renounced his mad desire for revenge upon America. Realizing he has knocked Sunfire unconscious, Namor drops down to the Quinjet and supposes that he will have to wait until Shiro revives to find the answer, before turning to Hawkeye and asking him what he and Spider-Woman are doing here.
Hawkeye explains that they learned something was going to happen here, but they just didn’t know what. Namor asks who Spider-Woman is and Hawkeye explains who she is. Julia regains consciousness, spluttering some water, while Namor turns his attention to the awakening Sunfire, asking him why he attacked him and the Pearl Harbor memorial. Dazed, Sunfire replies that he doesn’t remember, and surprisingly, Namor remarks that he believes Sunfire, pointing out that the glazed look in his eyes earlier was the look of a mesmerized man.
Hawkeye suggests that perhaps Pele was hypnotized too, otherwise why would anyone think she was a real volcano goddess. ‘You can ask that after years of chumming around with Thor?’ Sunfire asks. Hawkeye welcomes Spider-Woman back to the land of the conscious, while Namor asks Shiro what he remembers. Sunfire replies that he has no memory of this “Pele” that they are talking about, but that he does recall being captured back in Japan. Namor asks him who by, but Sunfire replies that he doesn’t know, as he was struck from behind, before exclaiming that he does remember one thing - a date - July 18th!
Hawkeye points out that tomorrow is July 18th and asks what is so special about it. Sunfire replies that he has not the slightest idea, except for that it is for some reason very important. Namor tells Hawkeye that if Sunfire remembers anything else then to contact him, but right now he must return to Los Angeles. ‘Sure’ Hawkeye replies, before telling Namor that he doesn’t imagine it will be anything the Avengers West cannot handle, especially with Spider-Woman helping them. However, Spider-Woman tells Hawkeye that she actually has to get back to L.A. herself, even if tomorrow is the end of the world. ‘Especially if tomorrow is the end of the world!’ she exclaims.
Meanwhile, at 5.08am in San Francisco. ‘Another day, another datsun” a thief thinks to himself as he tries to break into a car. He admits that there is not much money in stealing one of these, but that beggars can’t be choosers. Suddenly though, a large figure comes up behind the thief and taps him on the shoulder. ‘Please don’t hit me!’ the thief exclaims as he raises his hands in the air, before realizing that the person standing before him is USAgent. ‘What’s an Avenger doing down here chasing small fry like me?’ the thief asks, when suddenly USAgent’s pager goes off. The handsome John Walker tells the thief to stay here while he answers his beeper, and warns him not to make anymore lippy remarks.
‘Yo! USAgent here! If this is one of the Avengers West you can kiss my -’ Walker begins, when a voice interrupts, ‘Negative! This is Mike Clemson, of the Commission!’ ‘What Commission?’ Agent asks. ‘The Commission!’ Clemson snaps back. ‘Oh, that Commission!’ Walker exclaims, before asking Clemson why he is using the Avenger’s private line. Clemson tells Agent that they might ask him the same thing, ‘You think we don’t know you were botted out of the Avengers?’
‘Okay, so we both won’t get technical!’ Agent mutters, before asking Clemson what is going on. Clemson replies that it is simple: ‘You need a new employer, and the Commission needs a job done’. Walker asks if the job isn’t something Clemson can black mail those Freedom Force bozos into doing for him. Clemson replies that the Commission also uses other operatives, such as - until recently - Spider-Woman! ‘Never heard of her!’ Agent replies, to which Clemson replies that the Commission wishes they hadn’t either, as she has turned into a rogue agent. Agent replies that is no skin off his nose, to which Clemson informs Agent that if he takes care of Spider-Woman, then he starts off on a salary of $1000 per week - retroactive.
Agent asks Clemson if he has any idea where he might be able to find Spider-Woman, to which Clemson replies that she was last seen at the Avengers West Compound. ‘You got yourself a deal!’ Walker exclaims, to which Clemson exclaims ‘Excellent!’ before telling Walker that there is one more thing - ‘Spider-Woman is so dangerous - she is to be permanently retired upon sight!’ Agent frowns and tells Clemson that they used to call it “wasted” and that he is no longer into that. Clemson claims that it is a matter of national security.
USAgent kicks the thief along past the car, telling him to get on his way, as he doesn’t have time for him now, and in an instant, Walker has run along the street and leaps onto the rooftop of a cab. The driver gets a shock, and looks out his window only to see USAgent frowning and tells the driver to head for L.A., and to step on it. ‘I’ve got me a spider to squash!’


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Chaos and Chrysanthemums (The Pacific Overlords, part 3)
Tokyo, ‘So help me, Iron Man, if this guy bows at us one more time…’ Greer Grant Nelson, better known as Tigra, remarks to her teammate in the Avengers West Coast, about Mr. Anami, who is standing before them, bowing. Iron Man tells Tigra to be at easer and to stop acting like the “Ugly American” 1991 edition. Mr. Anami on behalf of Hasanuma Electronics, welcomes Iron Man and Tigra as representatives of the Avengers, under the auspices of the United Nations, ‘And in the case of the honorable Iron Man, as the emissary of the illustrious Anthony Stark!’ Mr. Anami adds, before asking them to excuse his very poor English.
Iron Man informs Mr. Anami that his employer sends greetings also, adding that Stark remembers the courtesy shown to him while he was here on his last trip, and tells Mr. Anami that since it is they who are in Japan, they should be the ones apologizing for speaking so little of his language. Iron Man proceeds to inform Mr. Anami that they are seeking information on Dr. Demonicus, a criminal geneticist who has founded a mysterious new group known as the Pacific Overlords. Anami remarks that is a most interesting name, to which Iron Man suggests in inspired by “Pacific Overtures” a musical play which dealt with Japanese-American relations, but that is not why they are here.
‘The reason we three came to Tokyo’ Iron Man begins, until Mr. Anami interrupts him, ’Forgive me, but you said “we three”? I see only yourself and the young lady with the, er, tail’. Suddenly, Janet van Dyne, a.k.a. the Wasp reveals herself as she returns to her human size, apologizing to Mr. Anami that she got so carried away. ‘Ah, “the Wonderful Wasp”!’ Anami remarks, surprising Janet that he has heard of her. When she asks him about it, he replies that he has long been fascinated by American movie stars and super heroes, and asks the Avengers if they would like to sit down.
Tigra and the Wasp do, but Iron Man informs Mr. Anami that they must be on their way, as soon as he tells them what equipment his company sold to Demonicus, perhaps under his real name of Dr. Douglas Birely. Anami assures Iron Man that his company has no dealings with known felons, to which Iron Man holds up part of some equipment, explaining that he used advanced techniques to render the Hasanuma label visible, even though it had been sanded off, before asking Anami what the function of the machine that he cuts this fragment from was.
Rubbing his hands, Anami replies that he recognizes it now, before telling Iron Man that he cannot be expected to have at his fingertips information on everything that his company manufactures. The Wasp points out that this was clearly a high-ticket item, and asks Anami if perhaps he can tell him which of his various factories might have manufactured it. ‘Good idea!’ Iron Man remarks, and begins asking Anami if it was from the one here in Tokyo, or perhaps the Osaka factory - or the one in Kyoto? By the expression on Anami’s face, Iron Man can tell that it was the Kyoto one, when suddenly, Tigra alerts everyone to a helicopter which has just flown up beside the side of the building, which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Tigra jokes that, as a diplomat, she is never going to give April Glaspie a run for her money, but that cuts have sharp ears, and she doubts that copters is here to give them the keys to the city! ‘Yakuza!’ Iron Man exclaims as he sees several men in the helicopter aim weapons into the building, while Anami calls out to the Yakuza, ‘No - please! I have told them nothing!’ he exclaims. But the Yakuza fire their weapons into the building, sending glass shattering everywhere.
Janet shifts to her wasp-size and Tigra dodges out of harms way, while Iron Man’s armor protects him from the bullets, Anami is not so fortunate, and is struck by countless bullets. ‘I don’t think they believed him’ Iron Man remarks, before ordering the Wasp and Tigra to get the secretaries out of here, while he attempts to block as much of the gunfire as he can. Wasp replies that she is on her way and jokes that there are advantages to being a small target, before flying over to the panic-stricken employees, and calls out to them to keep moving, before deciding that between her size and the language barrier, she is not making much of an impression on the terrified women, so uses her wasps-sting to keep them moving.
Iron Man checks on Anami and confirms that he is dead, while Tigra leaps out of the shattered window onto the helicopter, exclaiming that it is time to find out why these creeps wanted Anami dead, and what, if anything, they have got to do with Demonicus. ‘Not that I’m going to lean much from that one’ Greer remarks as one of the men falls from the helicopter, down to the street which is far below them. ‘Or maybe from anyone else!’ Greer exclaims as she finds a gun placed against her forehead by one of the Yakuza - until the Wasp flies onboard, ‘They can’t hit what they can’t see, Tigra!’ Janet remarks as she stings the Yakuza in the eye.
Tigra thanks Janet, before pointing out that with her inside, these refugees from “Black Rain” cannot fire without trashing their own helicopter. Tigra uses her claws to shred the Yakuza’s high-tech armor, only to discover that the men are tattooed “within an inch of their life”, and exclaims that it looks like they are still going to shoot, no matter what the costs. Suddenly, Iron Man flies alongside the flailing chopper and tells the girls that it looks like he could give them a hand, or in this case, his nice metal shoulder. Iron Man flips the chopper over and apologizes to everyone for turning them into tossed Japanese salad, before remarking that it is better than being shot at, at close range. Iron Man then tells his teammates inside the chopper to hang on, as he brings the chopper down to the ground.
Shortly, the Avengers have tied up several of their attackers and Iron Man remarks that they are certainly Yakuza, remarking that a lot of those gangsters sport shoulder-to-knee tattoos, but Iron Man points out that these men are not going to help them, and the Wasp suggests that it is time for a private strategy conference.
Soon, the three Avengers are on the rooftop of Anami’s building and Tigra asks Iron Man why he was so positive Anami knew about Demonicus, to which Iron Man replies that Stark always suspected Anami was “in bed” with the Yakuza, so why not the Pacific Overlords as well? Tigra remarks that, for a mere paid employee, Iron Man sure knows a lot about Stark’s thought-process, when suddenly, Iron Man removes his helmet, ‘Trust me on this, Tigra…nobody knows more!’ he exclaims as he reveals who he really is. ‘Tony?!’ Tigra exclaims with surprise.
The Wasp asks her fellow founding Avenger if he has been this “new” Iron Man all along, to which Tony replies that he has. Tigra exclaims that Tony must have had a real laugh when she asked “Iron Man” to put in a good word for her with his boss - a man that she used to love. ‘I…wasn’t laughing, Greer’ Tony replies, before explaining that he found it hard to tell anyone, before turning to Janet and asking her if she and Hank suspected anyway. ‘Along with Hawkeye, and most of the others who knew Iron Man the first time around’ the Wasp replies.
The Wasp reminds Tony that, recently, he even slipped up and spoke of how he “rejoined” instead of “joined”. Tony replies that he supposes his heart wasn’t really in keeping his little secret at that, and as they enter the Quinjet and take off, he exclaims that here is hoping there is something they can sink their teeth into in Kyoto.
Meanwhile, somewhere underwater, in a sprawling complex, Dr. Demonicus is watching a news report, which announces that Military personnel have declined to speculate on a possible reason for the attack this morning by the Japanese mutant Sunfire and a flying female companion at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, while the Avenger Hawkeye and little-known super-heroine Spider-Woman have apparently already taken the captive Sunfire back to California. ‘Meanwhile, in midtown Tokyo, in a possibly related story, three other Avengers overcame heavily-armed agents of the infamous Yakuza -’ ‘BLAST!’ Demonicus shouts, exclaiming that he knew he should have sent some of his Overlords to do the job.
The newsreader announces that the tattooed criminals gunfire killed Hiroshi Anami of Japan’s giant corporation, Hasanuma Electronics, to which Demonicus mutters that the Yakuza fools did one thing right, before deciding that he has learned his lesson, no more outside contacts, from now on, he does everything in-house. An invisible Kuroko approaches Demonicus and reminds him that she told him he would have been better to send her to Tokyo. ‘So you did, Kuroko’ Demonicus admits, before asking her to become visible, and telling her that perhaps Japanese theater-goers accept the convention of a “dark one” whom they pretend not to see while he or she shifts scenery about, but he prefers to talk to his agents face-to-face. ‘Then why not remove your own mask?’ Kuroko asks, suggesting that there is surely no reason he needs it here.
‘That, woman, is my decision, not yours - do you understand?!’ Demonicus snaps back. ‘Forgive me, I did not mean -’ Kuroko replies, hanging her head, to which Demonicus tells her that he is sure she didn’t, when suddenly, the Living Lightning, strapped to a contraption hanging against a wall calls out to Demonicus and tells him that he keeps his Overlords on a pretty tight chain. Kuroko exclaims that the Living Lightning must have woken while she was sleeping, and Demonicus addresses him by his real name, Miguel Santos and remarks that they had a nice chat.
‘Sure, you asked me to join your gang and I told you to shove it!’ Miguel snaps back. Demonicus replies that Miguel will change his mind if he wants to go on living, to which Miguel exclaims ‘You call this “living”, being hooked up to this gadget?’ Demonicus tells the Living Lightning to count his blessings, ‘At least you’ve never been contaminated with a massive dose of radiation - as I was, years ago!’
(Shown with flashback images)Demonicus remarks that he is a geneticist by trade, and he had been studying the correlation between radioactivity and mutation, later using the Lifestone that fell to Earth as a meteor, he mutated huge monsters with which he hoped to take over the Aleutian Islands - until that damnable ultra-secret group called SHIELD caught him, unmasked him, and blew up what they thought was the complete Lifestone.
(Present)‘Only it wasn’t?’ Living Lightning asks. ‘Not quite’ Demonicus replies, explaining that he had the foresight to secrete a few shards of the Lifestone elsewhere, and after he broke out of prison, retrieved them…
(Shown with flashback images)…and proceeded to concentrate their radiation, for the first time, on human beings, explaining that his initial experiment involved a weakling loser, so Demonicus was not sure precisely what the rays would do to him, but the weakling loser became the incredibly strong Jawbreaker. Demonicus admits that there were a few minor side-effects, but even Jawbreaker agreed they were a small price to pay.
(Present)Demonicus exclaims that other Pacific Overlords followed, but that his minuscule shards were swiftly being drained of radiation, so he sent Jawbreaker north to see if anything remained from the original meteor, and fortunately, Jawbreaker returned with a sizeable fragment that he located. The Living Lightning motions to the other prisoner strung up against the wall and asks who he is. ‘Taifu? He’s my sole disappointment to date…’
(Shown with flashback images)Demonicus informs the Living Lightning that, recently, a storm in this area capsized a yacht with a young couple and their baby, and that he rescued them and transformed them into more of his super-powered servitors…
(Present)…’Even the mother and the baby?’ the Living Lightning asks in horror. ‘Space here is precious. Everyone works!’ Demonicus replies, before asking the Living Lightning if he has reconsidered his offer. Miguel replies that now he is thinking clearer, perhaps he will accept the offer, pointing out that the cops must still be after him since he fought the Human Torch over Fullerton, when suddenly Typhoon wakes, and furiously calls out to Demonicus, demanding to know where his wife and son are.
Pointing out the obvious, Kuroko alerts Demonicus to the traitorous Taifu being awake. ‘I am Toshiko Sasaki - not “Taifu” the imprisoned man exclaims, before confirming that Demonicus did rescue them, then turned his wife, Michi, into a Hawaiian “fire goddess” and transformed him into a human typhoon. ‘For which you should both be eternally grateful!’ Demonicus exclaims, before pointing out that, instead, Typhoon betrayed him, while his wife obeyed him, like Sunfire, only under hypnosis, and has now vanished. Taifu asks Demonicus what he has done with his son, Kenjiro.
Demonicus replies that the child was one of his most interesting experiments to date, and reveals that the baby now has a body-weight of two tons, and declares that he re-christened him “the Big One”, before explaining that he left the Big One at his Californian lab after instilling in him certain subliminal suggestions. A lab technician urgently informs Demonicus that Taifu is struggling so hard to overcome the power drain, when suddenly Taifu breaks free from his restraints, ‘Monster!’ he shouts at Demonicus, kicking him in the chest as he demands the return of his child.
Before Kuroko can do anything, Typhoon creates a small wind, pointing out that Kuroko willingly serves Demonicus, before smashing her against the wall on the opposite side of the lab. Suddenly, a lab technician cries out to Demonicus, announcing that they used all of the power trying to hold Taifu, now there is nothing left to keep the Living Lightning in Stasis! Typhoon turns to the Living Lightning, who calls out to Dr. Demonicus, asking what is happening to him, before he screams as his body shifts into its lightning-state, and Demonicus exclaims ‘He’s free!’
Typhoon approaches Living Lightning, ‘Whoever you are - you must help me! Together we can -’ he remarks, until he steps too close to Miguel and is struck by a blast of lightning, despite Miguel warning him to look out. Miguel stands over Typhoon’s unmoving body, ‘I…didn’t mean to…’ he says, to which Demonicus comes up behind Miguel and tells him to forget Taifu, ‘I should have killed him before now. Demonicus then remarks that Miguel’s father was in the Legion of the Living Lightning, which once rocked America to its foundations, and tells Miguel that, in his new electrical form, he will honor - surpass - his father’s memory.
Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Iron Man, the Wasp and Tigra descend in the Quinjet, with the Wasp remarking that it is a pretty place tonight. Iron Man agrees and points out that they are lucky most factories in Kyoto are in small workshops, as it made the Hasanuma plant easier to find from the air. Shortly, standing outside the high fence, the Wasp asks Iron Man if he has got a reading on Hank’s gadget yet. Iron Man replies that he has, and confirms that they are the same kind of emanations that helped them find Demonicus’ place back in Newport Beach.
Tigra points out that the fence is electrified, and that they haven’t got time to be hassled at the main gate, when Iron Man tells her to get with the program, and picking her up, he carries her over the fence, while reminding her that she is an Avenger and pointing out that this si no time to be sulking because she has learned Tony Stark has been Iron Man, twice. The Wasp flies over behind them, while Tigra tells Iron Man not to worry, that she will do her job, but that doesn’t mean she has to take any lectures from him.
On the outside of the building now, the Wasp points out that it looks to be a likely suspect as there are no windows. Iron Man announces that the signal is the strongest at this location too, to which Tigra, addressing him as Stark, asks him what he is waiting for. ‘Nothing’ Iron Man replies as he unleashes a repulsor ray to burst a hole in the wall. ‘Nothing at all’. Janet tells Iron Man that he has a nice silencer on that laser beam, while Tigra remarks that if they are in the wrong place they are likely to create an international incident.
Iron Man replies that they are not in the wrong place, and declares that the readings is so clear, he would almost suspect they had been ‘Led around by the nose?’ Tigra asks, cutting in. ‘Is that what you were going to say?’ Greer asks, when suddenly the lights turn on. The Wasp exclaims that it is a trap, when a voice from behind them exclaims ‘”Trap” is such an unfriendly word, Avenger, I prefer to call it, simply, a “surprise”!’
The three Avengers turn quickly to see a man standing a few feet away, dressed in a robe, the newcomer offers to introduce himself, ‘I am Irezumi’ he reveals, ‘Which in your language means “Tattoo” he remarks as he takes off his robe, revealing a body covered in tattoos. ‘Oh, wonderful! Another Yakuza bozo!’ Tigra mutters, before pointing out that they mopped the floor with the ones in Tokyo and asks why Demonicus doesn’t just surrender now instead of tossing these clowns at them.
Iron Man warns Tigra to be careful, as this one seems different, to which Irezumi remarks that Iron Man is rather astute, and exclaims ‘Perhaps that is why the Doctor said to crush you first!’ Iron Man replies that if there is any crushing to be done around here, then it will be done by his repulsor rays, before he unleashes the deadly blasts, with the Wasp joining using her wasp-stings and asking Iron Man to leave a piece for her. Suddenly, tattoos of Iron Man and the Wasp appear on Irezumi’s body and he tells the Wasp not to worry, as there is more than enough of Irezumi for both of them, before unleashing powerful bursts of energy back at Iron Man and the Wasp, who are tossed across the other side of the corridor.
Irezumi explains that his tattoos capture the essence of those whom they depict at close range, and return that essence multiplied by a factor of two - or even three! Irezumi remarks that of course for some particularly formidable opponents, such as the legendary Iron Man, some sort of backup system is also required, and at that moment a large contraption, some sort of giant container clamps down, trapping Iron Man.
‘Tony!’ a shocked Tigra whispers, before Irezumi calls her stupid and asks if she really believed he was a mere Yakuza, remarking that Demonicus may contract with the Yakuza to eliminate some bumbler like Anami, but at the locations where he always intends to lure super beings such as the Avengers, nothing was good enough but he, Irezumi one of Demonicus’ own Pacific Overlords.
Tigra exclaims that she would like to claw out Irezumi’s bragging tongue, when suddenly she is surrounded by henchmen, and Irezumi points out that Tigra’s image has replaced the others upon his chest, so she should know that such an attempt would be fruitless. Irezumi informs Tigra that he will not touch her himself, as the other men will have that task, remarking that Demonicus pays them well, and so far they have had nothing to do but watch him defeat her fellow Avengers.
Tigra warns the henchmen to keep away from her, when suddenly one of them wraps a thick chain around her neck. ‘Should have grown eyes in the back of my head!’ Tigra jokes, before telling her attackers that if they had done their homework, then they would know Tigra is a stronger than the average household tabby cat, as she uses her upper body strength to toss the chain-wielder over her shoulders, then begins trying to free herself from the chain - until one of the men slices her with a large knife.
Greer kicks a man who is about to fire a weapon aside just in time, while exclaiming that if she hangs around her much longer, they are just liable to make her mad. Struggling to get the chain off, Tigra thinks to herself that the men are also liable to just kill her, before admitting that the knife wound is a lot worse than she let on. Everything inside of Tigra tells her to stay here, to fight it out, to die at Tony and Jan’s side if that is what’s in the cards - but if she does that, then Wanda’s group won’t know that they are walking into a trap too.
‘So I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do!’ Tigra thinks to herself as she rushes towards the gaping hole in the wall that Iron Man created earlier. Irezumi stands in her way though, jibing her to hurl her tiger-force against him, but instead, Tigra slides underneath him, in between his legs she darts through the broken wall, asking Irezumi how big a dope he thinks Americans are. Tigra then rushes towards the fence, though she forgot the Quinjet is on the outside of the fence, which is electric. Tigra doesn’t feel like she has the strength inside herself to clear it, but knows that if she doesn’t, then some sushi bar is going to serving “Japanese-fried pussycat”. She leaps while the henchmen fire bullets at her, and moments later, Greer lands on the other side with a loud thud, believing that she has hurt herself.
Inside the Quinjet now, Tigra steadies herself as she takes the ships controls, thankful that the bullets will not damage the Quinjet, while knowing that she has got to take off before those henchmen come around past the fence. Struggling, Tigra finally gets the Quinjet to take off, with enough strength left in herself to say ‘Sayonara suckers!’ as the continue to fire at her from the ground.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, Australia, Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the mighty Scarlet Witch glances out the window of the Quinjet at the famous Sydney Opera House and remarks that some day, if she lives long enough, she may actually get to see inside the Opera House. Doctor Hank Pym remarks ‘Not this time, though, Wanda’ as he informs her that they are doing a fast swing by the harbor, before they land at their destination - Everard Electronics on the outskirts of the city. ‘Looks as deserted as a Hollywood set after a wrap party, Doc!’ Wonder Man a.k.a. Simon Williams remarks, to which Hank replies that he noticed.
The three long-serving Avengers leave the Quinjet and Hank reminds Wanda and Simon that Iron Man said Tony Stark would phone ahead to let Everard Electronics know they are coming. Wonder Man motions around the deserted complex and supposes that they will “scare up” somebody, unaware that around the corner watching them are two of Demonicus’ minions. ‘Think we’ll be enough for them?’ one of the Overlords asks the other. ‘Oh, I am certain they will receive more hospitality than they have bargained for…from Jawbreaker and Cybertooth!’ the deadly Cybertooth replies with his mouth full of razor-sharp metal teeth.
At that moment, in Palos Verdes, California, at the Avengers West Compound, Hawkeye a.k.a. Clint Barton tells Julia “Spider-Woman” Carpenter that they are back in Los Angeles in record time from Hawaii, and asks her what was so important that they had to race back here after the learned the Pacific Overlords have tapped tomorrow for some kind of “D-day”. ‘”D” for “Demonicus?”’ Spider-Woman asks as the Quinjet lands in the hangar. Clint replies that this Demonicus caper is big, how big, they do not know yet, before telling Julia that she did great against Sunfire and Pele, and asks why she wants to leave all of a sudden. ‘Don’t you feel any sense of responsibility?’ he asks.
‘Please, Hawkeye - I’ve already told you, I’d rather not’ Julia replies, before asking if he has a car that she can borrow, before resigning herself to Hawkeye’s questions, pointing out that he has been nosing into her life ever since she showed up here, and informs him that the sole “responsibility” she feels is to her seven year old daughter. This shocks Hawkeye, but before he can say anything, Julia explains that her ex-husband recently moved with Rachel to Newport Beach, so she wants to be close to her, and therefore had to pull up stakes back in Denver. ‘Your ex got custody?’ Clint asks. ‘Yes, and before you ask “why”, I’ll tell you!’ Julia exclaims as they make their way through the Compound.
Julia reveals that when she first got her powers, she got so swept up in the “super hero” thing, that she neglected both Larry and Rachel, adding that neither of them know she is Spider-Woman, so to them, and to the courts, she just looks like a bad wife - and mother. Spider-Woman remarks that is why if there is some disaster approaching, she intends to be near her child, not in Honolulu. Clint replies that he understands, and tells Julia that as soon as he contacts his teammates, he will scrounge up the keys to one of the Toyotas.
‘You couldn’t even buy American, could you, bow-slinger?’ shouts the handsome John Walker, better known as the USAgent as he tosses his shield, which smacks Hawkeye in the head. Standing over his former teammates motionless body, Walker remarks that Hawkeye isn’t going to do any more jawing for a while, before turning to Spider-Woman, who exclaims that she knows who USAgent is, and points out that he was an Avenger until a few days ago, so why the hostile act? ‘I’ll make it short and sweet. Clemson sent me!’ Walker replies.
Spider-Woman unleashes her psi-webs on USAgent while exclaiming that Clemson and his blasted committee have been forcing her to work for them by keeping her officially a fugitive. ‘If you’ve come to drag me back to that louse -’ Spider-Woman remarks, until Walker interrupts, breaking through her psi-webs and grabbing her wrists and declaring that if Spider-Woman thinks he is going to wait around for one of those psychic webs Clemson told him about to congeal, then she can forget it, before announcing that Clemson didn’t send him to fetch her, but to kill her!
USAgent then smacks Julia across the room, before coming in for a second blow, hard against her face. Walker stands over Julia, asking her if she hears him, ‘You’re a rogue agent, he said - a traitor - and here’s what we do to traitors!’ Walker bellows as he raises a fist high above Julia, ready to smack into her, while he holds her neck with his other powerful hand. Julia manages to utter that he is choking her, before telling him to go ahead. ‘What are you waiting for?’ she asks.
Walker grimaces, before smashing the floorboards instead and shouting ‘I can’t do it!’ He then slumps back on the couch and declares that he doesn’t care what Spider-Woman has done, or that the Avengers threw him off the team - or what kind of deal Clemson offered him. ‘I’m never going to waste anybody again, if I can help it!’ Spider-Woman gets to her feet and replies that she is glad to hear it, before asking Walker if he wants to listen to her side of the story for a minute, ‘And I’ll tell you what we’ve got to do…both of us!’


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Demonica Rising (The Pacific Overlords, part 4)
Somewhere…’Whoops!’ exclaims Greer Grant Nelson, better known as Tigra, the feisty feline member of the Avengers West Coast as the Quinjet she pilots drops awfully close to some trees beneath it. Tigra, talking to herself, remarks that either the trees are getting taller, or else one of the pot-shots that Irezumi’s henchmen took at the Quinjet actually got lucky and struck the Avenger’s aircraft. Tigra decides that, either way, with her knife wound, she is lucky that she has managed to talk herself all the way to Australia.
‘At least, I hope that’s where I am!’ Greer mutters, as the computer is out, and she cannot even use the radio. Greer decides that those would-be-assassins back in Kyoto must have been using some new high-tech ammo to pierce the Quinjet’s armor, before she swoops over another tree, splitting it horizontally. Tigra tells herself to face it, ‘Not even Qantas could get more altitude out of this crate!’ Looking out the window, Tigra remarks that it my or may not be the Outback down there, but wherever it is, she has got to find an open space to land - and real soon.
Her eyes begin to droop and Tigra realizes that the blood she has lost, despite patching up her wound, is taking its toll. Tigra reminds herself that Demonicus’ minions have Iron Man and the Wasp now, so she cannot let them down. ‘So tired…maybe if I close my eyes…just for a second…’ Greer utters slowly, her head hangs, before she turns her eyes back upwards, only to see the ground below through the windscreen, as the Quinjet plummets head-first to the ground. ‘Yipes!’ Tigra exclaims, managing to swerve the jet back upwards just in time, ‘That was close!’ she exclaims, before deciding that she must be in Kakadu National Park, in Arnhem Land, the escarpment area. ‘Thank Heaven for those National Geographic specials!’ Tigra jokes.
Tigra finds some land suitable to set the Quinjet down on as she decides that there is no way she is going to get all the way to Sydney to warn Hank that he and his team are probably walking into a trap. Tigra hopes that, after landing, she can scare up a park ranger or someone else to help her, if only she can keep this thing on an even keel. Suddenly though, Tigra blacks out again, only for a moment as the Quinjet hovers above ground, with a river alongside it, and when Greer regains consciousness, she discovers that her hand is down too heavy on the control stick, and the Quinjet falls down, hard on one side, into the river.
Leaping out of the hatch and on to the side of the Quinjet not submerged in the water, Tigra exclaims that it is a good thing she got as low to the ground as she did before the crash - now all she needs to do is get to that tree sticking out of the water - but the Quinjet slips in the water and Greer is knocked into the river - which quickly sweeps her downstream. Struggling in the fast current, Tigra is knocked unconscious, when finally, someone plucks her from a watery grave and places her on the riverbank, while standing ominously over her….
Somewhere else, in one of the deadly Dr. Demonicus’ many laboratories, the insane mad-man remarks to Miguel Santos a.k.a. the Living Lightning, that his father dreamed too small - he and the ineffectual Legion of the Living Lightning that he belonged to. ‘They schemed to conquer only one nation - while I shall put my stamp upon the entire Pacific Rim, and thereby, upon the world!’ Miguel asks Demonicus what exactly his plan is, remarking that ever since he agreed to join forces, he has heard plenty of generalities - ‘But you’re not much on specifics’.
Demonicus tells Miguel to get one thing clear - ‘You did not “join forces” with me. You agreed to work for me, in exchange for certain…benefits’. Miguel frowns, ‘Yeah, starting with this monkey suit you gave me’ Miguel mutters, motioning to his costume, before admitting that at least when he wears it he looks like a normal human again, instead of, well, living lightning. Miguel remarks that there is still something he would like to know, but Demonicus tells him ‘Perhaps later’ and turns to Kain, asking if everything is in readiness for the imminent moment of truth. Kain replies that it is, before remarking, as Miguel listens closely, that, even at this late date, it still seems incredible to him that they are actually going ahead with their plan. Demonicus replies that he knows, and exclaims that it will be indeed, the realization of every man’s dream, before pointing out that he still has a few details to attend to.
‘Puerco loco…’. Miguel whispers in his native tongue, when suddenly Kuroko materializes beside him, warning him that she would not let the Doctor hear Miguel call him a pig if she were him. Miguel is surprised and exclaims that it is hard to get used to the idea that there is an invisible girl looking over his shoulders. Kuroko replies that she was no spying on Miguel, to which Miguel replies that he couldn’t blame Demonicus if he did have Kuroko spying on him. Miguel then remarks that he can tell Kuroko cares about Demonicus. Kuroko asks if it is truly that obvious, before exclaiming that Douglas Birely is a great man. ‘Just how great, the world will learn just a few hours from now’.
Miguel tells Kuroko that everybody seems to know what is going on around here except for him, but supposes that he cannot expect total trust just yet, and remarks that even though his father was a criminal - in the eyes of the law - the Dr. Demonicus did not give Miguel his powers like he gave powers to the rest of the Pacific Overlords. ‘Guess I should be flattered he trusts me as much as he does, right?’ Miguel asks. ‘Who has told you he trusts you at all?’ Kuroko asks. Miguel asks Kuroko what she means, pointing out that Demonicus has given him free reign of this place, even though he started out as his prisoner. ‘He gives you a long leash, boy’ Kuroko replies, before informing Miguel that the special units in his uniform’s chest, shoulders and belt are all that hold him together in a semblance of human form. ‘Are you saying…’ Miguel begins, to which Kuroko declares that at any moment, Demonicus could deactivate the units, and Miguel would become a mass of formless electrons. ‘For the rest of your unnatural life!’
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man remarks to Hank Pym and Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the Scarlet Witch that he thinks they drew the short straw, as Iron Man took Tigra and the Wasp to Japan, while they end up here at some electronics factory that looks totally deserted. Suddenly, Wanda remarks that she thinks it is anything but deserted and motions to the arriving convoy of security guards screech towards them, ordering the Avengers to stay where they are.
The security guards surround the Avengers, holding basic guns up to them, one of the guards remarks to Wanda ‘That includes you, Shelia!’ Wanda frowns and replies that her name is not “Shelia” and that she would appreciate him pointing that gun in some other direction. ‘Otherwise, I might have to do a bit of pointing of my own’ Wanda warns the security guard, though Hank tells her to take it easy and suggests they try talking first. Wonder Man turns to one of the security personnel and introduces himself and his teammates, before remarking that he believes Tony Stark phoned to tell them to “put a shrimp on the barbie” for them?
‘Tony who?’ one of the security guards asks, before exclaiming that nobody called him and that the plant is closed for the day, before warning Wonder Man to stick his hands in the air. ‘If that’s the way you want it!’ Simon replies as he grabs one of the jeeps that the security guards arrived in and turns it upside down. ‘Okay if I put my hands down now?’ Simon asks, tossing the jeep over another guard. ‘That’s just great!’ Hank mutters. ‘We come here to ask their C.E.O. about some equipment they sold Demonicus and you turn it into World War III’. ‘Hey, they started it!’ Simon replies. Wanda casts a hex spell and remarks ‘There’s a mature response if I ever heard one’ before pointing out that the guards are getting ready to use those rifles.
Wanda’s hex affects the security guards’ weapons, ‘My gun - it’s falling apart!’ one of the guards exclaims. ‘All of them are at the same time - what are the odds of that?’ another guard asks. Suddenly, another of the guards turns to Hank and asks him where the other two are, ‘They were right here, then nothing!’ ‘Maybe they turned invisible, my friend’ Hank suggests, to which one of the guards tells his fellows that they should close ranks and catch them in the middle.
But down by the guards feet, Wanda and Simon, reduced to diminutive sizes, run quickly, with Wanda remarking that Hank’s Pym Particles shrunk them so fast, before wishing that he were still able to shrink without such danger to himself. Simon assures Wanda that Hank can take care of himself, and points out that that they have for to find the guards’ boss without being seen - or stepped on. Simon looks up at one of the guards looming above him and tells Wanda to go on ahead, that he will catch up in a minute. Wanda makes her way through the grass while Simon picks up a small metal ring, part of a bolt, and exclaims ‘Did I ever tell you that, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a discus thrower?’ With that, Simon tosses the metal up at the security guard, and it smacks him hard in the face.
Simon catches up with Wanda, who tells him that was juvenile, risking their being spotted just because he is angry about her “jilting” him. ‘Hey, not everything has to do with you, Wanda!’ Simon snaps back in reply, claiming that he just didn’t like the guy, that’s all. Changing the subject, Wanda informs Simon that Hank passed her his tracer, and that the emanations are stronger in this direction. Climbing up a grate into a vent which will lead them into the building, Wanda remarks that it seems odd though that they could be shrunk, but not the original Ant-Man, before asking Simon if his strength can bend the bars on the grille. ‘Who needs to? We can crawl in between them!’ Simon points out.
Still in their reduced sizes, Wanda and Simon enter a room and Wanda remarks that, unbelievable as it seems, Hank’s gadget indicates that a machine, like the ones back in Costa Mesa, is operating from this very room. Simon points out that the door does say “Chief Executive Officer” and motions to a desk where someone is sitting. ‘Looks like the head man’s working through his employees day off!’ Simon remarks as he and Wanda walk towards him, and in the process return to their regular sizes.
Wanda whispers that this all seems a bit too pat for her tastes, Wonder Man points out that due to the timing in the Pym Particles, now is their time to find out, and calls out to the man in the chair, announcing their presence, he informs the man that he and the Scarlet Witch are from the Avengers West Coast and that he should be expecting them. When they get no response, Wanda points out that the man is not moving. Simon suggests that perhaps one of the Pacific Overlords got to him before they arrived. ‘Or else -’ Wanda begins until she is interrupted by the man in the chair - ‘Or else, my dear lady - I am one of Dr. Demonicus’ most trusted lieutenants!’ he exclaims, spinning around in the chair to face the powerful duo.
The Overlord introduces himself as Yen Hsieh, ‘But the good Doctor now prefers to call me…Cybertooth!’ An appropriate name, as Cybertooth grins at the Avengers, revealing a mouthful of razor sharp teeth. ‘Look at those teeth! They’re gleaming like a silver buzz saw!’ Wonder Man exclaims. Cybertooth takes that as a compliment and thanks Wonder Man, remarking that he thinks Dr. Demonicus engineered them very well, and remarks that the Overlords are one big family, before picking up a metal paper weight and sticking it in his mouth, where he chomps, munches and chews on it, before spitting it back out in the form of a ball.
Cybertooth boasts that was merely to demonstrate that his cybernetic jaw can rend nearly anything, and suggests the Avengers surrender now. Wonder Man grabs Cybertooth by the neck and asks him what he is trying to pull. ‘If your boss was trying to set us up, he’ll find out he bit off more than even you can chew!’ Wonder Man exclaims. ‘Oh, I hardly think so’ Cybertooth replies. Wonder Man tells him to think again, ‘Cause I’m about to turn you into a dentist’s delight - or else maybe a mechanics!’ Simon exclaims, ready to smack Cybertooth over, only to be grabbed from behind by another of the Overlords, ‘My moniker, movie star…is Jawbreaker! And you’re the lucky stiff who’s about to find out why!’ he exclaims.
Wonder Man spins around and replies that nobody who telegraphs his punches like that is going to lay a hand on - ‘WANDA!’ Simon shouts as he sees Wanda lying motionless on the ground. Jawbreaker uses that moment to smack Simon - hard. Simon is thrown across the room and through the wall, until he comes to a halt against a second brick wall. ‘You were saying?’ Jawbreaker asks.
Cybertooth goes and picks up the Scarlet Witch, while complimenting his teammate on a well-thrown punch, remarking that, as per Dr. Birely’s profile, he is somewhat crude, but undeniably effective. Cybertooth remarks that it still seems their esteemed benefactor took an unnecessary risk luring these “costumed ones” to Japan, Australia and Hawaii so they could attack them. ‘All the same, his “divide and conquer” tactics do seem to have been successful, do they not?’ Cybertooth adds that, perhaps, Dr. Demonicus’ grand strategy will be no less so when it commences in a few hours.
Standing over the unmoving body of Wonder Man, Jawbreaker asks Cybertooth if he ever gets tired of hearing the sound of his own voice, before remarking ‘So, this is the famous Wonder Man! Aw, he sure wasn’t so tough!’ But suddenly, Wonder Man reaches up and yanks the brace off Jawbreaker’s face. Simon gets back to his feet and remarks that, with a name like Jawbreaker and a brace over his chin, that suggests to him that he just might have a glass jaw, and Wonder Man punches Jawbreaker like the villain did to him moments prior.
Back outside, one of the security guard notices Jawbreaker who falls out the side of the building thanks to the force of Wonder Man’s throw, and tries to alert his superior, but the superior tells him to button it, before turning to Dr. Pym and telling him that they are going to ring the police to find out if he is who he says he is, when suddenly the other officers scatter. ‘Hey, where do you whingers think you’re going?’ the chief asks. One of the others tells him to “look up”, but by that point it is too late, as Jawbreaker crashes down on top of him.
Back inside, Cybertooth tells Wonder Man that he should not have done that, to which Wonder Man suggests Cybertooth tell him what the Overlords are up to ‘Before I make what happened to him look like a beauty treatment!’ Cybertooth lunges at Wonder Man, ‘Tell you? No - I will show you!’ he exclaims while boasting that his cyber-teeth have turned steel into mangled shards and glass into crystal splinters. ‘Surely you can picture what they will do to human flesh!’.
‘Who said my flesh was human?’ Wonder Man asks, which Cybertooth soon discovers as he attempts to take a bite, ‘What? It seems - harder than steel!’ he gasps. ‘Try “Ionized organic matter”, scum!’ Wonder Man replies, before suggesting they see how strong Cybertooth’s skin and bones are, and smashes his head into the wall, before tossing him back. ‘Not hard enough, evidently’ Simon remarks, before telling Cybertooth to curl up in the corner over there while he makes sure Wanda is all right, when suddenly, Dr. Pym enters - Simon warns him to look out, but it is too late, as Cybertooth crashes into Hank, knocking him over.
Wonder Man supposes that Hank sneaked away from the gung-ho bots and hustled up here, ‘Just in time for me to accidentally toss fang face at him!’. Cybertooth grabs the still-unconscious Wanda and tells Wonder Man that was the least of his worries, and proceeds to stretch his deadly mouth over the Scarlet Witch’s head, covering most of her headpiece and some of her hair. ‘STOP!’ Wonder Man shouts urgently, ‘All right, you win! I’ll do whatever you say!’ he declares, ‘just don’t hurt her, okay?’
‘Suits me, “Wonder-Bread”!’ Jawbreaker exclaims as he comes up behind Wonder Man and smashes him in the back with a large concrete beam. ‘Long as I get to hurt you a little!’ But picking up the Scarlet Witch, Cybertooth tells Jawbreaker not to, as Demonicus wants all captives as intact as possible. Picking up Wonder Man and Dr. Pym, Jawbreaker mutters that Cybertooth is almost as big a killjoy as Kuroko is. Cybertooth assures Jawbreaker that he will get his chance to inflict pain later, before pointing out that they shall be back at their headquarters in short order, and soon have piled into the Avengers Quinjet, as Cybertooth points out that it is faster than the commercial flight they took to get here.
Shortly, the Quinjet speeds across the ocean, then takes a nosedive while Cybertooth shouts out some co-ordinates. Jawbreaker asks Cybertooth if he is sure this is going to work, as it looks to him like they are going to splash down in the middle of the Pacific. ‘We are the Pacific Overlords, my friend…all doors in this ocean are open to us - including the swirling maelstrom below, activated by those within the dome!’ Cybertooth replies as the Quinjet dives into the spinning whirlpool. ‘You see? Dr. Demonicus has laid his plans carefully these past years’ Cybertooth remarks, explaining that they are being pulled inside, and should only feel a slight rolling motion. Jawbreaker remarks that in the last few weeks he has stowed away on a freighter, helped man a yacht - and now this. ‘If I never see any water again, it’ll be too soon for me!’ he exclaims.
Later, the Scarlet Witch begins to regain consciousness and calls out to Simon and Hank. Instead, she is greeted by Dr. Demonicus, who stands surrounded by his Pacific Overlords on a platform in front of several stasis tanks where Wanda, Wonder Man, Iron Man, Hank, the Wasp and Typhoon are all kept. Demonicus remarks that he hopes Kain didn’t jostle her too much while placing her in stasis. Demonicus exclaims that now they are all awake, he wants to introduce them to his Overlords.
After the “introductions” are made, Wonder Man whispers to Wanda ‘Thank Heaven you’re okay, Wanda! I feel so lousy about the way I -’ Wanda interrupts, assuring Simon that it is okay, she exclaims that they have got to get out of here - wherever “here” is. Janet van Dyne a.k.a. the Wasp exclaims that they have already tried, while Hank informs Wanda that these special tubes they are held in negate their powers. Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man asks Demonicus why he is the only one wearing a mask. ‘You think we don’t know that hiding behind it is your basic mad geneticist - Dr. Douglas Birely!’
Demonicus replies that he despises Iron Man’s smugness and asks what Iron Man knows about the anguish he felt when, while studying genetic mutation, he contracted a unique type of cancer. Demonicus reveals that the cancer is in remission, but only after, to all intents and purposes, it killed Douglas Birely… ‘And have birth to Dr. Demonicus!’ the diabolical mad man exclaims as he removes his mask, revealing his deformed face. Even some of the Overlords are surprised at Demonicus’ appearance, ‘No wonder he calls himself “Demonicus”!’ Jawbreaker whispers, while one of the Avengers points out that Demonicus’ face has become almost the splitting image of the mask.
Kuroko asks Demonicus why he didn’t tell her, to which Demonicus asks ‘Do you think I want to be spurned - or worse, pitied?’. When he gets no response, he exclaims that soon, no one will dare do either ever again, before turning to Kain and asking him how much longer. Kain replies that it could happen at any moment, adding that the electro-stimulation struck magma several days ago. Kain then calls out to some lab technicians, asking if the “hot spot” has been weakened enough. The technician replies that they are doing the best the can, to which Kain tells them it’s not good enough.
Suddenly, the entire complex begins to shake. Kuroko exclaims that it has begun, and Demonicus shouts ‘At last, after all my years of preparation!’ Cybertooth asks if they are safe in here, while one of the Avengers calls out ‘Hey! You want to tell us test-tube babies what in blazes is going on?!’ Demonicus replies that, ages ago, the Hawaiian Isles were formed when the Pacific tectonic plate drifted over a “hot spot”, a thing place in the plate where the volcanic magma is much closer to breaking through. ‘Is this going where I think it is?’ Wonder Man mutters.
Demonicus explains that, by means of his machines, he shall be the first human being ever to induce such a “hot spot”, thereby creating an island which will be thrust upward to the surface in a matter of minutes. He boasts that it will not be simply an island - it will be a nation! ‘The nation of Demonica…my nation!’ Suddenly, Demonicus turns to Pele, who exclaims ‘To this end, you mutated my husband and me - and turned our baby into a monster! Well, I wont let you get away with it!’ Demonicus remarks that he should have guessed Pele’s hypnosis might not stand the strain of such a revelation, and declares that he should have left her, her husband and baby to drown.
Jawbreaker smacks Pele over the head, knocking her out, which shocks the Living Lightning. The Scarlet Witch informs her teammates that she knows the child mentioned was the so-called “Big One” and asks if the man trussed up in the tubes is her husband. Someone replies that he is and explains that he turned against Demonicus before his wife did. While there is a massive rumbling, the Living Lightning turns to Demonicus and exclaims ‘That gorilla hit the woman from behind!’ Demonicus replies that Pele and Typhoon have both become his enemies. ‘I deal with my enemies as I please - be careful you do not learn that first hand!’ Demonicus suggests. Miguel just frowns in silence. ‘That’s better’ Demonicus smirks, before telling everyone to watch the monitors as they will depict what is happening outside.
‘Outside? Then we’re really on the ocean floor!’ Hank exclaims. Demonicus confirms this and tells Pym that, as a fellow scientist, he can surely appreciate this achievement. The monitor depicts intense beams of heat being thrust downwards into the ocean floor from Demonicus’ lab, while the “good” Doctor explains that for months advanced apparatus built to his specifications in Australia and Japan has been acting like an ultra-sonic cookie-cutter upon the Earth’s crust beneath this position. Demonicus remarks that they doubtless know there is a future island only 3000 feet beneath the water south of the present Hawaiian Isles, and declares that it will emerge in some future century and has already been christened “Loihi”, before boasting that Demonica will rise to the surface…today!
There is another mighty rumbling, and Demonicus and his Overlords are knocked off their feet, while the Avengers are tossed about in their confined spaces. Irezumi exclaims that the upward thrust hurls them to the ground, to which Jawbreaker remarks that Demonicus can see that, before muttering that he hopes this “playpen” of his is not going to collapse. Demonicus replies that the facility may sustain damage, but that it was built to withstand even an 8-point earthquake.
A further mighty rumbling, and the Scarlet Witch is thrown through her glass canister, pointing out that this facility may have been built to withstand an 8-point earthquake, but at least one of the tube-cages was now. The Wasp cries out for her friend, but Wanda lands pretty much unharmed, glad she is free, though wondering what good one of her hexes would do right now, as this place has already got all the bad luck that it can stand. Wanda hears something and looks at a wall, seeing that the structure must have been more hurt than Demonicus thought, as sea water is pouring in.
Wanda raises her hands in regular hex-casting fashion, thinking to herself that she has been working on her own to gain more control over her mutant power, so she doesn’t know if she can direct it well enough to undo the damage, but she had better try, before they all drown - suddenly though, Wanda is smacked to the ground by Kuroko who materializes beside Wanda, exclaiming ‘I do not know what you are up to, Avenger, but you will not sabotage the Doctor’s master plan!’
Wonder Man calls out to Kuroko and asks if she didn’t realize that the Scarlet Witch was trying to use her hex power to save them all. Kuroko just tells Wonder Man to be quiet, and asks if he thinks Dr. Demonicus needs the aid of a witch. Demonicus gets to his feet as the water seeps in around everyone and thanks Kuroko for the not-misplaced vote of confidence, and motions to the water which has slowly begun to cease flowing in. Jawbreaker asks if that means some seawall has slipped into place, to which Demonicus replies ‘No, you muscle-bound moron…it means we are above the surface!’ Indeed, the laboratory which once lay at the bottom of the ocean, now sits atop a new landmass. Demonicus exclaims that they are atop the highest point on their new island continent of Demonica. Demonicus boasts that it will soon be the most powerful nation-state in the entire Pacific rim. ‘Uh, Kuroko - you think Doc’s already got his Secretary of State picked out?’ Jawbreaker whispers.