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Lifelines
Aurora has the afternoon free from “baby-sitting” the construction of Alpha Flight’s new headquarters. As she takes a walk, she decides that she is just not getting comfortable with the city of Toronto. She tells herself that in too many ways Toronto has become more an American city than a Canadian one, but supposes that anyone from Quebec would say that. Spotting a large church, Aurora thinks that it does have very lovely churches and goes inside it. ‘Structures of sturdy construction and timelessness which make one feel safe…comfortable…non, not comfortable…but safe, oui’.
As Jeanne-Marie Beaubier walks towards the confessions booth, she decides that only here will she truly find the answers to the questions which plague her. Only here can she trust the advice she receives, untainted by preconceived prejudices. ‘Forgive me Father, for I have sinned’. ‘How. My child?’ the Priest replies. Aurora declares that she has sought to conform the ways of others to her own thorough the use of violence. ‘How’ asks the Priest, and so Aurora begins her story: ‘I am a mutant - a superhuman operative of Alpha Flight’.
Jeanne-Marie explains that she was one of the original members and has been known in public under the name of Aurora, but admits that it is a persona she has never been comfortable with, before explaining that she has never been truly comfortable in any guise. ‘I had been diagnosed as a spilt personality - Jeanne-Marie Beaubier was a timid child raised in a convent, Aurora was a brash, flirtatious woman of the night’.
Aurora explains that she didn’t know which one she wanted to be, and could not reconcile herself to being both. Aurora reveals that she asked her lover and fellow Alphan Doctor Walter Langkowski to alter her mutagenic structure, both in regards to the trouble brewing pertaining to the existence of mutants and a desire to distance herself from her twin brother, Northstar.
Aurora exclaims that the experiment was a success - though neither she nor Walter knew how successful, as her powers were changed, and she has never been the same again. The Priest asks Aurora what has happened to her, and she replies ‘What hasn’t happened to me!?’ Jeanne-Marie states that she sought to learn order of her past in order to become a whole person - but she was told everything she wanted to hear by a mythological Master of Lies…Loki…and she believed him.
‘I descended from the hopes of truth to the reality of the lie,’ Aurora declares as she reveals she rejoined the convent believing she had lost her powers. It was there that she sought to hide herself from a world which she had been so incapable of handling. Aurora claims that she was happy there, for a time, though even that, in many ways, was like an illusion, and like a illusions - it could not last for long. ‘I was needed again, in battle against a demon a thousand million years old’. Aurora adds that she was reunited with her brother, her powers were restored, though she now knows that they had never been truly lost.
The Priest asks Jeanne-Marie what it is that brings her here now, to which she replies ‘I seek direction’. Aurora explains that she understands now that when her cellular structure was changed years ago, her powers were sent into a slowly evolving state of transition, and reveals that recently, during the course of a mental probe by an
opponent, her evolved powers came to light. She exclaims that for the first time in her life she came to understand herself and what she could do with her remarkable abilities.
When the Priest asks what this would be, Aurora replies ‘I can provide people with inner peace - serenity of mind and spirit’. The Priest remarks that indeed it is quite a gift, and asks Aurora what the problem is. Jeanne-Marie states that her problem is she doesn’t want to use her abilities in the violent ways of her comrades. ‘Then don’t,’ replies the Priest. Aurora points out that he just told her that her powers were a gift, to which the Priest explains that he didn’t say for her not to use her abilities, only that she should use them in ways she wants to.
Aurora declares that that is the problem - if she doesn’t use them in the service of her country, her friends, then how does she use them? She points out that if she does use them in the service of Alpha Flight, inevitably she will be required to use them aggressively. The Priest informs Aurora that the answers are out there as well as in here…in the real world as well as the spiritual one. The Priest absolves Aurora of her sins and she leaves.
As she leaves the church, Aurora wonders what good that confession did her. She admits she feels unburdened in some way, but she still has no more an answer than when she first came in. Hugging herself, Aurora realizes she truly didn’t expect to have answers provided for her. That would be too easy. She must find the answers for herself, in the one place she has always sought to avoid - the real world.
Jeanne-Marie walks cautiously along the sidewalks, noticing that the homeless people around her are as impoverished in body as she is in mind. She also suspects that they are not well treated by the city or its people. She wonders what they can tell her - do they know any more or less of self-awareness than she does? The homeless people close in around her, ‘Got a quarter?’ ‘Got some change, lady?’ ‘Little angel - help a man who’s down and out?’ ‘My child won’t eat tonight’.
Aurora declares that she doesn’t have enough money to give all of them, ‘I have nothing to offer you’. The homeless people all look at Aurora suspiciously, until she declares ‘That’s not true…I can give you hope’. ‘Hope you’re saying? What good does that do a starving man?’ asks one of the men. Another of the men tells Aurora that they aren’t buying what she is selling, someone else remarks that they get enough of it in the hostel.
Aurora lets loose a brilliant light as she declares ‘You cannot “get enough” of hope’ before telling the homeless that they see for themselves, no matter how embittered or downtrodden, there still remains hope inside each and everyone one of them. Aurora notices her power cutting right through the homeless, shining inside their darkened hearts. For a moment, even if it is just a moment, that is enough, and they feel renewed hope and faith.
‘Do you see?’ she asks them. ‘Yes’ they reply in muted whispers. Some start crying. ‘There is always hope. For all of us!’ Aurora declares before taking her leave. She thinks that she may not have given them very much, but at least she has given them something, and it makes her realize that perhaps she cannot be everything for everyone - but she can be something for someone. ‘No matter how small, how intimate the level. I begin to see the light’.
Meanwhile, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear remarks that he has never been here before, that he hates these places, he prefers to avoid the dead. ‘I mean, they’re the easiest people to avoid, aren’t they?’ Unless they are inside you, he decides, for then you are, as he puts it, “bulloxed”, as there is no avoiding what is inside you. ‘No, there’s not, Gramps’ he adds kneeling beside a grave marked Martin Freeman; 1903 - 1973; Friend and Father.
‘Friend and father?’ thinks Colin, realizing that he wouldn’t really know, as he never had the chance to find out, thanks to his mother and father. He tells himself that wasn’t fair what he said about his parents, as it wasn’t their fault. ‘Talking to myself…stupid…he mutters’, before thinking that it has been a very long time….
(Flashback, several years ago)
‘I don’t want you to go, Jaqueline!’ declares Martin Freeman, asking Jaqueline if that is such a bad thing. Jaqueline begins to reply to her father when he interrupts, asking her if her husband is really worth it. ‘Is he worth leaving Toronto and everyone who loves you?’ ‘He loves me, too, Dad!’ Jaqueline replies, asking her father why he keeps forgetting that. Martin explains to Jaqueline that he doesn’t want her to leave, to take Colin with her, as they are all he has. Jaqueline reminds her father that he didn’t want her to marry Frank either.
Young Colin kept playing, he doesn’t listen to any of it, he avoided it, keeps it all on the outside until it became part of the inside. Jaqueline declares that she is going to do what is right for herself and her family. She reminds her father that she married a man she loved, even though he hated him, and now she is willing to follow him where his work takes him. Martin informs Jaqueline that he doesn’t want to see her ruin her life and the life of his grandson’s any further.
‘Having a row then, are we?’ asks Frank, Jaqueline’s husband as he enters the room. Did Colin hate his voice, his arrogance even then? Or was his hatred of him something - like all good things - that grew over time? Frank greets his son, before asking Martin what he is about today. ‘Just the usual, Franklin. Don’t want to see you ruining my daughter’s life’.
‘Oh, and that would be by providing her a stable home and love and a future?’ replies Frank. ‘Don’t give me that!’ snaps Martin, pointing out that Frank is taking Jaqueline and Colin away from everything and everyone that they know. Frank tries to calm Martin down, explaining that he is a career diplomat and is being rotated back to the U.K. He adds that government service means frequent moving about and that the pay is better and Jaqueline and Colin will learn to love England.
‘Will they, Frank?’ asks Martin, before demanding to know how Franks friends and family will deal with an upper class white married to a middle class Canadian black? Jaqueline re-enters the conversation with ‘Same as they do here, Dad - with disapproval or indifference or care. We can’t worry about everyone else. We’ll be fine’.
(Present)
Hume recalls that he believed his mother, after all, she was his mum. How could a five year old boy know how wrong his mother could be? He remembers that they got on a plane and left. That was that. He had no idea what it would mean, losing his grandfather before he really got to know him. But he wouldn’t know that either, for a very long time.
(Flashback)
Colin is at football practice, when he is surprised by the arrival of his mother and father. Frank informs Colin that his grandfather died this morning and that he and Jaqueline are flying back to Canada tomorrow for the funeral arrangements. Colin rubs his neck and supposes that he could go, but points out he has an exam tomorrow and a match on Friday….
(Present)
‘So I didn’t come to your funeral, Gramps’ Colin says to his Grandfather, admitting that he was too young and too stupid to realize what losing his Grandfather meant. ‘I’m sorry about that, too’. Colin starts to talk away from the graveyard, adding that he is sorry about hiding his head in the ground and avoiding the truth. He has done that for half of his life. ‘It’s time that came to an end’. He asks his Grandfather to wish him luck, as it is time he learned whether he can be the kind of man he would like to be.
Walking back through town, Windshear knows that the day is coming when Alpha Flight makes its decision regarding he and Diamond Lil, who have been probationary members of Alpha Flight until they could decide. He knows it is time to see if they think he has what it takes.
In the subway, Colin comes across a group of thugs trying to steal a jacket. He has heard about it going on, and it is called “swarming”. He wonders if he should interfere - the old him certainly wouldn’t have bothered. ‘That’s the answer’. He uses a subtle blast of hard-air to knocks the victim off his feet, causing the thugs to stop paying the attention to the jacket, and pay attention to him. ‘What the &!*% is this guy?’ asks one of the thugs.
The thugs close in on Hume with baseball bats and knives. One of them tells him it was a stupid move getting involved in something he shouldn’t have. ‘Maybe so, fellows…or maybe it was stupid of you to get involved with me!’ he remarks, trying something new with his mutant abilities, by allowing all of the air around him to solidify, virtually creating a hard air explosion.
It works like a charm, and with the thugs all unconscious, the underground comes just in time. As for Colin, he just well proved to himself that he has what it takes - knowing he got involved to help someone else out with nothing to gain from it than the doing itself.
Elsewhere, in Toronto, home of Alpha Flight’s new Department H headquarters. ‘I can hide forever in here and they’ll never find it. I could hide from their talking and laughing and living. Our -their - new headquarters (I’m not one of them yet) is big enough to disappear in. And all I wanna do now is disappear forever and ever’. exclaims Lillian Crawley, otherwise known as Diamond Lil.
In the gymnasium, Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian, Alpha Flight’s long serving leader, tells the young Kara “Persuasion” Kilgrave that she has to push it. Kara isn’t convinced that this physical training is necessary and tells Heather that she knows she will not make her a full Alpha Flight member. Eugene “Puck” Judd points out that he wasn’t able to become a full member of Alpha Flight for a while either, to which Kara, who starts the weight-lifting again, asks if she has to pay her dues before she gets to be Persuasion for real.
Guardian points out that being a part of Beta Flight will teach her to use her powers while still living the life of a normal teenager. Kara asks Heather why she cannot let her decide what she wants to do. Judd points out that it is because she it still a little young yet. Heather adds that she would rather not run the risk of losing her in action as well. ‘Oh, come on!’ mutters Kara, reminding Heather that she can control minds, so what does she have to worry about? ‘Bullets, rockets, grenades, robots. Need I continue?’ offers Judd.
‘No, I get it’ Kara mutters again, pointing out that she has to work until she gets to the point that she is not relying on her powers anymore. ‘Exactly. And that’ll take time’  points out Judd. Heather tells Judd and Kara that they will call it quits now, informing them she is going to hit the showers. Kara pauses before asking Heather if she can stay here and have Puck teach her some more moves. ‘No, Kara, not at all’ replies Heather.
‘I hear someone’s footsteps coming, but all I can think of is hiding. Forever and ever and ever and ever. I try to stop crying. Stop crying!’ exclaims Lil as she kneels on the floor of the shower room. Heather enters, and upon seeing the sobbing Lil asks her what is wrong. ‘Nothing! Get outta here, Hudson!’ Lil snaps. Heather asks Lillian why she is in the shower with her clothes on, to which Lil claims that she was working out, going to have a shower and fell.
‘I’m an idiot! Lying on the floor, crying like a little girl! Suck it up! Be tough in front of her!’ Lil starts to get to her feet, repeating the claim that she slipped and everything is fine. Heather extends a hand, but Lil just looks at her, and whispers ‘Please…leave me alone…alone!’ With that, Lil leaps to her feet and punches the tiled wall behind her. Heather drops to the floor to avoid the rubble, and Lil screams ‘WHY?’ Heather asks Lil what is going on, and Lil reveals that she has a lump in her breast, that there is a discoloration under her nipple.
Lil explains that she thinks it is cancer, that she thinks she has cancer inside her. Heather is taken aback - the two women have never gotten along - and asks Lil if she has seen a doctor. Lil replies that she hasn’t, that she wanted it to go away. She falls to the floor again, explaining that she has been waiting for it to go away, but that it wont, it just keeps getting worse. Heather points out that these things don’t just “go away”, and informs Lil that there are doctors on staff here already who can find out what it is.
Scared, Lil asks why she has to find out what it is - what if it is cancer? ‘Then what do I do?’ ‘Whatever it takes to stop it’ Heather replies, adding that they will help her get through this. Lil mumbles that it is easy for Heather to say, and punching another wall, she asks Heather if she has any idea what it feels like? ‘I’m Diamond Lil! Nothing can hurt me! No bullets or knives or grenades! Nothing! Nothing! NOTHING!’ she screams as she busts up the wall some more.
‘Why can’t I fight this?’ she asks. ‘You can, Lil’ Heather tells her. But Lil protests that she cannot hit it, can’t scare it, as it is inside of her, it is eating away inside of her. Heather offers a comforting smile and extends her hand again, telling her that she can fight this, to not let it win, to start fighting back - now. ‘I’m so scared…oh, God, I’m so scared…’ Lil admits as Heather hugs her.
Later, in the Medical Division of the new Department H. Heather does all the talking, and the Doctors are just starting to set up shop in the new HQ. While Heather talks to them and tell them what is going on, Lil waits. Alone - but not alone. That is the way it is going to be from now on. Heather informs Lil that the doctors can do a mammogram now, to which Lil replies that she doesn’t want to do this. Heather replies that she knows, but leads Lil to the doctors.
‘From here on in, that’s the way its gonna be. Alone on the inside with something killing me. Alone on the outside with people who are gonna try to do things and say the right things and never will. Alone, but not alone’.
Several Days later. Heather is assembled in a meeting room with Diamond Lil, Windshear, Aurora, Puck, Persuasion, James “Vindicator” Hudson, Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski, Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier, Michael “Shaman” Twoyoungmen, Madison “Box” Jeffries, Elizabeth “Talisman” Twoyoungmen and Witchfire a.k.a. Ananym.
Heather stands at the head of the table, informing everyone that she told their government liaison, Kerry Patrick, that they would have a definitive roster-line up before their headquarters officially opened, so here they all are to make things official. Heather smiles after she reveals that after numerous discussions between the government, the military, Mac and herself, they have come to some concrete decisions. Heather asks anyone if they have anything they would like to say before she makes her announcements.
Aurora declares that she does, and exclaims that after much consideration and soul-searching, she has decided to resign from active status as a member of Alpha Flight. ‘Jeanne-Marie, why?’ asks her shocked brother. Aurora informs Jean-Paul that the violent role of adventurer is not for her, and there must be a better way to contribute to this world. Aurora explains that she would like to be assigned to the new Gamma Flight where she can work in the psychiatric counseling unit for the incarcerated prisoners.
Aurora declares that after Alpha Flight has performed its duty, she would like to perform hers - to rehabilitate wayward souls. Heather smiles and admits that she is surprised, before informing Aurora that they she thinks they can accommodate her, adding that she will still be a part of Department H, just contributing in a different way.
Diamond Lil suddenly speaks up, announcing that she has something to tell everyone. She reveals that Guardian already knows but she thinks the rest should too. Jeffries asks Lil what is wrong, and Lil reveals that she had a mammogram done a couple of days ago, as there is something wrong with her left breast. She explains that the doctors wont know it is a malignant or benign tumor until they can do a biopsy - but they cannot do a biopsy until they figure a way they can cut through her super tough skin. Lil summarizes by declaring that she may have cancer and it may keep her out of Alpha Flight, but that until she knows for sure she is going to go all-out for this team.
Heather smiles, declaring that this should lead them smoothly into the official status designations. She explains that Alpha means mission operative, Gamma is support staff and Beta is training, adding that people may be placed in more than one category, for example, while recuperating from her injuries, Talisman will be placed in Beta Flight, while serving in the archaeological and supernatural science sections of Gamma.
Heather runs through the members, informing them what designations they receive. Vindicator is placed in Alpha Flight while serving in the engineering sciences of Gamma. Sasquatch is also in Alpha Flight and serves in the biotech research and development sector of Gamma. Northstar and Puck are both placed in Alpha Flight, as are Diamond Lil and Windshear, much to their joy. Box is placed in Alpha Flight and the mechanical services section of Gamma. ‘I know, I know, Beta…’ mutters Persuasion before Heather has to even inform her of her designation, while Witchfire is also placed in Beta Flight, while serving in the supernatural science section of Gamma. Shaman, like Aurora, is removed from active duty when he is made the instructor to Beta Flight, while also serving as the medical and supernatural sciences administrative coordinator.
‘That’s the way it is people…now let’s start getting the job done!’ declares Guardian.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Slave to the World
Diary Entry: Day 113 - Year 998.981
It has become a continual source of aggravation for me, magnified intensely by the sheer weight of my arrogance. I find myself incapable of accepting the simple truth of the matter. The truth is, my name is a lie. I am a lie. I am the Master of the World in self-reference only. That must change. I am the forever man. I have lived for thousands of years. I will live for a thousand more. In all that time, I have known only anger, pain, misery and despair. And now I must make a decision. I am quite capable of asserting control of this planet’s fate. The question that won’t leave me is: do I really want to? Do I really need to seize control of this Earth in order to fulfill my own inner quest for satisfaction? Are the feeble beings who scurry like ants across the tapestry of time really deserving of my control? It is a decision I must delay no longer. The ants below me need an answer….
From within his spaceship base orbiting Earth, the self-proclaimed Master of the World stands proud. ‘Fly, Vesuvius!’ the Master exclaims as his  pet falcon gracefully rises and soars across his “ark”. Vesuvius is unaware that he is skimming across the very heavens themselves. A gossamer kiss across the exhalation of a planet’s sweet breath. As the Master puts it, it is a place which can literally take your breath away.
Turning to a large panel of screens, the Master points out that it is a place from which he can see all his subjects below him. He boasts that they can do nothing, say nothing, be nothing without his tact awareness. The Master claims that he is tied into the very blood which flows through the veins of Mother Earth. He can access every telecommunications system across the planet, and proves this as various snippets of conversation in various languages are heard from the large console.
The Master tells his computer to access signal 43 and override multi-screen imaging. A large ship with smoke and flames decorating it appears on the screens, and the computer informs the Master that the ship is carrying over five hundred million gallons of crude oil, which is spilling into the pristine waters of the bay, adding that rescue workers have begun operations to prevent the slick from spreading.
The Master folds his arms across his chest and mutters: ‘Splendid. How wonderfully predictable they are’. Various images of the rescue workers doing their jobs and the ship appear on the screens now, as the Master boasts that none of the worker’s actions, any of their deeds, could in any way affect the monolithic enormity of time itself. He remarks that the lives of humans are so fleeting and they all try so desperately to impart some semblance of importance to them. He wonders if he should provide them a gentle nudge in the direction of self importance, give them something to do for a few fleeting minutes of their fleeting lives.
Down on Earth, arriving at the oil spill are five members of Canada’s premiere super hero team, Alpha Flight. Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. team leader Guardian flies with newest member Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear, and Madison “Box” Jeffries, in the form of the omni-jet radios to Heather that they have clearance to land on the Alreyda. Heather informs Madison that he is to go and land, while she and Windshear are going to help out with the immediate relief effort. Windshear exclaims that fighting and oil spill and haranguing the tanker crew almost make him nostalgic for his old job with Roxxon - almost.
Still watching the unfolding events from his monitors, the Master exclaims that this is quite an unexpected bonus, the arrival of Alpha Flight, who he declares is a band of super-powered ants who have felt the need to interject themselves into his plans time and time again. He wonders if he can amuse himself as he determines his own fate - and Alpha’s, while also discerning why these so-called super heroes feel the need to place themselves above the dictates of their eye blink in time.
The Master gives a command to the computer before marching to some other part of his ark. The CBN news broadcast follows him from monitor to monitor as he makes his way towards the life-sciences section of his orbital space-ark. He chides himself for the impish glee in which he approaches his plank. But the clinical aspect of his personality can rationalize this as an experiment in metahuman psychology.
The Master orders the computer to release specimen 7-2C, with a stasis hold pending teleportation coordinates. Several tanks, each with a person inside it stands before the Master, and one of them is opened after the commands are given. The Master decides that this experiment is to determine how far the human capacity for unselfishness will extend.
The naked experiment stands before the Master, who orders the computer to use the wardrobe synthesizer to process a standard crewman uniform for the Alreyda oil tanker. The Master thinks that this experiment will also test what lengths these noble spandex champions will go to complete their ant-like tasks while ensuring their own survival. The Master switches on a monitor that depicts his specimen, successfully teleported into a lower corridor aboard the Alreyda, where he is trapped under some rubble. ’Let the experiment begin…’ the Master remarks ominously.
Down on the oil tanker, Madison Jeffries, Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Diamond Lil and Eugene “Puck” Judd walk down the ramp of the omni-jet. Lil tells Jeffries that he is fine and asks him to drop it. Jeffries reminds Lil that she said that after the doctors saw the results of the mammogram they wanted to perform a biopsy. Lil points out that the doctors cannot do a biopsy until they figure out a way to cut through her diamond-hard skin, before muttering that in the meantime, she can go on missions, adding that she may have breast cancer, while she may not as well, so she isn’t going to let it make her hide from the world.
‘Okay, okay!’ exclaims Jeffries, pointing out that he is just worried, when Judd asks them to postpone this discussion as they have work to do. A man approaches the three Alphans informing them that he is the rescue operations Foreman. He tells them that he is glad they could make it, before remarking that he is sorry they couldn’t bring the “big furry” as he is his grandsons favorite. ‘Sure, ours too’ replies Judd, talking about his teammate Sasquatch.
The Foreman explains that everyone has been evacuated from the ship while his crew is fighting some internal fires in the lower holds, however they are afraid some of them may ignite the leaking oil. Diamond Lil suggests to her teammates that they go down and help the rescuers out, after all, they can handle the heat and smoke better than regular humans can. ‘Starting to get into this “hero business” aren’t you?’ remarks Jeffries.
As the Omnijet transforms into Madison’s default Box armor, Jeffries pointing out that Lil is right about them being better equipped to fight fires, and with the Box armor he should be able to stop the oil leak too. Lil asks if they should wait for Guardian and Windshear.
However, Guardian and Windshear are currently tending to the spilt oil. Windshear informs Heather that he has created a hard-air funnel and his propulsion units can force back the oil slick, adding that the clean-up crews can set up the boom-slicks around it, before declaring that he is picking up a call from Box, who is ready to go into the tanker. Heather asks Windshear to tell Box that they are on their way, before moments later, they are regrouped with their teammates.
Heather asks Judd for a status report, and Judd informs her that there are fires down below and that the oil leak seems to be from a lower holding tank. Box suddenly informs everyone that he is registering a life sign in a lower corridor, revealing that life signs are sporadic on this guy and whoever it is, he is in deep trouble. Heather flies downwards with the others following her as she points out that the trapped man is their first priority. ‘Abandon all hope ye who enter right?’ asks Windshear, before muttering that he is daft for wanting to be a super hero. The Foreman asks Windshear if he is nervous, and as he flies away, Colin asks him what makes him say that. The Foreman points out that his accent gets heavier, and asks if it happens often. ‘Too often nowadays, it seems’ mutters Windshear.
Back aboard the Master’s space ark, a very naked Master of the World exclaims to his falcon that they are a puzzle, referring to his armor that lies of a table before him, he remarks that their pieces can be scattered about, be they flesh and bone, hopes or dreams…but who can put the pieces of their jigsaw lives back together again?
Diary Entry: Continued
I am a creature of flesh, remade, born of pain’s own womb, linked body and soul to a machine of alien origin. I have never formed a physical attachment in my forever life, though in regards to my own body, its intricate designs are known to me on a level of self-intimacy unmatched throughout history. I have avoided matters of a physical nature, choosing instead to cloak myself in an air of intellectual superiority to such venal and visceral activities. I have allowed myself, for all intents and purposes, to become a tactile celibate. I have allowed the pieces of myself to become mechanical in nature, safe and secure in a technological tortoise shell. I can no longer ignore the calling of my kind. If I am going to be better than they are, I must be better in all ways. That then, would be the mark of a master. In order to do that, I must rely less on my intellect, my carefully approached plans, and depend more on direct interaction. Before I can prepare myself for such tasteless activity, I must decide whether I can endure the agonies of the flesh all over again. Could I ? Should I? The decision can wait no longer. The ants below me do so very much require my crushing.
Taking off his helmet which hides his deformed head, the Master claims that he can face the pain, for pain is the only love he has ever known. He believes it has been a kind lover, leaving her mark on him. He imagine, as only a true lover can. ‘Scars of the skin and soul’. The Master claims to know pain well, as he met “her” forty thousand years ago, and he begins a recollection of his origin. The Master recalls how he felt a calling, a tugging of the heart that his primitive mind could not understand - until he found it - the alien ship.
He, of all sentient beings on the planet, was the only one capable of reaching the ship and answering its silent call. He boasts that he was the fittest being on the planet, only him, and he had found it. But conversely, it had found him. It studied him, tore him apart, put him back together again - all for the sake of information. He doesn’t know how long he lay there, subservient to the sadistic whims of an unfeeling alien machine. A year? A hundred? A thousand? More?
Then one day, he gained control. Eshu - as he was known back then - seized control of the ship, for his will was stronger than that of the machine which had tortured him. Through the intimacy of their contact, his mind had become a very part of the computer network itself. ‘In the long run, my mind proved superior’. Eshu spent thousands of years learning of what had happened in the world during his absence. He used the ships technology to craft a life-sustaining armor which would take care of all his needs. ‘After all, had I not risen above such petty limitations as eating and excreting?’ The Master thinks to himself.
The Master also learned of the alien race which spawned the craft and what their intentions had been - and the destiny of the ship was revealed by the arrival of a young amphibious creature named Marrina and her allies in Alpha Flight - the original Guardian, Snowbird, Sasquatch, Northstar, Aurora, Shaman and Puck. The Master recalls how he confronted the Alphans and others of their ilk - Invisible Woman and Sub-Mariner - in his attempt to use Marrina’s alien Plodex physiological programming - to fulfill the ship original goals, now his own as well - for the creation of an army savage warriors for the sake of dominating the world!
A still-naked Master admits that his plans were foiled repeatedly by Alpha Flight and the others. But now though, he has taken the measure of his opponents and found them wanting. He can now fulfill his destiny and don the mantle of superiority he earned forty thousand years ago by the one who reached the Plodex ship.
Walking through his ark, the Master believes it will take only two simple things on his part. Two simple things and he can be the overman - the strongest being on the face of the planet. Reaching out for a vial, the Master claims that it is all right here in front of him, as this vial contains the last fluid remains of the paragenetic human male known as Scramble the Mixed-up-Man. The Master explains that Scramble was able to reform physiological traits in others as well as himself, though he was killed in combat with Alpha Flight.
The Master explains that he has already used the fluid on various specimens he has dubbed the Remnant Men, as well as the Alphan known as Puck, so he knows that the serum works. With the first act taken care of, the Master has the means to reform himself into the Overman. The Master orders the computer to access the Alreyda oil tanker security monitor cameras and initiate playback, for he believes the second act still needs to be addressed.
Back on the Alreyda, Windshear arrives where his teammates are and asks Jeffries how it is going. As the Alphans remove debris and fight the fire, Box replies that it is going slow but steady, and informs him that his sensors are registering life signs two decks below, however the pulse is weak  and EEG virtually non-existent, meaning he is dying. Guardian declares that they have to get to him faster, but Windshear points out, as he blocks some fire with a hard-air force field, that the fires are not being very cooperative. Diamond Lil asks is she and Puck can go on ahead, as the fires cannot do much to bother them.
Judd tells Heather that Lil has a point, to which Heather agrees, but asks them what would happen if the two of them come up against an obstacle like this dead end before them, as their invulnerability cannot do much against it. Judd tells Lil that Heather has a point, to which Lil mutters ‘So does the two of my boot, Juddsie’.
Heather tells everyone to watch their eyes, as a plasma blast should make so much scrap of this door, and unleashes her powers on the door. With the door gone, the five Alphans rush through, Colin pointing out that it is getting hotter in here, and Jeffries’ sensors tell him that it is even hotter ahead. Guardian informs everyone that they will have to take the heavier fires as they come.
Still watching on his monitor, the Master thinks that Guardian is so confident, and believes that it is incredible her conceit and arrogance can dare to be the equal of his own. ‘Preposterous, vainglorious ego-stroking whispers in the scream of existence!’ exclaims the Master, who boasts that the second act is assured then by Heather’s very deeds and words. The Master injects himself with the serum. He has firstly the material to alter his physical form, and the force of will on his own part to endure what is to come - not to mention the strength of courage to proceed!
Lying on a table, the Master lies, his body changing, just flesh, no skin at the moment. He calls to Vesuvius, who hovers above him, and informs his eagle that every flutter of his wings is like a thousand cascading waterfalls, the slight rush of air as he gracefully soars like the rushing of a hurricane. He exclaims that it courses through him, and the Scrambling Enzyme flows through him like acid.
Diary Entry Continued
I have know pain, as I said previously. It has been my lover and my misery. It has been the only thing I could call my own over the last several thousand years. That is the beauty and horror and pain. Truly it is the only thing in existence that we can call our own. When this damnable alien ship first captured me, it decided to learn all it could about the human species on any and every conceivable and inconceivable level imaginable. My bones were ground to paste - one bone at a time, one millimeter at a time over the course of months. My blood was intermingled with a variety of liquids to see the effects it would have on the circulatory system. I still remember the particularly sticky sweet mixture which could only have been tar.
My eyelids were turned inside out, my eyes popped out of their sockets like escargots. My tongue was subjected to taste impressions across the analytical spectrum. My skin was pulled off and stretched out, sewn back on, cauterized, liquefied and forced to bear the sensations of needles pricking at its surface, fire at its core. My internal organs, my muscular system, my nervous system, my genitalia…. Why recite this litany of pain over and over again? Because it was my pain! It was all I had to cling to for so very long, and now, as the scrambling enzyme courses through my veins, it reminds me of the stinging beauty, the clarity of vision that is my pain again. And I promise myself, as my bones ripple over my muscles and my heart beats around my stomach, that I will show them what it is like. I will show all of the ants below what it means to embrace and cherish their own pain….
The Master struggles to get to his feet, and he tries to laugh at the irony of it all - but his tongue forces his teeth to ripple like piano keys and the sound comes out like a gurgling choke. The Master knows that in order to become stronger, he must reduce himself to a state of ultimate weakness. He flexes his fingers and finally the joints do not miss and grind against each other. Skin forms around his muscles and flesh as he flexes his toes and knows that the ligaments are all connected. He breathes in deeply, stifling the panicked sense of exultation. His lungs do not fill with fluid.
The Master tenses, the pounding pressure of his temples ceases its rhythmic monotony. He can see through eyes made clear as if for the first time. Beyond perfect eyesight - he now has perfect vision. For now he sees the beauty inherent in the possibilities of power he has earned. The Master, still very naked, stands, his body rebuilt, his head no longer deformed, and declares ’I am the Master of the World. I am the Master of man. I am the Forever Man! I am destiny waiting to be fulfilled’.
The Master looks out a window, with Earth down below him. He asks if they can hear him. ’I am better than you now!’ He claims that he is faster, stronger… ’I am you Master, Alpha Flight! Now and forever I am your Master!’
Back on the Alreyda, Alpha Flight arrive at the location of the dying man. Judd checks his vitals and informs everyone that he is still breathing, but not by much. Water is pouring into this section of the tanker, and Windshear deals with the fire by constructing a hard-air screen. Jeffries points out that this section is flooding too fast, and realizes that the pumps are breaking down. He tells everyone that they have to clear out, for if the generators blow, then the oil could go with it.
Guardian declares that they cannot let the oil ignite, as the entire bay will turn into an environmental disaster area. Jeffries explains that the only way to give the pumps any time to clear the oily water is to go in there and manually operate the valves. Heather understands that it would relieve a lot of pressure on the pumps, and orders her team to get out, to save the young man and evacuate everyone still aboard the vessel immediately, as she is going in and doing what she can to keep the Alreyda from turning into an inferno.
The Master is watching Heather’s valiant mission as she courageously goes into the heart of the devil. ’Ah, Mrs Hudson, such a sadly noble little ant…’ he exclaims.
Heather arrives at the pumps, and using the enhanced strength she possess thanks to her battle suit, she manages to push them back into place. The water begins to rush out, and she decides that at least now if the generators blow there will be no oil left in this hold to ignite. Suddenly there is a loud boom as the generators blow, and flames being to pour into the room.
Heather realizes the flash fire is coming up behind her, through the vents, and knows that she cannot outrace it in these tight quarters. ‘This is going to hurt…’ exclaims Heather, when suddenly she sees Windshear, who senses Heather’s surprise and informs her that he figure she would need the help of a ‘wily tanker fire vet like myself’.
Hume dowses the fire with his mutant abilities and Heather admits that she wasn’t expecting that flash fire, before thanking Colin, informing him that what he did took a lot of courage. Windshear picks Heather up and flies back to meet up with the others, remarking that he wasn’t acting like himself then, if what he did took a lot of courage. Heather suggests that maybe he is learning, to which Hume remarks that would be a real kick.
Heather and Windshear regroup with Jeffries, Lil, Judd and the Foreman, who congratulates Alpha Flight on a job well done, informing them that the tanker’s fires are not spreading beyond the ship’s inner holds thanks to them. The Foreman also reveals that the oil slick has been contained before it reached the shore. Heather remarks that they got lucky on this one, before Judd points out that it isn’t over yet, that they will stay and help out some more. ‘You don’t have to twist my arm, I don’t know what I would have done without you!’ replies the Foreman.
Back in the Master’s ark, The Master tells the computer to end the transmission. He has had enough of this simpering ego-stroking patter. He decides that the time has come to prepare himself for the coming of the Controller of Men, the Overlord of Mankind. He presses a red button on a console, thinking that the tortoise shell has been remade as has the man inside it as his costume appears before him, afresh.
The Master begins to dress himself, cybernetic lace-mesh runs the inside of the entirety of the uniform…providing him the ultimate synthesis of man and machine. He explains that the armor has now incorporated flight capabilities as well as a host of offensive weaponry. Combined with the radicalization of his body’s cellular construction, he is now prepared to assert his destiny….
The falcon lands on the Master’s arm, and the Master remarks that Vesuvius knows what it is all about. He strokes the bird, remarking that he knows it is about the hunter and the prey, that it knows about life and death, about man’s precarious grip over controlling his own life, his own death. ‘That is where I come in, Vesuvius, because I now have that control in my own two hands’. With that, the Master snaps Vesuivus’ neck, and the falcon falls lifeless to the ground.
The Master decides that given time, he will be the Master of Men, the Master of the World - then the Master of the Universe. All because he now knows what is is all about - life and death. He claims that he controls both now, because he cares about neither. ‘I am the Forever Man, I am the Master of Time, the Master of Life, and very soon, the Master of you as well…’.


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The Final Option, part 1: Decisions of Faith
Department H status report - entry update; Heather Hudson, Guardian, recording. We’re ready. Finally. And a simple mission it is, really…Alpha Flight, the Canadian government’s super human task force, is prepared to protect the people of this land from any hostile actions. No matter what the cost. And after years of preparations, we’re finally ready to do it right…and we finally have a real home we can operate from. Department H: Alpha Flight Headquarters. I’m taking a walk-through tour with my husband a.k.a. Vindicator, government liaison Kerry Patrick and military liaison General Jeremy Clarke.
‘Looks pretty good, doesn’t it?’ remarks General Clarke, exclaiming that it is a fine piece of work if he does say so himself, and telling Heather and James “Mac” Hudson that they have to justify all the money that has been put into this new facility. Mac reminds General Clarke that he has worked towards this moment for over ten years, and that they are prepared to fulfil the needs of their position. Heather tells the General that it is a two-way street and remarks that the government has to justify Alpha Flight’s faith in them as well.
‘I’m sure,’ mumbles Clarke as the quartet walk through the lobby of the new Toronto HQ. Clarke jibes Heather and Mac by suggesting that they are happy and united in their cause, to which Mac declares that they are just satisfied that their dreams are coming together. Clarke informs them that for all the stride they have made in recent months they are still operating on a probationary basis.
Kerry Patrick speaks up and tells Heather and Mac that as usual the General speaks for himself and not the Canadian government. Clarke replies by telling Kerry not to be a bureaucratic butt-head, but before the argument can heat up any further, Vindicator asks if they can finally take a tour of the place.
Entering the communications room, Heather exclaims that it looks rather impressive, and Mac informs her that it contains a satellite network which links them to police bands across the world, as well as the United Nations security council system, and in turn, it routes through their shared super human Datanet across the world. Clarke boasts that it is one of the best international comm-systems in the world, and explains that if the incoming call is entered as requiring super human assistance, the computer isolates the call by location and priority alert, then the U.N. Datalink in turn contacts us, the Avengers, Excalibur or the People’s Protectorate. He remarks that it is not bad, and not even finished yet.
‘Speaking of which…’ begins Heather, before reminding Clarke that their official opening to the press and public is in two days, she asks him how much of the HQ still has to be completed. Clarke replies that the press conference room is ready to roll, while the mechanics pool, including the Research and Development Wing still need some touching up, and the computer science section still has some processing and downloading to finalize.
Heather points out that the living quarters and administrative sections are all completed, and informs Clarke and Patrick that most of Alpha Flight and the others have moved in already - although Walter keeps complaining about having to live in Toronto. Kerry remarks that Walter will get to enjoy it, before declaring that all in all they are doing well. He thinks that the building is a marvel - fifty stories up and thirty five underground, and asks Mac if it feels good to see all this.
Vindicator replies that it does - and that it is a lot of work for such a simple goal, a simple dream. Heather exclaims that it is a dream they are seeing come true. ‘The dream you started and I continued’. She tells Mac that they can build it together now, the chance to help those who need it, to do what is right for the people of this country and the world. ‘Yes, a statement so naive in its simplicity,’ replies Mac, ‘But worthwhile nonetheless,’ adds Heather.
Vindicator states that they combine the study of superhuman science with the deterrence of those who would use violence as their means, something he believes is quite worthwhile. Heather declares that they will do this to the best of their abilities, to help make the world a better place - no matter what the sacrifice. ‘No matter what, eh, Hudson?’ asks General Clarke suspiciously. Kerry tells the General that there is nothing wrong with that sentiment, and Mac declares that personal sacrifice is the ultimate test of peoples convictions in life. ‘No matter what the cost,’ remarks Heather again.
Meanwhile…in space, which can be called the Final Frontier for more than one reason. In this part of space, a orange-skinned, golden-haired woman wearing nothing but a red bathing suit soars through the cosmos, thinking that she is severely drained of her cosmic energies, she wonders how much longer she can avoid a final confrontation. She sees that they are still behind her, and is suddenly struck by a weapon. She screams, realizing it was another energy-leeching dissipater torpedo. She sees more being launched before her, and knows that she cannot fight back.
The mysterious woman decides that she has drawn her attackers far enough away from U’sr’pria , and flies away in another direction. A spaceship locks the woman as a target, while she thinks to herself that despite weakening, it is not yet time for her to cease existing. As she must summon her last vestiges of strength to avoid this final party.
Inside one of the spaceships, a strange alien remarks that the golden one has given them a good chase, recalling that she has cost the consortium much financial hardship, before boasting that her time is now done. ‘Goodbye, J’Ridia, may your soul rot for all eternity’. He gives the weapons officer orders to fire, when suddenly they have lost her - she no longer appears on the screen. The commander is furious, and his computer informs him that she shunted into hyperspace, before it tracks her to Sol III, her home world. The computer contacts the consortium before initiating pursuit.
Back at Department H, in one of the medi-labs, Lillian “Diamond Lil” Crawley lies on a examination table, as Madison “Box” Jeffries, and Doctors Michael Twoyoungmen and Whitman Knapp stand nearby. Whitman Knapp, once a member of Beta Flight who went by the codename “Manikin” remarks that this is one of the most frustrating things he has ever encountered. Michael Twoyoungmen a.k.a. Shaman replies that he understands, and tells Whit that they have to keep trying. Madison Jeffries declares that they have to, that something has got to cut through Lil’s skin sooner or later.
Shaman points out that they do not have time for “laters” as they have to discover whether the cyst in Diamond Lil’s breast is cancerous or not. However, her very power, her invulnerable diamond-hard skin, has proven too resilient to the most sophisticated surgical techniques. Whit offers the suggestion that they try more unconventional methods. ‘That’s why I’ve been lying here for two hours, you twerp!’ snaps Lil, before asking Twoyoungmen to get this over with.
As Jeffries uses his mutant power to line up a high-tech laser with a powerful intensity, he tells Lillian to be patient, adding that it is his mutant power to manipulate machinery that is going to get the laser to maximum output. With the laser ready, it strikes Lil, however Shaman informs everyone that although Lil can feel it, it does not penetrate his skin. Whitman asks what will work if this laser doesn’t. Shaman replies that he doesn’t know, before telling Madison to cut the power.
Lil realizes that nothing happened, and Shaman confirms this. Knapp suggests an adamantium scalpel, to which Shaman replies it is a possibility, but explains that the time it would take to forge one could be prohibitive. Shaman starts to suggest that they could contact Wolverine, despite him having no surgical expertise. Suddenly, Kara “Persuasion” Kilgrave enters the lab, asking Shaman to hurry and come with her. Shaman asks what it is, and excitable Kara reveals that Laura Dean has woken from her coma.
Back in space, this time, just beyond Earth’s moon. J’Ridia exclaims that she has made the hyper jump to Earth, but knows that she is too weakened to control her fall, and is being pulled in by her home worlds gravitational fields. She has to allow herself to freefall, and try to angle herself so the burn from re-entry doesn’t strike too hard. J’Ridia angles herself so that she is falling towards one of Earth’s major population centers. She thinks that it looks like New York, and hopes she can find assistance from her only Earth acquaintance, Ben Grimm or the Fantastic Four.
However, J’Ridia is coming in too quickly and she is not strong enough to correct her path. With that, there is a mighty boom as J’Ridia crashes into a large building complex.
Interlude: Once again in space. This time, even further away than the sight of Her battle with the Consortium space fleet. The planet is called Quwrll. Several of the Qwrlln are on some form of quest. They are tracking something - or someone - and one of them reports what quadrant he is in. After scanning the sector he reports that it is safe. ‘Monitor organisms request downtime on planet’ ‘Request acknowledged. Main council will take request under advisement’.
One of the Qwrlln announces that monitoring organisms state that they have functioned on atmospheric perimeter for seven hundred cycles without respite. ‘Statement acknowledged’ replies another. ‘Keep scanning’ states another, when suddenly, ‘By the eye of Al’jathra!’ declares one of them, before alerting the main council that contact has been established. They approach their quarry, though its identity is unconfirmed to them.
Hovering nearby, and the cause of the recent commotion, is Frankie Raye a.k.a. the second Nova. ‘Living atmospheric watchdogs, huh? Pretty cool,’ Frankie Raye thinks to herself. Suddenly, fear pours from the eyes of the Qwrlln, as they identify Nova as the emissary of the Planet-Killer. ‘We are doomed…’
Back in Toronto, a police alert reveals that something has hit Eaton Centre. Someone announces that all available units are to report in and that fire and medical are on their way. ‘Someone call Alpha Flight yet?’ ‘It’s being done now’ is the reply.
At Department H, Persuasion returns to her best friend, Laura Dean’s, ward, with Shaman, Jeffries and Whit in tow. After examining Laura, Shaman reveals to everyone, including Darby and Susan Dean, Laura’s parents, that after all these months in a coma, Laura is now conscious but not cognizant of her surroundings. Shaman informs the Deans that this is a very positive sign and reminds them of how serious the injuries Laura sustained at the hand of Wildchild’s were. Darby Dean replies that they know that.
Shaman tells them that there is reason to be cautiously optimistic and is about to say something else when Guardian appears on a monitor, announcing that there is an incoming alert and that Vindicator, Northstar and Box are required ASAP. ‘That’s me!’ exclaims Jeffries, before asking Shaman if Lil and “the kid” are going to be okay. Shaman explains that they will help Laura acclimate to her surroundings slowly, and as for Lillian, they can only keep trying.
Box and Vindicator arrive at the Flight Deck at the same time, and Jeffries exclaims that it is pretty impressive. ‘That it is’ states Mac before motioning to Heather and suggesting that she is waiting, before supposing this is a local call. Guardian informs the two men that one of their short-range Scamper Jets should get them downtown in minutes, before revealing that Northstar is flying solo, and she will brief them on the way.
As the jet takes off, Jeffries mumbles that it isn’t that bad at all, to which Heather remarks that there are some advantages to working with the government instead of against them, before getting to the mission. She explains that an unidentified life form has crashed into Eaton Centre, and while they do not have a positive ID on her yet, she doesn’t seem to be hostile.
The jet lands by Eaton Centre and Heather informs the men that the woman is barely conscious now and that they are waiting for them to arrive before anyone does anything. Noticing the large hole in the roof of Eaton Centre, Jeffries is surprised at the damage she did, and jokes that she hit like a meteor or something, if she is alive, he adds, before hoping that she is not hostile.
Minutes later, the trio have met up with Northstar, and after Jeffries exclaims that this place is a mess, and jokingly asking where he is supposed to do his Christmas shopping, Jean-Paul, slightly lost for words, for a change, informs his teammates that the alien is this way, and that she is a little shocked. Box mutters that he can imagine it, as it must have been murder crash landing into a shopping center.
Guardian hushes her ex-lover as they approach the golden woman who kneels on the floor, broken glass all around her. Heather reveals that she has been informed she speaks English, before introducing herself as Guardian of the Canadian superhuman strikeforce Alpha Fight. Heather asks the woman if she could please tell them who she is and why she is here.
The golden woman looks up at the heroes and exclaims that she has no real name, though that most recently she has been called J’Ridia Starduster. She declares that she was born on this world, and she was simply known as Her. Heather asks Her to slow down, stunned that she was born on Earth. Her replies that she did not stay here long and that she has explored space in search of self-meaning, but when she found it on a small planet ravaged by technological havoc, it was taken from her.
Her explains that she came here seeking help from her only Terran contact - Ben Grimm of the Fantastic Four. Heather informs J’Ridia that they know the Thing, but that she missed New York by a few hundred kilometers. J’Ridia replies that she realizes that now and explains that she mistook their city skyline for that of Manhattan. She reveals that she is injured and needs help. J’Ridia declares that “they” are after her and that they have taken back the planet she sought to help, and yet they are still after her.
Suddenly, the arrival of several space craft all with loud sirens, means, as Vindicator points out, that “they” have already found Her. Someone from one of the spaceships announces to the citizens of “Sol III” that they are harboring the entity known as J’Ridia, and orders them to release her to their custody immediately.
Box mutters that they were straight to the point, before Heather asks J’Ridia who they are why they want her. J’Ridia explains that they call themselves the Consortium and that they are an intergalactic business conglomerate with financial interests on thousands of worlds throughout the Milky Way. Her reveals that by helping the people of a small planet return their world to a non-industrious agricultural society, she disrupted those financial interests.
‘That’s all? This is about money? This is ridiculous…’ declares Heather before taking to the sky, flying towards the space ships she introduces herself to the Consortium as Guardian and explains that she represents the people of Canada, before informing them that she cannot simply turn over J’Ridia without further discussion.
‘Very well. We acknowledge your request,’ the Consortium reply before beginning to fire on Guardian. Heather sets up a protective shield around herself as she tells Alpha Flight to fight back. Box blasts his way up to the sky, muttering that he knew it, ‘Never trust a small fleet of alien ships chasing a beautiful gold woman! Never!’ Vindicator takes to the air also, and informs Guardian that these small craft are susceptible to electromagnetic field disruptions. ‘So I see, Mac,’ Heather replies as she unleashes an EM blast.
Northstar exclaims that the air craft are also susceptible to good old fashioned physical abuse as he smashes away at one. Vindicator tells Jean-Paul that whatever works to nullify the threat can be considered effective. As Box tears apart another ship, he exclaims that it is easy enough to shred their systems to bits, before pointing out that there aren’t that many of them.
Inside one of the Consortium vessels, someone orders them into scramble formations, as Vindicator tells the Alphans they are to try and minimize casualties on both sides. Back inside the spaceships, one of the aliens inform their commander that systems are down and the ship is coming apart. The commander asks where the home office vessel is, to which the reply is that it is on its way, but not soon enough. Heather informs her team that they are causing too much damage to the city, and asks them to try and draw the Consortium away from the downtown area. Box points out that it is not as easy as it sounds, as the Consortium are not concerned with Alpha Flight, only with getting J’Ridia back.
Vindicator backs Heather up and tells Box that they must protect the lives of the civilians below, adding that the situation is rapidly getting out of control. Heather asks if furthermore, the life of a woman they don’t even know is worth this much damage and potential loss of life. A large vessel suddenly crashes into a building on Yonge Street, and Vindicator picks up on frequencies that the police are reporting many casualties.
Heather flies over to Mac and asks him what they are going to do. She reminds him that they said they would protect the lives of innocents no matter what the cost, but points out that they cannot win either way here, as J’Ridia deserves their protection - but so do the people of Toronto. Box warns Jean-Paul to look out as a vessel glides past him, but the super-fast Northstar retorts ‘Box, please…don’t underestimate me…’. The spaceship smashes into a large glass building, and suddenly there is a loud transmission from the Consortium.
‘Representatives of Sol III - you have fought valiantly - the time for hostilities is now over’. Heather looks shocked at what is transpiring before them, and Vindicator reveals that it is operating under a cross-energy wavelength cloaking device. As the enormous vessel comes out of cloaking mode, Mac reminds Heather of what she was saying about protecting the life of an innocent no matter what the cost. The consortium order J’Ridia to surrender now or face immediate obliteration, and Vindicator mutters that he thinks they may have made a mistake.


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The Final Option, part 2: Decisions of Strength
Department H: Status report. Entry Update. Heather Hudson - Guardian - recording. We’re not ready for this. The day began with a walk-through tour of out new headquarters here in Toronto. Other than Diamond Lil’s uncertainty over the possibility of a malignant tumor in her chest, things seemed more hopeful than they had in quite a while. Then we received word of an unidentified life form crashing into the Eaton Centre shopping mall. I assembled a strike force consisting of myself, Vindicator, Box and Northstar. We found a woman called Her. She was being chased by an alien business enterprise called the Consortium. We promised to protect Her. I think we might have made a mistake. End entry.
Downtown Toronto, Madison “Box” Jeffries asks if anyone would mind telling him who dropped a city over their city. James MacDonald Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator explains that it appears the alien fleet they were battling has called in some reinforcements. ‘I knew that, Vindicator, I was making a joke’ mutters Madison. Guardian tells Madison, her former lover, that they need more help here, and Jeffries reveals that he has already sent a signal out to Department H, a priority one red alert, to get everyone’s butts over here quick. ‘Is that official enough?’
Vindicator motions upwards, pointing out that the mother ship is launching a second wave of attack craft, admitting that he fears even the remainder of Alpha Flight might not be sufficient for their needs. As hundreds of space craft are launched from the mother ship, Box sarcastically asks Mac whatever gave him that idea. Suddenly, there is a large surge of power and the flying Alphans are tossed about slightly. Box exclaims that it came from behind them. ‘HER!’
The golden woman flies towards Alpha Flight, ‘I am prepared to join the battle!’ she exclaims. J’Ridia Starduster as she is also known as explains to Alpha Flight that she has regenerated sufficient amounts of cosmic energy to adequately defend herself. J’Ridia declares that it is her own freedom that it at stake, and she wishes no ill will towards others, so will fight on her own behalf. Vindicator reminds Her that they have pledged to support her cause, and explains that even against such overwhelming odds, Alpha Flight remains dedicated to the principle of assisting any innocents in need.
‘Let’s do it up right, then!’ declares Box as he engages the Consortium in battle. Vindicator points out that Box’s sheer strength, combined with the electromagnetic abilities he and Guardian possess should keep them safe until more help arrives. ‘What about me?’ asks the handsome Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier. As she engages the consortium, Heather tells Jean-Paul to use his speed and maneuverability to draw the ships closer to the rest of them.
Box tells his teammates to cover their ears, as he has just popped some cannons, so it is going to get nasty. Heather exclaims that they have civilian causalities below. Mac tells Northstar that as his powers are least efficient in this kind of fighting, to alert the authorities and tell them there are incoming wounded. Her realizes that innocent sentients are being harmed because of her, and wonders what would happen if she surrendered. But she decides that it unthinkable. Then she wonders what would happen if the earthlings decided that she was not worth fighting for if it means the destruction of their city….
Meanwhile, at Department H, the headquarters of Alpha Flight, Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski tells everyone to get a move on, as they are on a priority alert. ‘Where is everyone?’ Walt asks as he arrives in the hanger bay. Colin “Windshear” Hume and Eugene “Puck” Judd arrive soon after, but Sasquatch asks where everyone else is, as there is big trouble in little Toronto. ‘Aliens from another dimension?’ asks Windshear. ‘Yup’ replies Walt.
‘You’re joking! An alien invasion? In Toronto?’ asks Judd, before muttering that he really hates when this happens, before informing Walt that everyone else was in the diagnostic labs with Diamond Lil and Laura Dean. Walt tells Judd to use the intercom to get everyone over here. Judd pushes some buttons on a console, and asks Shaman to reply, informing him that they have a priority alert and that they need everyone - Alpha and Beta Flight - scrambled on the Flight Deck ASAP.
In Laura Dean’s ward, Michael “Shaman” Twoyoungmen replies that he copies and they are on their way. The inactive Alphan turns to the others in the room - Beta Flight members Kara “Persuasion” Kilgrave and Witchfire, and inactive Alphan Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier - and informs them that there is an emergency, so as of now everyone is on active duty, including Beta Flight. ‘All right!’ exclaims the eager Kara.
Twoyoungmen turns to the parents of the unconscious Laura Dean, Darby and Susan, and points out that though their daughter has just regained consciousness from her catatonic state, she will remain slightly incoherent for the time being. Shaman explains that they should talk to Laura, soothe her, and she will regain coherent action in small increments. Darby replies that they understand and will stay with their daughter.
Lillian Crawley a.k.a. the sultry Diamond Lil points out that the alert is for everyone and asks if she is cleared for action too. Twoyoungmen reminds Lil that they will not know if the lump in her breast is cancerous until they can find a way to cut through her diamond hard skin, so yes, she is cleared for action. ‘That’s what I wanted to hear! Let’s kick butt!’ Lil exclaims. Suddenly, Laura Dean sits up in bed and screams ‘Nooooo! Goblyn! Have to save her!’ Kara, Laura’s best friend leaps to her feet, announcing the obvious, that Laura is awake, and suddenly, everyone except Diamond Lil disappears. ‘Uh-oh,’ mumbles Lil.
Meanwhile, far, far away, on the planet Quwrll. The alien beings known as the Qwrlln are monitoring a certain organism and tracking the target - until the target breaches their atmospheric scanners. Their target is Frankie Raye a.k.a. Nova, the Herald of Galactus. The destination of their target is confirmed, and acknowledged. The Qwrlln wonder if because Nova has arrived, the World-Devourer can be far behind.
Suddenly, the Qwrlln realize that Nova has discovered their probes, and Frankie Raye flies towards them. The Qwrlln decide that choice has been abdicated, so the final solution must be implemented. One of the Qwrlln wonder if strategy is wise at current juncture. Another of the Qwrlln reminds the others that their course has been prepared for millennia, their course is clear. The planetary safeguard is activated. Nova wonders what is going on, as a noise is heard, then pink light surrounds the planet, the Qwrlln and Nova - and as Frankie Raye mutters ‘Oh come on now - they’ve got to be joking!’ there is a blink, and everyone, including the planet, vanishes.
Back in Toronto, Sasquatch, Judd, Lillian and Windshear are traveling towards the battle, and Walt asks Lil if she is saying that they all disappeared. Lil replies that the little kid screamed out, then everyone disappeared. Judd suggests that it sounds like Laura Dean activated her mutant teleportation powers. Sasquatch wonders where Laura could have teleported them all to, to which Judd points out that they don’t know and right now cannot worry about it.
Looking down at the destruction, Windshear remarks that Judd isn’t joking, as downtown Toronto looks like a scene from a George Lucas movie. Windshear points out that his powers can do more in the battle than on the ground and flies off to do his part. Sasquatch boasts that he and Lil can take one or two ships down with them as they make a big jump out of the hovercraft. Judd asks his friend if he is sure about this, and leaping from the craft Walt replies that of course he is, as it makes it more fun. ‘See you on the ground, short stuff!’
Lil mumbles that she is an idiot for trying this stunt as she falls through the air with Sasquatch, who remarks that it is no problem - ‘cake walk time!’ he jokes as the super strong duo land on the top of one of the Consortium’s spaceships. Mac tells his teammates to be careful and suggests they try to ride the craft downwards. On the streets below, civilians start to panic and rush about for safety, and as the craft smashes to the ground, Lil and Sasquatch are tossed off it, and Walt mutters that this may not be as much fun as he thought it would be.
Windshear approaches Vindicator and asks him what he should do. Mac tells Colin to create a hard-air screen and use his turbos to angle it at 45 degrees to create a down-draft. Colin does as he is asked, admitting that he has never did anything on this scale before…but as dozens of the Consortium’s fleet crash into the wall of air and fall to the ground. As Windshear sees the destruction he caused, he realizes he killed all of the aliens in the crash, and thinks he is going to be sick.
Puck exclaims that this is like a Dali version of the Running of the Bulls and suggests that Northstar gets the injured into the metro. Jean-Paul replies that he will rescue the children first, while pointing out that he can only carry so many at a time. Judd calls to the crowds of civilians and urges them inside one of the buildings, telling them not to panic.
Jean-Paul motions to aliens who are now appearing on the ground and points out that these ground forces must be here to continue the carnage, before wondering how effective they are at hand to hand combat, and as he races over to them, he uses his super speed to punch them over and over again so that it feels like they are being punched by someone super strong.
Suddenly one of the Consortium aliens utters something in its own language and leaps at Northstar, and as Jean-Paul tosses the alien off, he realizes that it broke his arm. He sees that his hand is bloodied and decides that he deserves the same rights to protection as his opponents, so takes a forearm guard off one of the aliens. It fits well and he hopes that it will protect his arm during the remainder of this madness, wondering if it also contains some offensive capabilities.
Sasquatch has also engaged the Consortium ground force in combat and exclaims that this is getting way out of hand, that he hasn’t seen this many bodies beaten up since he played in the Raiders in 1977. Walt turns to Lillian and asks her how she is doing. As Lil tosses about some reptilian-like aliens she replies that she has been in worse barroom brawls and tells Sasquatch that as long as they keep an eye on each other’s backs they will be fine.
‘In that case - watch out behind you!’ exclaims Walt as he informs Lil that ‘Some alien midget has a laser!’ Diamond Lil replies that it is no problem and reminds Walt that nothing can get through her diamond-hard skin. But after the laser has been fired, Lillian Crawley knows better - and she runs away. Sasquatch doesn’t see Lil run and informs her that there are new troops coming in so it is time to kick into overdrive.
It is now that Walt sees Lil running away, and shouts after her, asking her where she is going. Overwhelmed by the various aliens of the Consortium, Sasquatch goes full force, smashing his way through them, when suddenly Northstar comes to his aid: ‘It would appear some assistance was required’ the handsome speedster remarks.
‘We’ll, I’m not complaining’ replies Walt as he kicks one of the aliens away. ‘Indeed’ replies Jean-Paul as he pounds another of the reptilian-like aliens. Walt asks his fellow founding Alphan if he has any idea as to what is going on here. Jean-Paul explains that these aliens are pursuing a woman Alpha Flight has sworn to protect, but he doesn’t know why the aliens want Her, nor why Alpha Flight are protecting Her. ‘Wonderful’ mutters Walt, before asking how long it is until they all get killed as he snaps the neck of one of the aliens. Jean-Paul replies that he prefers to think of it as “How long before we kill all of them”.
Meanwhile, in the air above, J’Ridia Starduster is doing her part in the battle, using her powers against the Consortium as Box throws his powerful robot body at various spacecraft. Suddenly, Guardian goes careening past Windshear, who sees that she was hit by laser fire. Hume manages to push his body past Heather’s so that he can catch her, as Vindicator also flies to his wife’s aid - only to be struck in mid-flight by a blast from the Consortium.
J’Ridia understands that Alpha Flight are sacrificing themselves to save her, and knows that it has to stop. Vindicator suddenly tears up one of the craft with a powerful blast, informing Her that he is okay, shaken up, but still able to fight. J’Ridia asks him how much longer it will be before they all fall, to which Mac replies that the point is moot, as the only recourse is to fight until one side is defeated.
Her suggests that she could surrender herself to the Consortium, but Mac replies that it is a consideration she should make for herself, and that he would not presume to make that decision for her. Dodging blasts from the Consortium, J’Ridia replies that she would not want to take such course of action, that she would prefer to fall in battle, to which Mac declares that her preference will soon be granted. J’Ridia begins to ask Vindicator what he means, when she looks upwards, and understands.
Down below, Jean-Paul announces that the ground troops are all taken care of, when Sasquatch tells him and Puck to get ready to start all over again. Nearby, a bruised Guardian realizes that Windshear took the brunt of her fall, and wonders what the strange noise is - until she looks up and sees for herself. ‘Geez’ mumbles Jeffries as he drags some alien behind him. Diamond Lil grabs the alien that shot her and exclaims ‘Finally!’ before she too sees what everyone else is looking at - hundreds more of the Consortium fleet hovering above, ready for attack.
Suddenly, one of the Consortium ships is struck by a mace, and a powerful voice remarks that a helping hand is sorely needed by his Northern comrades in arms. ‘Since that’s the case, Hercules, AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!’ exclaims Quasar as he, Hercules, Captain America, Sersi, She-Hulk, Vision and Black Widow arrive to help Alpha Flight!


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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The Final Option, part 3: Decisions of Loyalty
Department H Status Report: Heather Hudson, Guardian, reporting: When I last filed a report, two days ago, I said we weren’t prepared for the battle to come. I was right. It started with a woman simply named Her landing in Toronto with an intergalactic corporation hot on her heels. We decided to help Her. The words I had said to my husband Mac - Vindicator - rang too true. Our job was to protect the innocent no matter what the cost. With the city in ruins and Alpha Flight on the brink of defeat, the United Nations super human task force - the Avengers - arrived to bail us out. Then we found out what the real cost of our actions would be…While unknown to us, events unfolding in space would soon have drastic effects on all of us in Toronto….
Deep in space, somewhere, Frankie Raye a.k.a. Nova wakes, confused, she recalls that one second ago she is in the atmosphere over the planet, the next she is getting over a major headache. Frankie flies down towards the green planet nearby, joking that it feels like her head is on fire (because of course her head is on fire), and supposes that the only way to figure out what happened is to ask the natives. ‘Come out, come out, wherever you are!’ She announces that she is the Herald to Galactus and asks what has happened to the planet.
The dozens of beings floating around the planet in a circle approach Nova, introducing themselves as the Qwrlln, they reveal that they know who she is. One of the Qwrlln explains that to save themselves from the World-Devourer, the shunted their planet to another dimensional plane. ‘No kidding?’ asks Frankie Raye. The Qwrlln reveal that over the millennia their entire civilization has been predicated on divining the means to protect themselves from the coming of Nova’s master, and this planetary safeguard was their final option.
‘You’re not kidding!’ realizes Frankie Raye, remarking that having their entire planet running away from Galactus is a little absurd. The Qwrlln reply that they choose to live and point out that they have avoided the grip of Galactus. Frankie Raye asks the Qwrlln what it is that makes them think moving their planet to another dimension is going to keep Galactus from finding them? The Qwrlln state that it would take Galactus an eternity to scan every aspect of every dimensional plane in existence.
Frankie Raye asks the Qwrlln if they took into account the possibility that Galactus could home in directly to her. ‘No…’ the Qwrlln begin to say, when a booming voice interrupts them: THAT IS UNFORTUNATE…FOR YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FLEE FAR ENOUGH FROM THE COMING OF GALACTUS! declares the World-Devourer as he makes his presence known.
In Toronto meanwhile, the battlefield has expanded in scope and participants. ‘We’re in big trouble!’ As one of the Consortium space ships approaches the sultry Avenger known as Sersi, she blasts it with her powers, boasting that it is nothing a little Eternal molecular reconstruction can’t handle. The cause of the battle, J’Ridia “Her” Starduster takes in the sight of more Earth heroes fighting for her safety and wonders if she has the right to endanger them any longer.
Wendell Vaughn a.k.a. the handsome Avenger Quasar realizes that this battle has escalated into a real war, and as he is the appointed Protector of the Universe, wonders how he can reconcile that with all of this carnage. James Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator of Alpha Flight calls to the heroes, suggesting that they do not fight the Consortium individually or one ship at a time, as the Consortium will outlast them that way, adding that they have to coordinate a planned joint defense. The android Avenger, Vision, replies that Vindicator has a point, but that the sheer quantity of the attacks craft prevent them from finding the time to do so.
On the ground below, Captain America, the United States of America’s symbol of hope, struggles to protect the panicked civilians. Cap urges them into the subway stations, but all around him the effects of the devastation are showing, as one woman carrying her daughter is knocked aside by a blast. Steve Rogers thinks to himself that there is too much going on - too many people caught in the middle of it - too much destruction. He ushers more people down to safety, reminding them not to panic.
Suddenly, Heather “Guardian” Hudson lands by Captain America, thanking him for coming as they needed the help badly. Captain America asks his Canadian counterpart what has happened here, who the aliens are and why they are decimating the city. Heather informs her American counterpart that the aliens call themselves the Consortium and are an intergalactic corporation after a woman named Her.
Cap reveals that the Avengers have a file on Her and asks why the Consortium want her. Heather replies that she has no idea, before discovering that her battle suit is severely overheated, and explaining to Cap that they haven’t had time to find out yet. Captain America asks Heather if she is certain that Her warrants their protection, to which Heather tells Cap to look around him - if she wasn’t certain would she have let things get this bad?
‘Of course not,’ replies Cap, before pointing out that the situation may be  beyond their ability to control it. Heather reveals that she asked herself the same question - to what lengths are they willing to go in order to save one single person? As flames burn bright around them, Captain America replies that he doesn’t know the answer to that, and supposes that they are going to find out.
Back in the air, J’Ridia Starduster flies over to Quasar and asks him how he is faring. As the cosmic Avenger engages in battle he introduces himself, before explaining that he finds this kind of full-scale war sickening, he is not faring too well. However, as Wendell displays his powers, he reveals that his ability to battle effectively is faring just fine.
Down below, the Olympian Avenger Hercules and the jade giantess known as the She-Hulk a.k.a. Jennifer Walters smash their way through reptilian agents of the Consortium. Quasar watches his teammates from above, remarking that it is typical of Hercules to actually enjoy all of this, before telling himself to concentrate on stopping the incoming assault and protecting innocents - while trying not to notice the legs on Her.
As Walter Langkowski a.k.a. Alpha Flight’s Sasquatch uses his incredible strength to kick a tram into a horde of Consortium aliens, he wonders who is going to pay for all this damage, while back in the air, Quasar flies towards the underbelly of a ship and discovers that it looks like it contains a fuel nacelle, so suggests to J’Ridia that she strikes to impair, not destroy. J’Ridia reminds Quasar of his previous comment about too many civilians remaining in danger on the ground, while on the ground, the She-Hulk grapples with several aliens at once, telling them that there is plenty of her to go around. One of the aliens mutters something in its native tongue, to which Jennifer tells it to be quiet as she is talking. In the air, Her and Quasar manages to disable the space craft.
Nearby, the sultry Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Alpha Flight’s Diamond Lil has engaged an alien in chase, ‘Get back here ya scrawny little alien dork!’ she yells, as the alien replies ‘Stay away!’ Lil is intrigued that the small alien speaks English, and backs the alien up against a mesh fence. Cornered, the alien reveals that he has a universal translator implanted in his brain. Lillian reminds him that his gun fired something that penetrated her skin. Twisting the alien so he has his back to her, Lil exclaims that she needs it, wants it and is going to have it.
The alien replies that it would not be possible. ‘And why is that?’ asks Lil as she grabs the alien’s arm and shoves the gun in the his face, only for the alien to reply that the gun is biocybernetically attached to his mind and body. ‘SO?’ asks Lil loudly as she lifts the alien up and holds him above her, The alien reveals that to remove the gun without proper procedures would kill him. Lil asks where she would have to go for these “proper procedures”.
The alien explains that they would have to go to his home planet, as it is the only place the necessary surgery could be performed without causing him irreparable damage. Lil remarks that it is ridiculous before asking if the gun doesn’t have a manual trigger. The alien reveals that the gun does, but that many of his race became cyber linked to the guns in order to better serve the Consortium. Lil shoves the alien, calling him an idiot, she declares that she needs the gun and asks him what he is forcing her to do.
Meanwhile, back in space….the Qwrlln can only watch in horror as the planet-devouring equipment is assembled. The Qwrlln realize that they have become as unto a grain of sand on an endless beach. They are no longer a people with a time-honored sense of history and importance, but merely another statistic in the numerical conquests of Galactus. Knowing Galactus’ equipment is not yet completed, they wonder if they have time to contact their agents.
One of the Qwrlln asks if their signal could even pierce the dimensional void to reach the planet Earth in time. Another of the Qwrlln explains that Earthlings are the only species to repulse the World-Devourer, and reminds his fellows that their agent was recently resurrected with this contingency in mind. Another of the Qwrlln asks what choice they have, before declaring the signal to be ordered - ‘Call the super humans to aid our cause!’
Back on Earth, Vindicator destroys one of the Consortium’s ships, but points out that for every one he destroys, five more take its place. Sersi approaches Mac, remarking that she has noticed this also, and admits that even an Eternal has her limits. Vindicator replies that everyone has limits, to which the beautiful Sersi asks how much longer they can continue at this pace before everyone reaches their limit.
Vindicator destroys another ship, only for five more to appear by him. ‘Not too much longer I’m afraid’ he remarks angrily. Sersi points out that they seem to have been granted a momentary respite, to which Mac remarks is interesting, when he suddenly receives an incoming call from Guardian, asking him to come down ASAP. Mac informs Sersi that everyone has to regroup on the ground.
Moments later, Mac and Sersi meet up with Heather, Captain America and the others. Cap asks for a topside status report, to which Vindicator reveals there is a momentary lull in the airborne assault, and supposes that the Consortium might by refuelling or rearming. Heather remarks that either way, it means they are getting closer to ending this nightmare.
From a wall nearby, Natasha Romanova a.k.a. the Black Widow of the Avengers informs everyone that they are surrounded by troops in a three perimeter block, explaining that the Consortium are closing them off from any means of retreat. Madison “Box” Jeffries asks the Black Widow who said anything about retreating. Sasquatch agrees with his teammate, before encouraging everyone to dig in and settle this once and for all.
Vindicator remarks that it may very well come down to that, and Hercules exclaims that it will be a battle of song and glory. ‘Maybe a battle of song and gory, Herc’ She-Hulk suggests. Mac announces that Northstar and Windshear are coming down, and on their way, the handsome Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier asks his teammate Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear if he also sees the aliens gathering below. Colin does, and suggests to Jean-Paul that they get some protection to the “chaps” below, and arriving at their teammates meeting point, Windshear creates some hard-air screens to protect everyone for a time.
Hercules invokes the name of his father as the Consortium’s next attack begins, before everyone engages in battle again. Suddenly, a blast is fired at one of the aliens, and Diamond Lil makes her presence known - asking everyone if they need a hand, she boasts that the one she has works like a blast. Everyone gathers around Lillian, and as Quasar announces that the alien troops are scattering, Heather asks Lil where she has been.
Lil reveals that she was nailed by the alien zap gun she is holding, and explains that it actually cut her. She reveals that she went after the alien who wore it and reminds everyone that she has had problems getting something to cut through her skin to do a biopsy on her tumor. Lil holds the gun up and apologizes to Sasquatch for running out on him, but states again that it was something she had to do.
Vindicator interrupts Lil, remarking that it seems they have a temporary cease fire and pointing out that they have some difficult decisions to make. Solemnly, Her steps forward and tells Vindicator that she understands, as neither the heroes nor this city could withstand another full-scale Consortium assault. J’Ridia announces that she will leave Earth immediately and take her burdens too. However before Her can take flight, Quasar steps forward and exclaims that pretending this is not their problem is not the answer. Wendell claims that he has seen enough of this universe to disagree with an isolationist mentality, so asks Her to tell everyone exactly why the Consortium is after her.
(Shown with Flashback illustrations)
Her explains to Alpha Flight and the Avengers that it began during her wandering of the cosmos in search of fulfilment. She encountered a technological nightmare of a planet called U’sr’pia, which was ruled by a petty despot of minimal metahuman abilities. Her understood that this world had been a paradise, so she brought the despot’s rule down about him and returned power to the people. J’Ridia then stayed on the planet and helped the people slowly restore its ravaged eco-system, and for the first time in her confused existence, she began to feel a sense of purpose…and then the Consortium came.
J’Ridia clarifies that the Consortium are an intergalactic business conglomerate who have done extensive business with the planet of U’sr’pia and were not at all happy with the planet’s return to an agricultural state. The Consortium informed J’Ridia that the planet was in violation of legally binding contracts and would forfeit their self-determination to Consortium control. Her tried to repel them, but she was limited by her need to protect the planet as well, so she fled, not only to elude the Consortium, but to draw their attention away from U’sr’pia.
(Present)
Her brings the story full circle by explaining that she came to Earth - her planet of birth - seeking the aid of the super human community here, and tearfully declares that she had no intention of bringing this battle with her, just gaining needed assistance in her dealings with the Consortium. Captain America remarks that they now know what happened, and Guardian declares that they also know the Consortium must be stopped - no matter what the cost.
Suddenly, the booming voice of the Consortium make an announcement to the heroes, ‘People of Sol III, you have proven yourselves very worthy business adversaries!’ Everyone looks on, slightly unsure, as Vindicator remarks that this is probably the time for negotiations. A blue-skinned alien begins to descend from the mother ship, introducing himself as the Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium, he informs the heroes that he has a three-fold business proposition for them.
First point is that he wants J’Ridia Starduster handed over immediately, and all hostilities will then cease. Point two states that honor barring such a transaction will allow Her off Earth and continue their personal negotiations with Her beyond the confines of Sol III. Point three…’Repudiation of points one or two will result in total planetary take over!’ The Consortium informs the heroes that they have ten seconds to decide.
Alpha Flight and the Avengers look at each other, Quasar looks at J’Ridia, then Her declares that she will surrender - but Heather turns to Her and exclaims that it is not the answer, that they cannot abandon her to those scum. J’Ridia tells Heather to look around herself, pointing out that their options appear very limited.
Suddenly, a blast of energy strikes Vindicator, and a message is relayed through his body: ‘Your assistance is required off-planet’. Sasquatch asks Mac what he is talking about, when he replies ‘I am the vehicle through which transportation will be implemented’. Heather asks Mac what has happened to him, why he has allowed his mechanical components take control.
‘Billions of beings require immediate assistance’ states Mac, before revealing that “this unit” is instructed to remove agents from Terran-sphere. Guardian tells him to wait, pointing out that millions need them here on Earth. Hercules backs her up, but it is too late, as Vindicator, Guardian, Box, Windshear, Sersi, Quasar, Hercules, Vision and Her suddenly vanish. Northstar, Sasquatch, Diamond Lil, Puck, Captain America, She-Hulk and the Black Widow stare at the space their friends and allies stood, and Sasquatch asks where they went.
Judd points out that Vindicator teleported half of them away, but is unsure why. Captain America is about to state a more pressing concern, when She-Hulk interrupts, asking her leader why he has to be so calm about it, before pointing out that Her vanished with the others. The Chief Executive of the Consortium leers down at the remaining heroes, asking them how they can dare disrupt a Consortium negotiation, ‘You have illegally absconded with company holdings!’
The Consortium declares that for the affront, they are now commencing a full-scale corporate take-over of this world’s assets! Hundreds of Consortium ships appear seemingly out of nowhere, as the remaining heroes look up, Judd whispers that he thinks he just wet himself.
Meanwhile, in inter-dimensional space, the planet Quwrll to be precise. Vindicator, Guardian and the others are teleported in, and Mac states that the beings responsible for the continued functioning of “this unit” require super human assistance. ‘So do the people of Toronto!’ exclaims Heather, asking Mac how he could do this to them and where they are. Vindicator reveals that they are on the planet Quwrll, and several of the Qwrlln approach the heroes.
The Qwrlln apologize for the abruptness of their request, and explain that assistance is necessitated in altercation with the World-Devourer. The Qwrlln state that only super human interference has deterred the path of the World-Devourer in past confrontations. “World-Devourer”? asks Hercules, asking the Qwrlln if they mean who he thinks they mean. ‘Affirmative, Olympian’ replies Mac, before informing everyone that they must defeat Galactus! Everyone turns to see Galactus, now linked up to the planet Quwrll. ‘Umm…do we have any say in this?’ asks Box.