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Headache
Aboard an Omni-Jet, one of the state-of-the-art jets used to transport Canada’s premiere super team, Alpha Flight - who are currently acting like anything but a super team. In his Sasquatch form Doctor Walter Langkowski declares that as Weapon Omega has claws, and he has claws himself, it makes sense for him to take Omega down. Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier, the teams handsome mutant speedster laughs and says ‘You against him? You’re nothing more than a throw rug with a physics degree!’ The sultry Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Diamond Lil asks the men to shut up - or else she will shut them up.
Alpha Flight’s leader, Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian mutters to herself ‘Pins and needles…needles and pins’ before turning to her teammates, shoving Northstar away from Sasquatch, and pushing Lil back with an electromagnetic shove, courtesy of her battle suit. Heather tells the trio to knock it off, as Sasquatch vocalizes his shock, ‘Guardian!’ he says in a disapproving tone. ‘Baby sitter is more like it!’ Heather snaps back, telling her teammates that they are acting like a pack of spoiled school children on the playground. Heather tells the “kids” that she is putting them on notice and exclaims that recess is over.
Slightly taken aback, Lil understands why Heather tossed Northstar aside, but wants to know why she used her powers on her, as all she wanted was quiet so the medics could concentrate on Madison. From the table where the medics are tending to him, Madison “Box” Jeffries mumbles that he doesn’t think he could have stood another round of “Shut-up Shutting-up”.
Heather declares that from day one, this group has been over-indulging in back-biting, in-fighting and overall whining. She suggests that anyone who cannot play nice with the other children is welcome to take his toys and go home, before reminding them that Department H is a multi-million dollar support system made up in part of Canada’s most brilliant scientists and that they have cleared Weapon Omega for field action, so it is not Alpha Flight’s place to second guess them.
Jeffries claps in agreement with Heather, exclaiming that it is time Alpha Flight started acting like a team. Heather thanks her former fiancée, before asking if anyone else has anything they’d like to add. ‘Just this…’ begins Weapon Omega, as he spins around in his chair to face his teammates, explaining that as Wildchild, he was in constant struggle to suppress his homicidal rages, but was not always successful. He states that after a series of recent experimental treatment, he is apparently cured, so when the Canadian government asked him to assume the role of Weapon Omega, he agreed in the hope he may one day atone for the sins of his past. Whether that is possible, he cannot say, but one thing he does know - ‘I would die before I let Alpha Flight down’.
Meanwhile, in the sub-basement of Department H’s Toronto-based complex, one of the armed security wardens patrols the sub-basement, complaining to himself that he joined Department H to see the world and meet interesting people - instead he is assigned as a guard in the psychiatric detention facility. ‘No, I don’t feel too useless’ he mutters, when he hears a loud scream. Startled, he turns around, as he realizes the scream came from Headlok’s cell - though it sounded like a woman.
He thinks that he should call back-up, but then again, he has been wanting to get his hands on the runt, and in a pinch, any excuse will do. But as the guard opens the door to Headlok’s cell, he is blinded by the brilliant light that flows from it. The long-missing Jeanne-Marie “Aurora” Beaubier is suspended in the room, ‘Please, make him stop!’ she pleads. The guard is surprised to see Aurora, as Headlok smiles and asks if this is ‘way cool, or what?’ The guard declares that he doesn’t know how Headlok overcame the psionic restraint, before informing him that his twisted mind games are going to end here and now.
‘Not before we play tag’ Headlok declares, ‘You’re it’ he says to the guard, who suddenly shrinks in size, as the once-puny Headlok gains the guards bulk. Noticing that he is old, the guard asks how this happened. Headlok points out the obvious - that it is an illusion, to which the guard sees himself as his normal size, before Headlok knocks him to the ground and turns back to the glowing Aurora, rubbing his hands together gleefully, he exclaims that he was going to cure his psychological cell-mate.
Headlok jokes that this will only hurt when you laugh - so not to, and explains that he isn’t actually entering Aurora’s mind, it just looks that way, not to mention it makes fro a great visual. Once “inside” her mind, Headlok looks around and seeing that they are inside a church, tells Jeanne-Marie that he loves what she has done with her mind, ‘Kind of “early-gothic repression”’, before joking that whoever said religion was the opium of the masses probably wasn’t referring to five different versions of the same woman!
Headlok looks down at the five “versions” of Aurora - the rebellious Jeanne-Marie Beaubier from before she became a super hero, the “original” Aurora in the way she was when she first joined Alpha Flight, the slightly trampy Aurora with the revealing outfit, who spoke with a heavy accent, Aurora as a nun, and finally the most recent version, the peaceful and loving Aurora. The brash and feisty Aurora calls Headlok a monster and tells him that he has no right to violate the sanctity of her mind.
Headlok jokes that she has it all wrong, as “Uncle Headlok” is here to do what all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not - ‘I’m here to put Jeanne-Marie’s mind back together again!’ he claims. ‘Maybe we can cure him?’ ‘Or we could psychologically manipulate him!’ ‘Let us pray!’ ‘I’d rather make love, not war’ ‘Party!’ the Aurora’s all offer their suggestions to the predicament, when suddenly, Headlok transforms into a very angry-looking woman and yells ‘Silence!’ All five Aurora’s look scared and step backwards seeing Soeur Anne, the Headmistress from Madame Dupont’s School for Girls. ‘Not the original, but I play one on TV’ Headlok jokes.
Headlok as Soeur Anne turns to the young Jeanne-Marie, reminding her that she was thirteen years old at the time and in a state of despair, tried to kill herself. ‘Are you brave enough to remember what happened next?’
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of Department H, Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear informs the reporters and cameramen that their tour of Department H ends here, with the rooftop landing pad. One of the reporters thanks Windshear, as the people of Canada appreciate knowing how their taxes are spent. Windshear’s teammate Eugene “Puck” Judd whispers to one of the Department H medical scientists, Dr. Whitman Knapp, that he was concerned after Windshear’s last interview, but things are going well this time. Rather nervous the young man formerly known as “Manikin” agrees, before asking to be excused, though suddenly, the Omni-Jet makes its untimely arrival - nearly landing on the reporters!
‘A Quinjet - landing on the roof? ‘They’re trying to kill us!’ ‘run for your lives!’ Windshear asks everyone to stay calm, The Omni-Jet opens and Alpha Flight emerge, with Sasquatch joking that this is the way to end a covert mission in another country, by inviting every major news station in Canada and dropping a plane on them. Heather declares that something isn’t right here and states she is going to find out what it is. Hurrying past the reporters and cameramen, Lillian declares she is going down to sickbay, while Jean-Paul declares he is going to sleep for a week. One of the reporters asks Weapon Omega who he is and why he is in a mask, to which Omega replies ‘I’m incredibly shy’.
Heather turns to the pilot and as she points at the reporters he almost crushed, she asks him how he can call himself a pilot. The man replies that he had an “all-clear” from the tower. Jeffries is lifted from the Omni-jet on a stretcher, and the reporters begin to take photos and ask questions: ‘Isn’t that Box?’ ‘Going to make it?’ ‘Where’s he sustain those injuries?’ Turning to Guardian, one of them asks her if she holds herself responsible, while another asks her what her feelings are on the Consortium catastrophe. Another even has the nerve to ask her if she is stepping down as leader. Windshear offers to handle this, to which Heather is grateful.
Judd notices Jean-Paul looking a bit strange and asks him if he feels all right. Jean-Paul replies he does, but that it is his sister, Jeanne-Marie… a look of astonishment spreads across Northstar’s face as he speeds past the reporters, announcing that his sister is alive.
Indeed, Aurora is alive, and currently being beaten by “Soeur Anne”. Tears streaming from her eyes, Jeanne-Marie tells “Soeur Anne” that she is sorry, to which “Soeur Anne” replies ‘You will be if you don’t tell me the truth! I’ve had enough of your blasphemous lies!’ Headlok returns to his true form, but still dressed in Soeur Anne’s outfit, as Aurora exclaims she has confessed - she stepped off the chapel roof and flew. ‘LIAR!’ shouts Headlok, grinning as he tells Aurora that is simply the way she remembers it, but that it is not the way it happened.
Aurora declares that she doesn’t want to remember, but as Headlok tosses Aurora against a wall, he informs her that before this night is through, she will, for it is the only way her multiple personas can hope to merge into a single mind. Aurora cowers in amongst shards of her fractured mind as Headlok tells her that she cannot escape the consequences of her attempted suicide. ‘But I have asked Him for forgiveness’ Aurora states, to which Headlok tells her that he fears she is not deserving and that for years she has suppressed the memories of that night - so it is just and fair that she should suffer so.
Aurora cries and declares that she will accept any act of penance, to which Headlok asks ‘Any, my child? Will you remember what really happened that night? You stepped off the chapel roof and you…you…?’ ‘NO!’ screams Aurora, picking up a piece of mirror and throwing it at Headlok, which cuts right through him. Headlok screams and is purged from Aurora’s mind, all of which is watched by Alpha Flight from the sidelines.
Aurora’s former lover, Sasquatch, exclaims ‘All right, Aurora, that’s our girl!’ Northstar smiles, proud of his sister as he remarks that whatever battle is raging within her head, his sister is not without resources. Heather tells Jean-Paul that he was right to wait for the rest of them, for who knows what damage might have been caused if he tried to shatter the connection. Northstar explains that he feared it would be akin to waking a sleep-walker. Judd asks if he missed something, for he thought Aurora disappeared with Shaman and the others - so how did she end up in Headlok’s cell?
‘You…little…witch!’ Headlok shouts, asking Aurora if she dare to attack him after he has given her the best weeks of his life, adding that while he may have a sick and twisted self-image, at least he knows his place, before telling Aurora that she has obviously forgotten hers. The various stages of Aurora throughout the years appear in crystal form, and one by one, Headlok begins to break them, claiming that he doesn’t blame her, as for years she tried to cure herself, though that could never happen, but she still refused to accept the truth regarding that night.
Headlok has his hands wrapped around one of Aurora’s earliest incarnations, the happy-go-lucky one of whom viewed Alpha Flight as just a game to be played whenever “Jeanne-Marie” would let her out of the dark place. Then comes the “merged” version of the two personalities - Aurora’s irresponsibility and Jeanne-Marie’s cruel streak - the heart-breaker with a heart of stone. Headlok next comes to one he thinks is very interesting, ‘Aurora as a messiah’ - she wanted to save the world, but couldn’t even save herself. Headlok shows Aurora a image of what she may have been, if he were to let her live. Suddenly, all of the Aurora’s tell Headlok that he is a fool, and states that the bible says “We two shall form a multitude”, and a new form appears as declares  that there is strength in numbers, and informs Headlok that he has made the same mistake that others have made before him, believing her shattered psyche to be a sign of weakness, where in truth, it is the source of her greatest strength.
The crystal form shatters, revealing the flesh and blood below. Shocked at who is beneath, a frightened Headlok asks ‘Who are you?’ A angry woman with hands on her hips introduces herself as Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, and explains that for the past several years she has been content to spend her time in here, in the farthest recess of her mind, allowing Aurora free reign upon her Earthen vessel, believing that Aurora would use her mutant abilities to go forth and administer assistance to the rest of the world.
Jeanne-Marie grabs Headlok by the wrists, informing him that his presence here has disturbed the balance between herself and Aurora’s personalities. Addressing Headlok by his real name, Arthur, Jeanne-Marie tells him that he has forced her return to the real world - but he won’t be joining her. Surprised, Headlok is about to ask Jeanne-Marie what she means, when suddenly it happens, and Alpha Flight watch in amazement as Aurora’s light erupts from within Headlok and shatters him into a thousand pieces.
Jean-Paul catches his sister as she is thrust across the room, once again dressed in her most recent blue, white and yellow costume, and as their bodies come into contact, Jean-Paul finds it odd that Jeanne-Marie’s powers did not cancel out his own, and nor did they cast a violent flash of light, as he wonders what this might mean, Walter asks if Aurora just killed Headlok, to which ‘The name, monsieur, is Jeanne-Marie’ exclaims the weary Jeanne-Marie, explaining that she used the last of Aurora’s healing powers to release Arthur Goddard from the tortured mortal coil which plagued him his entire life. ‘Kill him, Dr. Langkowski? No. Aurora and I set him free’. However, Alpha Flight are not entirely convinced….
One week later, Heather, Walt, Jean-Paul, Judd, Windshear and Weapon Omega sit in darkness, watching a holographic recording of what happened to Aurora those weeks ago. They watch as Aurora was in the med-center with the others when the call went out for their help against the Consortium. However the next thing Diamond Lil, who was there at the time, knew, everyone - Aurora, Shaman, Persuasion, Witchfire, Laura Dean and her parents - had vanished. It was assumed by everyone that Aurora had been teleported away with the others, but as revealed by the security tapes, Aurora was already on her way to the landing bay thanks to her super speed.
However, the psychic backlash caused by the pain and suffering of the battle against the consortium stopped the psi-sensitive Aurora in her tracks, and fried the circuits on Headlok’s psychic restraint, which made the psychologically unstable Aurora the perfect plaything for Headlok. Heather asks Walt for his prognosis, to which the handsome scientist explains that Headlok mentally tortured Aurora for several weeks before they found her, so it may be years before they realize the extent of the damage he caused. The only thing Walt knows for sure is that Aurora’s mind has returned to her original split personality.
Heather calls for the lights to be turned back on, which reveals the six Alphans in their splendid new matching team costumes. Heather opens the floor for new business, to which Windshear remarks that he trusts no one objects to the new team uniforms, with him being Acting Chief Administrator, he felt it was time Alpha Flight looked more like a team. Judd gives his compliments to the designer, before Walt brings up the matter of Weapon Omega, pointing out that even though they have accepted Wildchild is cured…Jean-Paul interrupts, exclaiming that the rest of Canada will no doubt be enraged when they learn they have a reformed homicidal maniac on the team, adding that they don’t need another Alpha Flight member.
However, entering the room with Lil at his side, Jeffries declares ‘Then again, maybe you do’ and declares that he and Lil have an announcement. ‘Two, actually’ Lil adds, before revealing that they are resigning from Alpha Flight, because they are getting married. ‘Congratulations!’ exclaims Heather, hugging Lil as Walt asks Jeffries when the big day is. Northstar just frowns, until a look of shock appears on his face as his sister, also dressed in a team uniform, walks down the stairs into the room. Jeanne-Marie points out that with Box and Lil’s sudden departure, it is obvious her membership will be required. Northstar is even more shocked that it is Jeanne-Marie speaking.
Jeanne-Marie adds that she never knows when the hopelessly irresponsible Aurora will chose to make herself known, and since it is impossible for her to maintain a normal life outside of Alpha Flight…. Jean-Paul steps in, telling his sister that he forbids it, but Jeanne-Marie casts him off, telling him that it is not a matter for discussion and that from this moment on, both she and Aurora will be part of this silly team. Guardian is about to say that she doesn’t know if this is such a good idea, until Judd reminds her that Jeanne-Marie did take out Headlok on her own, something all of them combined with the Fantastic Four could barely do. Judd points out that as Windshear is a desk-jockey and himself acting as a trouble-shooter, they are going to need at least five members in “Core Alpha”.
Walt transforms into Sasquatch and exclaims that he likes the name “Core Alpha”, before asking Heather what she thinks. Lil, Jeffries, Judd and Windshear stand to the side as Heather, Sasquatch, Jean-Paul, Jeanne-Marie and Weapon Omega gather together, and Heather jokes ‘Who am I to argue with destiny?’ ‘Amen’ adds Jeanne-Marie, beginning a new era for Alpha Flight.


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The Bachelor Party
‘It was someone more famous than I -’ begins the diminutive Eugene Milton Judd a.k.a. Puck ‘Is there such a person?’ interrupts the handsome Dr. Walter Langkowski also known as Sasquatch. Judd continues: ‘- who once said, “Eh, though I walk through the valley of matrimony…I shall fear no evil”, excuse the paraphrasing, eh?’ he laughs. Madison “Box” Jeffries tells Judd that he is excused, “eh”. The three long-serving members of Alpha Flight are joined by their current teammates: founding Alphan Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier and newcomers Colin Ashworth Hume a.k.a. Windshear and Kyle Gibney, formerly Wildchild, now known as Weapon Omega.
The six male members of Canada’s premiere super hero team sit around a table in a pub, all here to celebrate a very special occasion. Northstar smiles and tells Judd that he has no idea what he meant by all that, but cheers nonetheless. Windshear exclaims that in England, they have an expression that means the same thing - ’We say…”cheers”!’
Walter reminds Madison that it is one week until his wedding to the lovely Lillian Crawley, ’Not to mention Christmas Eve!’ adds Judd, before Walt points out that Jeffries has still not told them who he is going to have as best man. Northstar exclaims that they already know that the Dreamqueen is the maid of honor, “always ruler of the netherworld, never the bride” The six men erupt laughter which fills the pub, and Puck declares that it is the first joke he has heard Northstar make in the entire six years he has known him.
Jeffries’ rubs tears of joy from, his eyes, explaining that he hasn’t asked anyone to stand up for him yet, but that he doesn’t think it will be a problem, and turns to Kyle. Kyle looks rather taken aback, ‘You want me to be your best man?’ Madison puts an arm around Kyle, informing everyone that back when they were part of the original Gamma Flight, before he became Box and when Kyle was still known as Wildchild - before everything went South on them - Kyle was the best buddy he ever had.
Sheepishly, Kyle remarks that he doesn’t know what to say. ‘Say, “Oui”!’ suggests Northstar, to which Kyle replies that he would be honored. Jean-Paul exclaims that he would like to make a toast…’Cheers!’ he shouts, to which the others follow, with Windshear asking if he made that toast earlier. However, outside in the freezing cold…a man with a shot gun approaches the pub.
Elsewhere, across the border, at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Poughkeepsie, the elderly owners are working on the newest “guest”. Mr. Lawrence points out that the medical examiner is none to graceful on the bodies during the autopsy, to which his wife replies that is why it is up to them to do what they can to make the deceased look presentable, adding that the poor girl died on the eve of her wedding night. Tending to the young woman’s unworn wedding dress, Mrs. Lawrence informs her husband that the girls fiancé requested she be buried in the gown. Looking at the body, Mr. Lawrence offers to do this himself, but his wife replies no, and suggests they get started.
Back in Canada, this time in the new apartment belonging to Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian, leader of Alpha Flight. Sitting across from Heather is Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Diamond Lil, who tells Heather that she cannot believe she got a place of her own. Heather informs Lil that it was her impending nuptials to Madison that inspired her, for somewhere between feeling sorry for herself and elated for the two of them, it occurred to her that she has no life outside of Alpha Flight!
‘Scary thought, huh?’ remarks Lil, asking what the point of saving the world is if they are not going to take the time to enjoy it once in a while. Heather admits to Lillian that there are days where she would like nothing  better than to hand in her battle suit to the Department H quartermaster and - she is interrupted by the honking of a horn, to which Heather assumes to be their ride. Lil looks out the window as Heather asks her who is driving - Jeanne-Marie or Aurora. Lil sees her raven-haired teammate waving from the car, but informs Heather that it is hard to tell from here. Locking the door to her apartment, Heather asks if she leads the weirdest team in the world, or if it is just her. ‘Maybe a little of both’ smiles Lillian.
Back at the pub, the bar-tender asks Judd who is at the counter getting the groups drinks, where he has been keeping himself, as no one here has seen him since the day he cart wheeled out of here a while back. Judd informs Corky, as he is called, that it was all very top secret and hush hush back at the time, but he is free to talk about it now, and reveals that not only is he Eugene Judd: bouncer, but he is also Puck of Alpha Flight. Corky leans over the bar and declares that he has a confession of his own to make - ‘I’m actually the Thing from the Fantastic Four - but only on weekends!’
Judd frowns and walks away with the drinks, as a patron yells ‘Puck, huh? What a kidder!’ Corky yells out that if Judd was anybody from Alpha Flight, he would have thought he was Sasquatch, as people always look bigger on television. ‘Maybe you can get me a date with Aurora?’ asks another patron. Outside the pub, the man carrying the rifle stands by the door, ‘Forgive me for what I am about to do’. he exclaims.
Back inside, Windshear asks Jean-Paul what it is like having both Jeanne-Marie and Aurora back sharing the same body. As Northstar is about to answer, one of three fat men sitting at a table nearby begins to harass a gay couple also seated nearby. ‘Hey, fruitcakes - this is a bar for real men!’ he yells. ‘Take off!’ snaps back one of the gay guys. Northstar replies to Windshear’s question, stating that he imagines it to be a lot like having triplets, before asking Colin, just between the two of them, if it is just him, or does he have the weirdest sister in the world? ‘Maybe a little of both’ Windshear replies.
Judd arrives at the table and tells his teammates that they have done enough philosophizing and asks if they want refills. ‘Certainly’ replies Jean-Paul, before excusing himself, explaining that there is something he must attend to first. Before Windshear can asks ‘What’s that, Jean-Paul?’ Northstar has arrived back at the table and starts his next drink. ‘Never mind, you were saying?’ he asks. Across the room, the gay couple smile as they watch the three fat men tied to the chandelier by their ties with the pants pulled down.
Sitting in another booth, Weapon Omega notices Walter slumped over the table looking rather solemn. He addresses Walt as “Dr. Langkowski” until Sasquatch tells him to call him Walt. Kyle does, pointing out that this is supposed to be a joyous occasion, yet it looks as though he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. ‘What is it you’re thinks about that has you so somber?’ ‘You’ replies Walt, informing Kyle that there is something he has been meaning to tell him, something he has to apologize for - something he did long ago.
Kyle smiles and tells Walt that surely it is the alcohol talking, that he can’t have done anything that bad. ‘Don’t be so sure’ Walt tells him, before revealing that he is the guy responsible for - the former pro football star is cut off in his sentence by the pub door slamming open and the snow beginning to pour in. The man holding the rifle yells ‘Don’t anyone move and no one gets hurt!’
Elsewhere, Heather, Jeanne-Marie and Lillian walk side-by-side through the snowy city, and Lil thanks her teammates for throwing her this bachelorette party, it is very sweet. ‘It is less than nothing - a mild inconvenience at best’ Jeanne-Marie remarks, before Heather asks her about the place they are going to - “Cloisters”, if she has been there before. Jeanne-Marie replies that she hasn’t, and reveals that Aurora made the reservation, which becomes obvious as the women arrive at Cloisters, Jeanne-Marie’s sentence ‘But she assured me…it is a…respectful…establishment…’ becomes filled with wretched thoughts of Aurora as Jeanne-Marie discovers Cloisters is a male strip club. ‘Ms. Crawley? Mrs. Hudson? Next time you see Aurora - tell her I’m going to kill her’ Jeanne-Marie exclaims. Heather and Lil just smile.
Back at the bar, the armed man points his rifle at Corky and announces that he doesn’t mean to ruin anyone’s holiday, but that he has to ask for all their money, strangely adding that he promises to pay it back - with interest! He asks everyone to co-operate as he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. The men of Alpha Flight laugh and Walter declares that there is not much chance of that happening. The attempted-thief asks what they are all laughing it, when Windshear tells him ‘This’ and uses his mutant power on the man, knocking him backwards.
Colin explains that it is called “solid air”, but he has no idea what it means - only that it works. ‘So does my ability to transmutate metal’ declares Jeffries as he uses his mutant abilities to reshape the man’s rifle, asking anyone if they want funny balloon animals made from rifles. Jean-Paul goes over to the man, who is still suspended in the air and asks to be let go. Instead, thanks to Northstar’s super speed, he finds himself now standing before Puck, who tells him that next time he plans to knock over a pub on Christmas Eve, he will want to find one that isn’t filled to overflowing with Canada’s own super heroes.
Meanwhile, at Cloisters, a waiter asks the women if he can get them anything else. ‘A noose, perhaps?’ asks Jeanne-Marie. Lil tells Heather that she doesn’t mean to put her on the spot… ‘But you’ve been married before - and I know you’ve “been with” Maddy…I guess what I’m trying to say is…what should I, er, “expect” on my wedding night?’ Heather hesitates and begins to search awkwardly for her words, when Jeanne-Marie suddenly cuts in, telling Lil that she shouldn’t be nervous about fulfilling her wifely obligations, no matter how vile and disgusting they may seem.
‘Think of it as a necessary evil of the sacred gift of matrimony’ Jeanne-Marie concludes. Lil and Heather look at each other wide-eyed, ‘Thank you, Jeanne-Marie, that was…’ ‘Enlightening?’ ‘Yeah, enlightening’. Heather smiles and states that while she is not one to kiss and tell, she figures that Lil surely realizes Madison is a kind and sensitive man who will take her inexperience into account. Suddenly, ‘Details, Heather! Can’t you see the girl wants details!’ shouts someone who is obviously not Jeanne-Marie, though looks exactly like her. ‘Aurora?’ asks Heather. ‘Who else?’ is the reply.
Aurora turns to Lil and tells her to relax, as even though Madison is one of the few guys on the team that she doesn’t know “intimately”, anyone with the mutant power to transmutate metal has got to specialize in something! Aurora suddenly asks to be excused, declaring that she has some serious partying to do, she jumps up onto the stage and begins to dance with one of the scantily-clad men. ‘I think I like her better as Jeanne-Marie’ exclaims Lil. ‘No contest’ agrees an unimpressed Heather.
Back at Corky’s bar, Walt has transformed into his furry alter-ego and asks the sobbing man if he minds an escort to the local precinct. The man protests, exclaiming that he cannot go to jail, not tonight, and reveals that his family is poor, practically starving, but they manage to make ends meat, only now his landlord has raised the rent - and if he doesn’t pay by tonight, he is going to throw them into the streets! He claims that he didn’t mean to “steal” the money, only borrow it, and that he would pay it back eventually. Alpha Flight begin to feel sorry for him, but Jeffries points out that there is still the matter of the shotgun. Weapon Omega takes hold of the shotgun and reveals that it is empty, which he believes is further testimony to the man’s sincerity.
The male members of Alpha Flight begin to converse amongst themselves, Judd revealing that in his seventy-plus years he has never seen anything this tragic on Christmas Eve, and suggests that they give the man a break. Kyle agrees, as does Sasquatch, reminding everyone that Alpha Flight is supposed to be a super team for the people of Canada. The other patrons all begin to cheer for Alpha Flight as they leave the bar, supporting the helpless man.
Sasquatch tells Corky that, as a duly appointed government-peace-keeping officer, he is taking full responsibility for the alleged criminal, and asks him if it is okay with him. Corky replies ‘Certainly, Mr. Sasquatch, sir, have a merry’. Just as Puck is about to walk out, Corky calls to him, asking him to wait as he owes him an apology. Corky says to Judd that it is obvious he does know a few members of Alpha Flight, ‘Any chance you can get me a 8x10 of Guardian?’ A furious Judd doesn’t answer, just storms out into the snow.
Back at Cloisters, one of the waiting staff informs the boss that ‘Some bimbo’ is on the dance floor distracting some of the “performance artists”. ‘I’ll handle it!’ the boss replies, and as she walks out into public view, everyone in the audience gasps at the pounding noise she makes, ‘She’s…huge!’ ‘How does she stand erect?’ they ask quietly. Aurora begins to kiss one of the strippers, who informs her that this isn’t allowed. ‘I know’ replies Aurora ‘That’s what makes it fun!’ Suddenly, Aurora is yanked away from the stripper, who falls to the ground.
Aurora is held by the hair by the grossly overweight owner of the club - it just happens that they know each other. ‘You?’ she cries ‘And you - Pink Pearl!’ exclaims Aurora, before asking the enormous woman to let her go, as she is hurting her. ‘You got that right, you naughty little girl!’ Pearl replies, reminding Aurora that she and her accursed twin brother hurt her lots and lots last time they met and they cost her a pretty penny when they poked their noses into her affairs. Heather suggests to Pink Pearl that she wait a moment so they can talk this out. ‘Say, over dinner? Your treat, of course’ remarks Lil.
Pearl rips part of her dress, revealing the scar that Aurora gave her last time they met. ‘I believe, Madame, you have me confused with someone else!’ exclaims Jeanne-Marie, managing to shift her body so she can kick Pearl in the neck. ‘I assume this ends this?’ she asks, until Pearl cries ‘You assume wrong!’ and throws her across the club. ‘They’re crazy!’ ‘Let me out of here!’ ‘Men or no men - I’m leaving!’ the patrons begin to say as they make their exit from the club. Pearl turns to Heather and Lil, assuming them to be Guardian and Diamond Lil - ‘The tramps teammates in Alpha Flight! Would you like a piece of Pearl as well?’ she asks as she lunges towards them. ‘Well, not if we don’t have to, no’ replies Heather. ‘Though there is certainly enough to go around, and around, and around’ remarks Lil.
Suddenly the waiters and strippers begin calling for Pearl’s help, ‘The dame fights like a wolverine!’ Jeanne-Marie thanks the waiter for that comment. Lil then apologizes to Pearl for the damage. ‘What damage?’ asks Pearl, only to be punched across the other side of the bar and out the front window onto the pavement by Lil’s super strength.
Meanwhile, uptown, an old man is singing to himself while counting his money by candlelight. “I wish me a merry Christmas, I wish me a merry Christmas, I wish me a merry Christmas and -” Suddenly, the large double window behind him swings open and standing before him are Sasquatch, Puck and Windshear. ‘Are you Mr. Tungsten? Misery landlord, evictor of small children and all around unsavory fellow?’ asks Windshear. Wide-eyed, Tungsten replies ‘Yes, that would be me - who are you?’
‘We’re the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future’ replies Sasquatch. ‘Inclusive’ adds Colin. Judd tells Tungsten that he must know the drill, so they should cut to the chase. Sasquatch explains that there is a house they are interested in buying on behalf of a friend.
At that “friend’s” house, Jeffries and Weapon Omega are watching him solemnly enter his home. Kyle asks if there is nothing they can do for him, to which Jeffries replies that there isn’t with every top store in Canada closed at this hour. Suddenly, Northstar arrives carrying a heap of scrap metal and saying ‘Not every, mon ami, there’s always “Mutants R Us”’. Jeffries asks Jean-Paul what he is talking about, and why it is that he used his super speed to gather every piece of metal in a five mile radius. ‘Fifteen miles, Santa’ jokes Northstar.
Madison smiles, ‘Oh, I getcha’ he exclaims, and uses his mutant abilities to transmutate the heap of metal in a mountain of toys - sleds, swing sets, toy soldiers, doll houses and a Christmas tree suddenly appear in place of the scrap metal. Weapon Omega gathers the gifts into a sack and points out that it is fitting, what with him being the team’s resident covert operative, to play Santa’s little helper and deliver the toys. ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Beaubier’ ‘Merry Christmas, Monsieur Jeffries’, Madison and Jean-Paul say to each other, smiling.
Five minutes and one hundred miles later, Northstar flies into his bedroom, thinking that there is nothing like a warm bed after a night of male bonding. Suddenly, the phone rings, surprising Jean-Paul because it is three o’clock in the morning. The call goes to the answer phone, so Jean-Paul listens as he gets undressed. ‘Hello, Jean-Paul, this is Jeanne-Marie. Mrs. Hudson, Ms. Crawley and I have been arrested as the result of a bar fight. How was I to know that Pink Pearl became a legitimate business woman after her acquittal? Now you are not to breathe a word of this to anyone…but we need you to bring us bail money at Precinct thirt -” the message space runs out of room and the phone call ends. Northstar smiles as he climbs into bed, ‘That Aurora…always joking around’ he whispers.


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[Assistant]
The Walking Wounded
An old video recording is playing, on screen it shows Captain America, the Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch of the Invaders, along with another man, running from an explosion. Though never an official member of the globe-spanning INVADERS, Canada’s own super hero joined Captain America, the Human Torch and the Atlantean Sub-Mariner on many axis-stomping adventures throughout World War II. The Nazi’s referred to him as “The Great White North”, and the global press dubbed him “The Toronto Terminator”. But to his Canadian countrymen, he’ll forever be remembered as MAJOR MAPLELEAF!
The old, but in shape and seemingly healthy man sits back in his chair amongst the messy and unkempt apartment. Nearly fifty years later, the origin of our country’s first super hero is still a mystery. The most popular theory involves a genetic experiment which - the man fast-forwards the recording - death of his faithful sidekick, the beloved - fast-forwards some more - rarely seen during the fifties, Major Mapleleaf went underground in his crime-fighting endeavours. This rare footage shows him battling a villain who would later confront the Fantastic -.
The next image to come on screen shows Major Mapleleaf at his last public appearance in 1963, when he revealed his secret identity at a press conference announcing his retirement. “So I can devote my time and energy to a truly superhuman task…the raising of my son, Michael Sadler”. The old man pauses the video on a picture of baby Michael Sadler, walks over to the television and kneels beside it, sobbing.
At that moment, in downtown Toronto, Heather “Guardian” McNeil Hudson, Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier and Doctor Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski are currently battling a villain from the U.S. - Mr. Hyde. Sasquatch tells Hyde that he obviously thinks like every other super villain from the States, that they can just hop across the Canadian border an have an entire country ripe for pillaging. ‘You’ve yet to disprove that theory’ Hyde replies. ‘If I might interject…’ begins the handsome Jean-Paul, until Heather who is Alpha Flight’s esteemed leader tells the men to be careful, for even without his fellow Masters of Evil, Hyde is still a deadly adversary.
‘I am frightened,’ Jean-Paul remarks sarcastically, as he grabs Hyde. Hyde sneers and declares that Northstar gives himself too much credit, telling him that he is too stupid and arrogant to be frightened. Before Jean-Paul can fight back, Hyde whacks him down into an alley.
Sliding across the ground, Jean-Paul thinks to himself that he is obviously not the first super-fast mutant Hyde has battled, and scolds himself for his over-confidence. He thinks that his ears will be ringing for weeks, when suddenly indeed he does hear a noise, and racing through the alley searching in all the trash cans and other rubbish he discovers the source of the noise - just what he thought it was - a baby girl.
He picks the malnourished child out of the trash can and holding her tight in his arms he speeds past his confused teammates, declaring that she is alive. Hyde tells Sasquatch that it seems his teammate is a coward, to which Sasquatch picks Hyde up and shoves him straight down into the concrete, telling him that the one thing he cannot abide by is name-calling. With Hyde trapped, Guardian asks Sasquatch why he couldn’t have done that five minutes ago. ‘Nag. Nag. Nag,’ mutters Walt, telling Heather that he wants to know where Jean-Paul went in such a hurry.
Three weeks later at Toronto General Hospital, Heather, Jean-Paul and Walter along with their teammates are gathered in a corridor, ready for a team mission. Heather reads the roster, in addition to the three of them, also Aurora, Weapon Omega, Colin “Windshear” Hume and Eugene “Puck” Judd are in attendance. Guardian asks if anyone would like to begin, to which Judd declares he wants to go on record as saying that he loves orphaned infants as much as the next guy, ‘How noble’ Aurora remarks sarcastically, before Judd asks if it is necessary to hold their debriefings in the hospital.
‘Only is you require my presence,’ exclaims Jean-Paul, reminding everyone that he refuses to leave this facility until the doctors discern the cause of the child’s fever. Suddenly a door swings open and Dr. Cahill enters, informing Northstar that they have now done that, and asks to speak to Jean-Paul alone. Northstar tells Cahill that whatever he has to say can be said in front of his colleagues. The doctor exclaims that there is no easy way to say this, and informs Jean-Paul that as the child’s temporary guardian he will have to make immediate decisions.
The doctor announces that it is his belief the child’s mother was H.I.V. positive, and that the child was infected in the womb. The doctor explains that transmission from mother to child doesn’t always occur, but…his voice trails off. Northstar asks the doctor what it is he is saying, and an indescribable look falls upon him when the doctor replies ‘I’m saying the child has AIDS’. Alpha Flight all look at Northstar, then in a moment, he is gone. Alpha Flight find their teammate in the neo-natal intensive care room, his hand pressed up to the baby’s life support tank.
Another three weeks later, back in the fashionable section of Rosedale, the old-but-handsome man sits in his shorts, his apartment still a mess he once again watches some television, not a recording this time, but live news. “There’s still no progress on the condition of the child named Joanne Beaubier, the “unofficial youngest member of Alpha Flight”.” The newsreader also announces that services were held today for the homeless woman who authorities believed was the little girl’s mother. An image appears of Guardian speaking at the memorial in which she petitioned the public schools to increase AIDS awareness and prevention classes.
An image of Northstar appears on screen, and the newsreader announces that as he is Joanne’s adoptive father, Montreal’s most eligible bachelor will have no shortage of baby-sitters - for all of Canada has embraced the plight of the AIDS-stricken infant. The old man’s eyes narrow, and he throws the remote control at the television, shattering the screen.
Back in the intensive care ward at Toronto General, Judd tells Northstar that he is not doing Joanne any good by exhausting himself, to which Jean-Paul admits Judd is right, however he smiles and explains that knowing her condition worsens each day, every moment he spends with her is precious. Judd leads Northstar out of the ward, suggesting they go to get something to eat, and they leave a stuffed Sasquatch doll from her “Uncle Walter” standing guard until they get back.
Walking through the hospital corridors, Puck reminds Northstar that he has been around for a lot of years and seen a lot of horrible things, but this disease, ‘A plague for our times, indeed’ Northstar remarks, adding that how the little body fights on is a miracle.’ Speaking of bodies, Judd is about to comment on how Jean-Paul looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks, when suddenly there is a large boom.
Northstar races back to Joanne’s room, where the old man, dressed in his Major Mapleleaf costume has burst inside and points at the baby, asking if this is her, the little girl who has become the darling of the media. ‘And who are you? Besides someone who is going to regret disturbing my daughter’s slumber?’ asks Northstar. Mapleleaf tells Northstar that he cannot threaten him, for he has already lost everything he holds dear. Judd enters the room, asking Northstar what is going on, when he sees Major Mapleleaf. ‘Louis?’ he asks. Jean-Paul asks Judd if he knows this man, but looming over the life support tank, Mapleleaf declares that the man Judd knew is but a memory. ‘Much like your “daughter” will be!’
Before Mapleleaf can even lower his fists to kill the child, Northstar uses his super speed to knock him back through the entrance he created and flies him across the skies of Toronto. ‘Are you mad old man? What could that innocent child have done to you?’ Northstar asks. Mapleleaf struggles mid-air, exclaiming that this has nothing to do with her, but it is about Northstar and the others who fall and fawn over her. Jean-Paul thinks it is incredible as Mapleleaf turns mid-air, just as they are about to crash into the side of a skyscraper, forcing Northstar to take the brunt of the crash.
On a ledge, Northstar tries to gather himself, as Mapleleaf reveals that his son, Michael, was a victim of AIDS as well. ‘But he was gay - so people didn’t afford him the luxury of being “innocent”’. He declares that there were no press conferences, no fund-raises and no nightly news updates - he was just one of a thousand who died of AIDS last year. ‘His whole life reduced to a statistic!’ Mapleleaf punches Northstar, claiming that he did everything he could, but that in the end, all he could do was watch him die.
Northstar is pushes off the ledge and lands on another rooftop as Mapleleaf follows him down, ‘And now you come along with your cute and sweet and loveable photogenic little orphaned girl. “She’s too young to have done anything to bring the disease upon herself” people think. My son wasn’t guilty of anything - but because he was gay, he didn’t rate!’ The two men crash into a super market and land amongst the frozen food freezers.
Regaining his composure, Jean-Paul tells Mapleleaf not to presume to lecture him on the hardships that homosexuals must bear. ‘No one knows better than I’, and punching Mapleleaf backwards, Jean-Paul declares that he is not inclined to discuss his sexuality with people for whom it is none of their business, ‘I am gay!’ he reveals, before using his super speed to repeatedly smash Mapleleaf backwards, adding ‘Be that as it may, AIDS is not a disease restricted to homosexuals, as much as it seems, at times the rest of the world wishes that were so!’
The men crash out of the super market and land against a truck, Mapleleaf calls Northstar selfish and tells him that as a member of Alpha Flight, he is one of Canada’s most prominent public figures, both here and abroad, and reminding him that before Alpha Flight he was a renowned Olympic athlete. Mapleleaf has his hands around Northstar’s throat and asks him if he doesn’t realize the good he can do, and that by not talking about his lifestyle and closeting himself, he is as responsible for Michael’s death as the homophobic politicians who refuse to address the AIDS crisis.
‘HOW DARE YOU?’ shouts Northstar, breaking free from Mapleleaf’s grasp, he begins to punch him over and over again, declaring that he is no more responsible for Michael’s death than Michael himself was. Jean-Paul then points out that they agree on one thing - that it is past time people started talking about AIDS - about victims - those who die - and those who are left behind. Mapleleaf doesn’t get off the ground after his beating, but Jean-Paul gets down and the two men embrace.
A new day at Alpha Flight’s fancy new Department H headquarters, an on a balcony overlooking Toronto, Heather stands and watches the orange-colored sky, noticing Weapon Omega approach her, she declares that it is ironic, for so many civilized countries spend billions in the name of defense, but the well runs dry when it comes to taking care of the sick and the dying. Kyle adds that it makes one wonder who it is they expect them to defend. ‘A nation of corpses, perhaps?’ suggests Heather. Kyle exclaims that for years as Wildchild, he tried to regain his humanity, but there are times when he wonders if it is worth it. If “humanity” is all it is cracked up to be.
Another day, rain pours down on the city of Toronto, while inside the hospital, Cahill informs Northstar, who is accompanied by Mapleleaf and Judd, that Joanne is dying and there is nothing more they can do. Northstar asks the nurse if he can hold his daughter, so the nurse hands Joanne to him. Jean-Paul holds her in his arms. ‘May he keep you in the hereafter…as much as I miss you here in life. Sleep well, Joanne’. Mapleleaf puts his hands on Northstar’s shoulders, telling him that if it means anything, they are together, Michael is watching over her. Jean-Paul replies that it means everything. Everything.
Another new day, the front page headline of the Daily Mail reads “Alpha Flight’s Northstar proclaims homosexuality”. “It has been said ‘Silence equals death.’ I no longer wish to be that part of the death that is the AIDS crisis” said Jean-Paul Beaubier, the former Olympic athlete better known as Northstar of Alpha Flight. A day after his adopted daughter Joanne died as a result of complications from AIDS, Beaubier held a press conference where he announced he is gay. “It is my fervent wish that the expression of my homosexuality will open the door to conversations…”


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World Tour 1992, part 1: Rage Against the Dying of the Light!
Happy Valentines Day, Poughkeepsie! The Sheriff is on his mobile phone, flanked by a large contingent of police outside of a cemetery. Everyone is staring at the bodies of two of their colleagues who are now dead, their bodies hanging through a fence. The sheriff shouts down his phone, declaring that they have already wasted twelve hours and two men too many by investigating this aberration on their own. He doesn’t care what it takes now - he wants Washington to lend their super-powered muscle, and now. ‘Let me fill out the short form, Mister…I want X-Factor!’
Guardian! Sasquatch! Northstar! Aurora! Weapon Omega! They are…X-Factor! Well, dressed in spare X-Factor costumes anyway. They are actually Alpha Flight, Canada’s premiere super heroes, come to Washington as part of their World Tour. Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian examines the costume she is in and supposes that it isn’t too embarrassing. Weapon Omega reminds his leader that airports lose luggage all the time, and that he is sure no on intentionally sabotaged the first leg of their World Tour.
Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier declares that it is beside the point, and exclaims that if they had flown their own jet instead of Department H’s diplomatic charter plane…his voice trails off, interrupted by that of his twin sister Aurora, who asks her brother why there is all this fuss and bother. ‘Leathers, zippers and straps. Yum. What more could one ask for in a costume?’ Doctor Walter Langkowski, in his furry alter-ego of Sasquatch announces that he misses his shape-shifting uniform that grows and shrinks as he does, but he will have to make do with this one, or run the risk of offending their host country by prancing about in the buff.
X-Factor’s pulchritudinous Polaris a.k.a. Lorna Dane smiles, and thinking of the handsome doctor naked she tells him that this is Washington D.C., so there isn’t much that is likely to offend them. ‘Lorna, please. At least a modicum of decorum!’ scolds X-Factor’s leader Alex “Havok” Summers, before turning to Alpha Flight and announcing that he will make formal introductions, motioning to the Mistress of Magnetism Polaris, he points out that most of them have met Wolfsbane, Rahne Sinclair waves back, ‘And then we have Strong Guy and the Multiple Man whose names say it all’. Guido Carosella whispers that he will show Aurora around, but Jamie Madrox replies ‘Over my dead bodies!’
Aurora goes up to Madrox and asks him to tell her why they really call him “The Multiple Man”. Jamie smiles and replies that it is a long story, to which Guido whispers ‘None of which is true’. Suddenly, X-Factor’s government liaison Doctor Valerie Cooper enters the room, Havok introduces the senior member of the National Security Council as Valerie informs the heroes that they have been forced to postpone tonight’s black tie dinner for visiting dignities because they are needed in Poughkeepsie - of all places.
At that moment in Poughkeepsie, in the graveyard, a man is dressed in a tuxedo, and held in place by several members of the living dead - a.k.a. zombies, he says to the mysterious woman wearing a wedding dress and hidden in the darkness ‘Please…whatever you are…this is madness!’ ‘What - seeing the bride before the wedding?’ comes the raspy-voiced reply, the mysterious woman admits that it is rather untraditional, and putting her hands to the man’s face she announces that she has found in recent weeks that these things never come off the way you plan them….
Inside X-Factor’s helicopter, Jean-Paul tells Havok that he meant no offence, and explains that he was asking how he reconciles his determination to have mutants treated equally with his role as a government lap dog. ‘Not a real big fan of tact, are you, Northstar?’ Alex mutters. Jean-Paul explains that one reason for this World Tour is to examine how other countries deal with their super-powered populace. ‘And how we, in turn, feel about our governments?’ asks Alex, before telling Northstar that it is like this: ‘If you want to enter a room, you can either bang your head against a brick wall, or try the front door’ and explains that the United States government invited them inside under the umbrella of X-Factor for whatever its reason. He concludes by adding that if they are going to alleviate the fears about mutants or super-powered people in general, they have got to be given the chance to do that from within.
Flying outside the helicopter are Guardian and Polaris. Lorna asks if Alpha Flight, unlike X-Factor isn’t really a government agency. Heather explains that they were originally agents of the government, but that budget cuts forced them to go solo, and while Alpha currently accepts financing and technical support in the form of Department H, Alpha Flight works in conjunction with the government, not for them. Lorna smiles and tells Heather that she has one last question before they touch down, and asks Heather why she wore her electromagnetic suit but not her uniform en route from Canada. Heather replies that Alpha Flight’s Chief Administrator, Windshear, convinced her that it would be rude to show up in costume since no one else was wearing one. ‘As to the suit…can you keep a secret?’ ‘Most of the time,’ Lorna replies. ‘I have an irrational fear of flying. In a plane’.
‘I ask for X-Factor and they send me the entire Mutant Tabernacle Choir!’ exclaims the Poughkeepsie Sheriff as X-Factor and Alpha Flight land at the cemetery. ‘Who’s in charge of this genetic stew?’ he bellows. ‘I am!’ Heather and Havok reply in unison. Alex looks at Heather crossly and grunts. Heather blushes and apologizes. As the sheriff spreads out a map, Alex asks what they can do to help. ‘That depends. Any of you particularly good at staving off the apocalypse?’ the sheriff mutters. ‘Pardon?’ asks Heather.
The sheriff explains that about three weeks ago some rather strange things started happening in the city, beginning with a series of break-ins, at florists, music supply stores, caterers and a dress shop - not your regular targets. The sheriff continues, claiming that it was a mystery, but nothing that the local police couldn’t handle. He continues, revealing that this morning, almost half of the city awoke to find the other half gone. Nearly three hundred men, women and children all vanished, and tracks of mud left on their front stoops indicate that they were dragged away in the middle of the night - dragged here, to this cemetery, kicking and screaming.
The sheriff exclaims that those actions constitute as kidnapping, which is why they are all here. He informs Alpha Flight and X-Factor that all his attempts to investigate this have been met with “opposition”, as there is somebody, or something, that doesn’t want them in there. ‘I’m too old to believe in ghosts. My guess is that it is a mutant’.
‘Which is why you called X-Factor’ Havok surmises, before asking his teammates and Alpha Flight for any theories. Madrox smiles and exclaims that his theory might sound a little crazy, but ‘Flowers, food, a band and three-hundred member congregation? It sounds to me like someone is throwing a majorly sick wedding’. Hands on their hips or folded across their chests, everyone in X-Factor and Alpha Flight look at Madrox with disapproval on their faces. Madrox looks forlorn and mumbles ‘Then again, maybe not. It’s probably just someone trying to take over the world!’ he remarks.
X-Factor, followed by Alpha Flight, make their way through the cemetery as Havok reminds Alpha Flight that they are only here to observe. ‘Fine’ replies Heather. ‘Fine’ repeats Havok. ‘Good’ Heather remarks. ‘Good’ agrees Alex. Weapon Omega and Wolfsbane are leading the way, and Kyle interrupts the leaders, claiming he doesn’t want to disrupt and open and honest exchange of leadership roles, but…Wolfsbane finishes the sentence off for him, revealing that they are both picking up a foul stench from “yonder ridge”.
The heroes see two figures standing on the ridge, so Havok asks them who they are, but there is no response. Aurora points out that since Alpha Flight are only here to observe, that no one will object if she facilitates the matter with a burst of light. ‘Much appreciated, Aurora’ Alex replies as everyone stares at the two figures, or rather, corpses, one with “Bride?” the other with “Groom?” tapped to their decayed bodies. ‘YES!’ shouts Madrox upon seeing that his theory was correct.
Havok tells Jamie to shut up, and points out that now they know what they are up against…his mutant power starts to glow, but Guardian calls him off, reminding him that these animated corpses are somebody else’s loved ones. ‘Told ya so! Told ya so!’ Jamie laughs, to which both Havok and Guardian tell him to shut up this time. Heather announces that she has had more than a little experience with returning from the dead, and upon examining the zombies informs everyone that they appear harmless enough, so she suggests they do not fight them and get escorted into the cemetery.
Alpha Flight and X-Factor follow the zombie-ushers into the cemetery, with Jamie muttering under his breath ‘Oh, sure, when it was my idea, I was an idiot. Ms. Visiting Dignitary stumbles on it and she’s hailed as a genius. But do I get any credit? Nooooo…’ ‘SHUT UP, MADROX!’ everyone yells in unison.
Arriving by a small tomb in the cemetery, Alpha Flight and X-Factor see the three hundred missing citizens of Poughkeepsie, all seated, a band playing by the tomb and plenty of food-filled tables nearby. ‘Look - it’s the Avengers!’ someone mutters. ‘No, it’s those mutants, it’s X-Factor’ someone else remarks. ‘Help us please!’ The apparent groom tells the heroes that they have to help everyone, while Sasquatch whispers ‘Uh, if anybody has any tension-breaking quips, now would be a good time to whip them out!’
‘Can I help you?’ demands the bride as she approaches the heroes, telling them that if they are with the band then they are too late, though they are welcome to keep the deposit, but she had to replace them as she wasn’t sure that they would show up. Havok informs her that they are not with the band, while Heather exclaims ‘You can’t be serious, this is -’ she is cut off by the groom, who addresses the bride as Amy and tells her that they are with him, they are his guests.
Amy smiles and tells her groom, Malcolm, that it is sweet, adding that she knew he would come around. Amy hugs Heather, apologizing for being rude, and exclaiming that she has been under a tremendous strain lately. ‘Really? No offense, lady…but how difficult is it being dead?’ Madrox asks. ‘You don’t know the half of it!’ Amy exclaims, informing the heroes that it started last December on the eve of her wedding to Malcolm, and so she begins her story.
Amy explains that the rehearsal went fine, and afterwards they served roast duck to the Bride and Groom to be. But Malcolm was too nervous to eat, and Amy ended up spending the rest of the night retching - she had contracted food poisoning, and two hours later was pronounced dead. But even though her body had stopped, it was as if her brain was still working. ‘All during the autopsy my thoughts screamed at them to stop. I was still screaming three days later when they buried me’. Amy continues, revealing that every day she was in the ground, her scarred body decaying, she got angrier. ‘You’d be mad too if you could feel your body rotting away a little bit every day!’
Amy declares that her fiancé and her friends - everyone had abandoned her. ‘I was alone. And I hated it’. But then the strangest thing happened, as if all the anger in her mind had forced her body to move, she scratched her way through the dirt until finally she was free - but she was still alone. Wandering the grave yard, she may have been above the ground, but she was still lonely, and instead of a honeymoon in Aruba, she was left at this graveyard in Poughkeepsie.
Amy explains that it was then that she started thinking - if her mind could control her dead body, maybe she could control other dead bodies. ‘I know it sounds disgusting, but when you’re dead and lonely and angry you’ll try anything’. So indeed, Amy forced the dead to rise. She tells everyone that she can only animate the dead, they cannot talk to her - they can’t love her. ‘There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be loved. Is there?’ she asks. Turning to Malcolm she answers her own question, ‘Of course not!’ and reveals that is why she rescheduled the wedding, and though it took a few weeks to prepare, she wanted everything to be perfect - this time.
Havok turns to Sasquatch and asks him if it is possible for a mutant’s power to kick in after death. Walter replies that in theory it is, before reminding everyone that most genetic alterations occur as a result of physiological changes like puberty, ‘But death is certainly the ultimate physiological change!’ ‘The poor woman, to be conscious during her own autopsy’ remarks Jean-Paul, to which Lorna points out there is little wonder that her mind has snapped.
Amy suddenly asks everyone to be seated so that they can begin, but everyone in Alpha Flight and X-Factor just stands their ground. ‘I said…if everyone will sit down…WE CAN START!’ she screams, before shouting ‘You live people MAKE ME SICK! Staring at me with you eyes full of life and pity…as if breathing makes you better than me! As if I’m somehow less of a person because I’m dead. Using her powers to raise the dead, Amy tells the heroes that their attitude might change after they join her in her current state.
Zombies begin to rise and Havok asks Heather if she remembers everything he said earlier about only “observing”. Heather replies that she does, and Alex tells her to disregard it. Overwhelmed by the zombies, Aurora exclaims that they are pulling her under. Weapon Omega points out that they have the numbers to do it, to which Jean-Paul remarks ‘Coupled with out natural aversion to wrestling with corpses’. Battling his way through the zombies, Strong Guy exclaims that they had better find a way to un-animate these “people”, and suggests that if they knock out Amy then the bridal party will follow suit.
Sasquatch explains that it could be next to impossible to render a corpse unconscious, because Amy’s power is obviously fuelled by her rage, and unfortunately they do not have the time to calm her down. Aurora that they might not have the time, but there is someone who does, and she calls out to Madrox. ‘Little busy just now. I’ll be right with you, Aurora’ Jamie replies. ‘The name is Jeanne-Marie, young man!’ Jeanne-Marie exclaims, informing Madrox that she requires immediate assistance in regards to reaching the “altar”.
Jamie asks Jeanne-Marie if anyone has ever told her she sounds like his Sunday School teacher Sister Mary Agnes. Jeanne-Marie thanks him for that comment as Madrox frees himself and approaches Jeanne-Marie, while telling Northstar that he needs him to belt him as many times as he can - at super speed. Jean-Paul turns his fists from the zombies to Madrox, admitting that he does not understand the reason for this, he will nonetheless comply. ‘You’re all heart’ Madrox tells Jean-Paul as he is repeatedly punched in the face, when suddenly, Jamie’s plan works.
As he and Jeanne-Marie are thrust towards the altar by dozens of Madrox dupes, Jamie mutters that his jaw should only hurt for about a month, before explaining that by using Northstar’s multiple punches, he was able to proliferate faster than the corpses could pull him under. Jeanne-Marie declares that team work has brought them valuable seconds, and adds that they should pray it is enough. Calling to Malcolm, who is also held in place by zombies, Jeanne-Marie is attacked by more zombies as she asks him if he was once prepared to marry Amy.
Malcolm replies that he was, but… his voice trails off as Jeanne-Marie tells him that there are no “buts” in the marriage vows, that love is not something that is interred with the body, for love - the kind which exists between man and wife - is eternal. Shocked, Malcolm asks Jeanne-Marie if she is saying he should go through with this. ‘I am saying you should do whatever your heart tells you to do’ Jeanne-Marie replies.
Standing on a gravestone, Amy watches the heroes face off against the living dead and tells them that soon they will all know what it is like to die - the cold, the stench, the loneliness. Suddenly, Malcolm puts a hand on Amy’s shoulder and tells her to let them go. ‘We don’t have time for this’ he tells her as he places his lips on hers, informing her that they have a date with the preacher. The zombies stop fighting Alpha Flight and X-Factor, and everyone turns and watches Amy and Malcolm walking down the altar.
Amy asks Malcolm if he is serious, to which he replies he is as serious as the day he proposed. Havok points out that the corpses are dropping, ‘It is as Walter theorized’ Jean-Paul adds. Jeanne-Marie announces that with Amy’s rage defused, her mutant power is similarly dissipating. Everyone gathers around the altar as Malcolm and Amy stand in front of the zombie-priest. ‘I, Malcolm Codsworth, take Amy Brewer…to be my wife. To love, honor and cherish - all the days of my life’. ‘And I, Amy Brewer, take Malcolm Codsworth…’ suddenly her voice begins to give way, and her body rapidly decays. ‘…to be my husband. To have and to hold…from this day forward, until…until…’. Amy’s body falls to the ground. ‘Until death to us part’ whispers Malcolm, holding his wife’s body in his arms.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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World Tour 1992, part 3: By Right of Memory (First story)<br>Distant Thunder (Second story)
(First Story)
The Red Square in Moscow of the newly independent Republic of Russia, where Canada’s premiere super heroes, Alpha Flight, takes a well deserved break from their ongoing World Tour. Eugene Milton Judd a.k.a. Puck points up to the Kremlin and explains to his teammates that it has been the center of spiritual and temporal power for hundreds of years and all of the country’s most important historical figures are buried inside the walls. In his Sasquatch form Doctor Walter Langkowski jokes to his former lover Aurora that it is a little different from the last graveyard they were in, adding that they should hope they do not have to fight the reanimated corpse of Josef Stalin.
‘Ah, Cher Walter. You should know that it is only living Russian men who concern me. Big. Strong. Living Russian men!’ Aurora replies. Judd tells everyone to enjoy it here while they can, as there is big trouble brewing back in the States, which is why he was sent with faster transportation to pick them all up. Aurora reminds Puck that the Canadian government insists that they attend the official meetings tomorrow, but today everyone should enjoy the local scenery like she and Sasquatch intend to.
Alpha Flight’s leader Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Guardian tells Aurora that Puck was enjoying the scenery until she got him all riled up, before remarking that she never thought she would be walking through the heart of Moscow as easily as downtown Toronto. Taking a photograph of Judd standing next to a monument, Heather exclaims that she plans to make the most of it. Aurora’s brother the handsome Jean-Paul “Northstar” Beaubier motions towards a group of soldiers and points out that he would feel more comfortable if the “local scenery” didn’t include so many soldiers, asking if this sort of presence is supposed to be passé these days.
Suddenly the soldiers Northstar was talking about all ditch their hats and jackets, revealing ninja outfits underneath, they suddenly attack Alpha Flight. Heather tells her team to get into a standard defensive formation and to follow Puck and Weapon Omega’s lead. Sasquatch adds that Northstar might be on to something, as Jean-Paul declares that he thought they looked suspicious. Judd tells everyone to stay low, to watch each other’s backs and to cut down the angle and give the ninjas less to aim at.
Aurora picks two of the ninjas up and asks who they are and why they have suddenly attacked. Weapon Omega uses his superior agility to kick two ninjas, telling Aurora that whoever they are they know how to fight. He remarks that he has been trained by the best and is barely holding his own. Heather blasts two ninjas with her electromagnetic powers, ordering Alpha Flight to use maximum force, as these ninjas are not playing around.
Sasquatch asks if it occurred to anyone that the Russian authorities might have sent these guys as he tosses two men aside, while Northstar speeds past his opponents knocking them over and asking if Alpha Flight have Maple-leaves or bulls’ eyes on their uniforms. Judd tells everyone to cut the chatter and to concentrate on their opponents attack - concentrate on staying alive.
Suddenly, Weapon Omega yells ‘Incoming fire! Everybody down! As three armed people comes up behind them and start firing at the ninjas. When the smoke clears, Weapon Omega asks Heather who these guys are, if they are reinforcements perhaps. ‘Come with me if you want to live’ is all one of the newcomers says.
‘He’s kidding right?’ asks Sasquatch as Jean-Paul tells Heather they should forget this, as he is sick of being attacked for no reason, suggesting that they go to the States where they are actually needed. Heather tells Walt and Jean-Paul to be quiet, replying that she doesn’t know who he is, she hopes that he has got some answers, which is what she wants. Heather tells the newcomers that they can lead and her team will follow. ‘Good’ the man replies.
Soon, Alpha Flight follow the strangers through the streets of Moscow, despite Jean-Paul saying again that he doesn’t like this as they could be walking straight into a trap. Sasquatch asks him if he would rather still be playing with the pyjama boys back there. One of the Russians turns around and tells Alpha Flight to stay close and quiet. Arriving at their destination, the leader tells his colleagues Tretiak and Polyani to secure the perimeter while the others escort their “guests” inside.
Suddenly, Judd rushes towards the leader, declaring that this has gone far enough, he wants some answers and he wants them now. Heather asks Puck what the matter is, as it is just an office building. Judd reveals that it is not just an office building - it is the headquarters of the KGB! The leader asks Alpha Flight to proceed inside, but Judd tells him to save it, as they have been led around long enough. He turns to Heather and declares that this set-up stinks, suggesting they take out of here right now. But Heather tells him no, as she is here seeking answers and is not leaving until she gets them.
Led into an office, the troop leader motions towards a man in a suit and assures Heather that he can answer all of her questions. Judd suddenly realizes that he knows the man in the suit - Mickey Romanov. Romanov and Judd shake hands as Jean-Paul mutters ‘Great, another one of Puck’s “old friends”’. ‘Shut-up, Jean-Paul’ Judd whispers back, before asking Romanov what the deal is, adding that he thinks the ninjas back in the Red Square had Madripoor written all over them.
Romanov tells Alpha Flight that they all deserve an explanation and reveals that he fears they were attacked because those men had learned the real reason it was insisted Alpha Flight come to Russia, adding that they are called the Hand. Heather asks Romanov if he is sure, to which he asks her if she knows of the hand. Heather explains that a close friend of hers has had several dealings with them. ‘Yes…I should have realized’. Romanov replies.
Weapon Omega reminds Romanov that he just mentioned a “true reason” that Alpha Flight were brought to Russia. Romanov explains that a “situation” has arisen in Eastern Russia that requires super powered operatives as the Hand has seized a secret biological warfare complex known as the “Omega Red Facility“ which produced one of the deadliest weapons known to man.
Heather asks why he wanted Alpha Flight, why not use Russia’s own operatives or a United Nations sanctioned team like the Avengers. Romanov claims that most of the People’s Protectorate are engaged in another critical mission, while the rest returned to their home republics when the Soviet broke up. He adds that the Avengers are too high profile and their presence would draw international attention, so much so that if the other Republics learned that Russia was harboring such a deadly weapon, this new Commonwealth would be dead before it has even been born.
Romanov points out that Alpha Flight is neutral and are military trained, not to mention Heather is familiar with this type of complex. He explains that they were brought here under false pretences and though he knows they have no reason to help him, he still must ask for that help, for the menace that threatens Russia today, will tomorrow threaten the world.
Heather turns to her teammates and asks them for their opinions, pointing out that they do not have a lot of time to discuss the matter. Jean-Paul declares that this is not their fight, and suggests again that they go to the States where they are really needed. But his sister disagrees, thinking that her vacation is ruined by the Hand, so they now must pay. Sasquatch points out that it is more serious than that, as the Russians have a history of exploiting their neighbors, so what is to say that they will not try and keep this weapon for themselves?
Heather adjusts her visor and exclaims that the bottom line is that there are lives at stake - Russian, Canadian - it doesn’t matter. She turns to Romanov and tells him that they will help him. With his back to everyone, Romanov smiles and lights a cigarette, thanking Heather and informing her that Colonel Pushkin and his men will accompany them, and Alexei will brief them on the plane.
Outside, Sasquatch sings ‘Here I come to save the day’ as he enters a truck, while one of the Russian soldiers whispers to his colleague ‘I don’t want to sit next to him, you sit next to him!’ Inside the truck, Heather sits between the silent Jean-Paul and equally quiet Judd. Heather asks Judd if he doesn’t want to go either, but Judd replies ‘you’re the leader, Heather, where you go, I’ll follow’. Heather knows there is a “but” coming, to which Eugene points out that this time they are up against the Hand, who are like nothing Alpha Flight have faced before, and he doesn’t think that they are ready for them. ‘There will be trouble and their will be blood’ he prophesies.
The Russian soldiers exit the truck as it parks outside the perimeter of a small runway. The guards protecting the plane and bunker are soon knocked out and the Russians direct Alpha Flight to the plane, one of them joking that it was his job to file for official clearance, but he really hates paperwork.
Inside the plane, Alpha Flight listen as they are briefed on the mission that awaits them. Alexei reveals that the complex in question is called Novo Rodsk Sibirsk and it was the site of the original research that led to the development of the deadly mutant known as Omega Red. ‘I believe your friend Logan has had some dealings with him’ he adds.
Alexei continues, explaining that although the project was completed at a far more advanced facility, this complex is still incredibly dangerous, and remarking that Romanov likes to compare the differences in the facilities to the differences between the Manhattan Project and a cruise missile facility. One is much more primitive, but it is still capable of destruction on a massive scale. He adds that when the complex was reactivated, the alerts in Moscow center lit up like a Christmas tree.
At this moment in the nearby complex, an alert goes off, for the approaching plane containing Alpha Flight has been detected.
Alexei informs Alpha Flight that their team was the only available group that satisfied all the mission parameters. As he announces that the briefing is over, he remarks that they go to face another terror in the East, revealing that as a child of Stalin’s labor camps, he thought he would never see a greater evil - but then came Magneto and the Presence and the Atomic fires of Chernobyl scarring this once proud land. Heather listens intently as Alexei remarks that with a new day dawning for Russia, he hopes there will be peace for his children, a life free from terror - green fields to play in, that is all.
In the cock pit, Walter remarks that he really misses the Canada-Russia hockey games. The pilot replies that there will still be games, to which Walt remarks that it was a lot more fun beating Russia when they were a communist evil empire. The pilot laughs, before announcing to everyone that they have five minutes until the target area.
Suddenly, the plane is struck, and everyone topples from their seats. The complex has begun firing at Alpha Flight and the Russians after detecting them sometime earlier. The pilot declares that they have lost the starboard the engine, that the madmen must have some sort of advance detection system that they didn’t know about. Alexei orders Turgenev to prepare the rest of the squad, adding that this is an “Irk tusk Scenario”, before telling Guardian to prepare her team to jump. Heather replies by asking Alexei if he is crazy, as they will be cut to pieces before they hit the ground. Alexei informs Heather that is why she has to be a very effective distraction.
Moments later, as the plane goes up in flames, Alpha Flight and the Russians have jumped from it, with most people wearing parachutes to aid their fall. Guardian uses her electromagnetic powers to disable the missile launches, while the Russians to the same using rather large guns. ‘Look alive, people!’ Judd exclaims as he lands on the ground, alerting everyone to the horde of Hand ninjas waiting for them.
One of the Russians, Ulanov, lands on the ground, but in such a position that he breaks his leg. Unable to move, two ninjas come up behind him and thrust their swords into him. Alexei calls out to Ulanov, but it is far too late. Alexei responds to the ninjas by shooting them both in the back and telling his comrades and Alpha Flight to have no mercy on the Hand, as they are not going to show them any favors.
Alexei declares that their objective is the self-destruct mechanism at the heart of this complex, adding that he has the arming codes, so he and Guardian will be the ones who try to penetrate the base. Heather explains to everyone that she and Alexei stand the best chance of success, so everyone else is needed to keep the Hand occupied. ‘Ready, on my mark…Go!’ she exclaims, signaling Alpha Flight and the Russians to rush towards the Hand.
Aurora lights up the night-time sky with a brilliant burst of blinding light, ‘Chew on this, vacation wreckers!’ she exclaims. Northstar meanwhile knocks out the facility’s sentries, and informs Heather that they are all incapacitated, so she has an all-clear. Guardian picks up Alexei, telling him that they have a job to do. As Heather flies past him, Jean-Paul realizes that he has been cut, and he is surprised at how one of them managed to cut him at his super speed, before he falls to the ground having lost consciousness.
Safely in the complex, Heather asks Alexei where they are, to which he reveals they are in a secondary access tunnel, and points her in the direction of the lasers, only to come across a hall filled with laser beams. Heather suggests that they better hustle, for it won’t be long before the lasers detect their range. They turn to go another way, but before Heather takes another step, Alexei tosses a small device in front of her, which reveals a pit of spikes in place of the floor. Heather realizes that it is a hologram, and Alexei tells her that from here on in, things get ugly.
Back outside, a ninja shoves his sword through Sasquatch’s shoulder, but Sasquatch is rescued by one of the Russians, who shoots the ninja down. ‘Another one bites the dust’ he remarks, when suddenly he too is stabbed in the back.
Continuing through the complex, Heather and Alexei nearly walk into some flames being spurted from the walls. Using her electromagnetic abilities, Heather disables the devices from the source, to which Alexei complements her. He is about to say something else when on of the Hand come up behind him with a sickle, ready to shove it into Alexei’s back, but Heather tells him to look out, and she blasts the ninja. Frightened that she may have just killed someone, Heather’s voice trail’s off when she asks how he is. Alexei checks the ninja, confirming that he is alive, he points out that his kind do not die easily.
Back outside, Weapon Omega asks Judd, as the two fight a group of the ninjas, how many they have lost now. Judd replies that they have lost four and he has no sign of Northstar, before coming to Omega’s aid by stopping one of the ninja’s slicing him with their sword. Omega thanks Puck for the save, as Puck mutters for Heather to hurry.
‘Down!’ Heather shouts to Alexei as another group of the Hand ninja’s descend upon them, before she lets loose a mighty blast of electromagnetic energy, while Alexei does his best shooting them with his large gun. With the ninjas down for the count, Alexei opens the control panel into another room, and urges Heather onwards.
Outside, Aurora finds herself surrounded by the Hand, however she is too tired to fight on any longer and thinks she is going to die. Suddenly, Jeanne-Marie is in control, and she wonders what her irresponsible other-self has gotten her into. Bubbles of light begin to emanate from Jeanne-Marie as she angrily thinks that Aurora can go and get herself killed, but she is not taking her along for the “ride”. Suddenly, there is an enormous orange-yellow light that fills the sky, and an sort of “light-explosion” caused by Jeanne-Marie, who finds herself sitting in a crater with the ninjas scattered all around her. ‘Sacre!’ she exclaims as Northstar runs by, she asks him what is going on. Jean-Paul is surprised to see Jeanne-Marie, and tells her that he will explain later, for right now they need to rejoin Alpha Flight - it is time to make their final stand.
‘Wow. It’s huge!’ exclaims Heather as she sets her eyes upon the weapon before her and Alexei. Alexei explains that he has broken through the core destruct program, to which Heather tells him that he better hurry, as she doesn’t think they will be alone for much longer. Alexei replies that he is entering the final sequence now, when suddenly the glass before them shatters as an arrow if fired through it, striking Alexei directly in the chest.
Heather rushes to Alexei as the ninja stands over them, ready to draw his sword. Heather tells him to stay back. ‘Don’t do this. Don’t make me kill you!’ The ninja stares back at Guardian from under his cowl, but within seconds, Heather blasts him back through the broken glass with a plasma burst. Heather turns to Alexei, who gives her the final sequence, urging her to punch it in quickly. ‘Tell my children, I…I…’ his voice trails off as he passes away. ‘Goodbye, Alexei’ Heather whispers.
Back outside, Alpha Flight and the remaining Russians continue to fight on against the few ninjas that are left. Suddenly, Heather bursts through the roof of the complex, and flying towards her teammates, she tells them to move it, as the complex is going to blow any second. Everyone follows Heather’s lead and make their way away from the complex, just in time, as it explodes behind them.
Everyone watches as the orange-red sky fades to purple-blue, as one of the Russians remarks that there are so many dead, but Russia will never know what they did here today, for he cannot even bury their bodies. ‘No green fields to play in’ Heather whispers. Judd asks Guardian what she said, but she doesn’t reply, instead she tells Alpha that it is time to go home.
(Second Story)
Hate and fury gather dark and seething on the horizon. Static flickers, spitting a fiery liturgy to bloody vengeance. Distant thunder rolls closer, beating to a pulse of racing hearts. There is a storm coming….
This is Liveworld, and its unwelcome “guests”  know only too well that what its malevolent ruler created, she can as easily destroy. ‘The Dreamqueen! She’s found us! Move!’ shouts Witchfire as she leads the way across the unearthly landscape. Kara “Persuasion” Kilgrave, Laura Dean and Goblyn and their parents Darby and Susan Dean follow, running for their lives. Darby glances backwards and tells everyone to look, for the Dreamqueen’s face fills the sky, as she orders her Dream Demons to bring her the “Goblyn creature” so that she can complete it’s dissection, adding that the heads of the others will suffice.
Witchfire tells everyone that they are simply illusions created by the Dreamqueen, but she thinks to herself that it is no good, for this place has worn them all down, and realizes that she is not even sure her own mental defenses are a hundred percent - meaning, unless you are one hundred percent sure they are not real…Dream Demons can kill! And one of the ugly beasts flies straight towards Goblyn….
Meanwhile, at Department H - on Earth, Toronto, Canada specifically. Headquarters to Canada’s premiere super hero team Alpha Flight, contrary to their clear skies, there is a storm coming…. Guardian, Sasquatch, Northstar, Aurora, Puck and Weapon Omega are in the communications room, where they have received a call from Reed Richards a.k.a. Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four. Heather tells Reed that this had better be important, for cutting short Alpha Flight’s World Tour ruffled more than a few diplomatic collars.
Jean-Paul mutters that he for one would like to pin a medal on Richards, as he has never been so bored in his life. ‘For shame, Jean-Paul’ jokes Sasquatch. Alpha Flight are joined by former members Madison “Box” Jeffries and Lillian Crawley-Jeffries a.k.a. Diamond Lil. Coldly, Lil asks Jeffries if this is why he insisted they answer this summons, even though it meant cutting short their honeymoon. ‘Were you bored?’ Jeffries tries to say something in his defense, but Lil declares that he mustn’t have been bored, but twitchy, for when he is out of the Box armor for more than a few days, she thinks Madison is like a strung-out junkie.
Mr. Fantastic turns everyone’s attention back to the matter at hand, thanking Heather for assembling her team, and informing her that he has scheduled a meeting for six a.m. tomorrow morning, and that it is imperative Alpha Flight attend. ‘Trust me when I say…the fate of the whole universe hangs in the balance!’
Very early the next morning, Alpha Flight depart for the States, and via the communications system from their chopper, Heather tells Colin “Windshear” Hume that they will update him when they know more themselves. Colin replies that he understands and wishes his teammates luck. Doctor Whitman Knapp, formerly one of the members of a previous incarnation of Beta Flight known as “Manikin” approaches Colin, who asks him what he is doing up at this ungodly hour.
Whit replies that he couldn’t sleep with this business going on, not to mention Kara, as no one has seen her or the other Beta Flight members for weeks. He doesn’t know if this “fate of the universe” stuff has for him spooked, but he cannot help feeling that he is never going to see Kara who is his former girlfriend, ever again.
Suddenly, as if on cue, a portal opens just in front of Windshear and Manikin, and the missing Persuasion, Witchfire, Goblyn, Laura Dean and her parents rush towards sanctuary. Whit exclaims ‘Dream Demons!’ but Windshear declares that he doesn’t care what they are called, and using his mutant power to create solid air, he blasts the Dream Demons before they can get through the portal after the others.
Knapp urges Laura to close her portal, to which the weary young girl does. With the Demons gone, Windshear turns to those who just arrived and calls them amateurs, asking them what they think they were doing bringing an army into the heart of Department H. He is about to tell the kids what they shouldn’t be allowed to do, when Whit sticks up for his former teammates, ‘Hang on, Hume, that’s not fair! If you’d seen what -’ Witchfire doesn’t need anyone to stick up for her and she angrily asks Windshear how he dare question their abilities and their worth, especially as he is wrapped up in steel and sits behind a desk. Windshear tells Witchfire that they are all grounded. ‘Oh yeah?’ the fiery red-head snaps back.
Outside, in one of the many corridors, the angry thunder of voices boom loud in the mind of Elizabeth “Talisman” Twoyoungmen. Though her mystic senses have been dulled by a recent trauma, they are now awakened in a blinding, revealing flash. A skull appears in Elizabeth’s eyes. There is a storm coming…and death riding in its wake!