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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Shattered Design
New York, New York. A newspaper sits on a desk, the headline of the Daily Bugle reads “Congress Vetoes Contra Aid Bill”.
Steven’s Avenue Mall, Calgary, Canada. Heather McNeil Hudson spends most of her time in a costume, leading a team of super heroes called Alpha Flight. They fight menaces from other dimensions, distant stars or New York. But now they are illegal, the Canadian government doesn’t want them anymore, they are on their own. So “Vindicator” is taking a break before deciding their next move.
A man called Edward Barlow watches Heather’s approach, trying to hide his interest. Looking at her, Edward can forget the fears that follow him like hungry dogs, looking at her, he thinks his wife would kill him for this. As Heather and Edward cross paths, a bullet is fired from nearby, and both of them are knocked to the ground.
In New York, a man stubs out his cigar, asking if they have received conformation on the kill of their target. ‘Not yet, sir,’ comes the reply, to which the smoking man declares that it had better come soon.
Back in Canada, Heather sits up. ‘What happened?’ picking up her glasses, she feels blood on her temple, and turning to the man lying beside her, she sees a bullet hole through his head. Looking at the buildings around her, Heather realizes there must have been a sniper, and when a passer-by asks her if she is all right, Heather replies that she is fine, and rushes to a building with the aim of finding the sniper, when suddenly a police officer calls to her, ordering her to stop.
The police officer calls into his walkie-talkie, radioing for back up, as he has a female suspect fleeing the murder scene and heading into the Bay Department Store. Heather looks back at the officer, but decides that she cannot stop as she has no time for questions, as every second wasted helps the killer escape.
Heather shoves people aside as she runs towards a elevator, apologizing to them as she knocks them over. Several police enter the department store, and as the call ‘Freeze!’ a shopper suggests that everyone gets down. Heather doesn’t stop, and runs into a lift, pulling someone out of it as she goes. A policeman talks into his walkie-talkie, requesting more officers as she has entered an elevator.
Inside the life, Heather wishes her powers were in her instead of her Vindicator suit, and knows she only has a few seconds to change before they override the emergency stop button. The police officer orders his colleagues in various directions, trying to cut Heather off. When the elevator is cut off, Vindicator is able to fly up the elevator shaft anyway, and bursts onto the roof.
Flying fast, Heather sees the sniper, the killer, wrong building though. Heather flies across the rooftops, telling the sniper that his gun won’t help him and that he is going down. But suddenly, it is Heather who is going down, as she has a systems failure, she loses power and with her suit dead, she falls to the ground. The sniper laughs, while Heather attempts to use the reserve power base - but it is too late, she hits the ground. Sometime later, Heather wakes, surrounded by armed police.
In New York again, where the mysterious smoking man sits in his office, a painting of Vanessa Fisk against the wall, the smoking man’s assistant informs him that they now have confirmation of the targets death, before revealing that there has also been some interference from a local super hero. The smoking man declares that he wants full details.
In the backseat of a police car, Heather realizes it was microwave transmitters that cut her power off, as a phone company had a transmitter on the roof and the energies interfered with her suit, shorting out the electromagnetic field that allows her to fly. One of the police turns to Heather, ‘looks like the little angle lost her wings’ he says. The driver tells his colleague that he doesn’t think she is an angel as she is wearing red. The first officer smiles and remarks that now Alpha Flight is illegal, the press is going to love hearing that Vindicator has killed a civilian.
Endless hours later, Heather sits in an interrogation room, telling her interrogators again that she was shopping. ‘In that outfit?’ one of the interrogators asks. ‘Of course not!’ replies the frustrated Heather, asking the men what is the matter with people like them, asking why she would murder someone after spending so many years at the defense of her country? She exclaims that there was a sniper on the roof and he was trying to shoot her, but ended up killing that man instead.
One of the interrogators informs Heather that they are not with the police, but with the Canadian Internal Security, and that they know all about her, as they have read her files. The other replies that they do not believe she was the target in the assassination. They hold up a photograph, and asks Heather if she recognizes the man in it by any chance. Heather examines the photo, and exclaims that he looks familiar - before realizing he was the man who was shot by the sniper.
One of the Agents informs Heather that he was a United States Senator, and a very important man, before asking her if the name Edward Barlow rings any bells. Heather thinks hard, before admitting that she is not up on American politicians and asks if Barlow ran for President. The agents inform Heather that Barlow ran but didn’t make the primaries, but even so, he is very influential. The agent declares that in Washington, this is believed to be a political killing.
Heather is informed that Barlow was an opponent of the last President’s policies toward the country of Costa Brave, and Barlow was against aid to the countries there. Heather remembers now, and recalls that Barlow was the person who started the investigation into the contra scandal, and that the contras were trading drugs with American gangsters, adding that some people in the US military were involved.
Heather scowls when one of the agent calls her a “good girl” for reading the newspaper, before opening the door and telling her that she can go. The other agent tells Heather that they have kept her out of the press, so not to go making the mistake of getting involved in this. Heather puts her mask and goggles back on as she leaves the room, the agent telling her that this is their ball game and she should stay out of it.
Vindicator strides through the police station, someone whistles at her and everyone in the waiting area looks at her. Her suit is back to normal so she can fly back to her car. But Heather doesn’t believe this - she has never been so humiliated. As she leaves the precinct, a man reading a newspaper turns and follows her, putting his paper in a bin, with a “Wanted” poster of the sniper behind it.
Outside, Heather decides that she doesn’t care what the agents said, but she has to find the killer, she cannot have him walking the streets. The man who was reading the newspaper catches up to Heather and asks her if they can talk for a minute. Vindicator asks him who he is, and he introduces himself as Larry Warren, a friend of Senator Barlow’s. Larry reveals that he knows a lot of things about his murder, and that he cannot trust the police, he needs someone like her.
Heather asks Larry what he has to do with any of this, and Larry asks Heather if he can buy her a drink somewhere, as the police station is not a great place for this conversation. Heather agrees.
Later that day, Heather and Larry sit opposite each other and Larry orders a High Test. Heather asks for a Diet Coke, before Larry begins his story, informing Heather that he was a draft dodger during Vietnam and came to live here in 1969, and never moved back, even after the Carter Amnesty. Larry reveals that he and the Senator went to school together and were best friends, even dated the same girls.
Heather asks Larry if Barlow was in Canada to see him, and Larry confirms that he was, as he needed someone to confide in, as he felt that he was in danger. Larry declares that Barlow uncovered something big, something dangerous. He looks around to make sure that no one is listening, before leaning over the table and with a hushed voice, reveals that Barlow came across some information that links the US army general with an illegal operation to overthrow the government of Costa Brava. Larry reveals that this general has underworld connections and was planning to finance a coup with money supplied by some gangster.
Larry continues, explaining that the gangster’s money would eliminate any paper trails leading to the general, and in return, the new ruling junta would give the gangster exclusive crop rights to all the drug plantations. The general would use military cargo planes to ship the stuff back to the US everyone would make out. Larry stops talking when the waitress returns with their drinks, and Larry pays her, telling her to keep the change.
Heather realizes that the new senator knew to much and asks what made him feel he was in danger, if the wrong people learn he was a liability. Larry replies that he wanted to expose the whole thing but needed more evidence, and that he was afraid someone would get to him before he had enough facts together, as he felt he was being watched. Little do Heather and Larry know, but they are being watched also - two men in suits sitting in the booth behind them have with them a small recording device and are listening to and taping the conversation.
Larry explains that Barlow came to him and told him everything, as he wanted someone to know the facts in case something happened to him. Heather asks if Barlow wanted him to talk to a super hero instead of the authorities, and Larry supposes that Barlow trusts Heather’s people more than he trusts the authorities. Heather notices the time on her watch and realizes that it is 7.30 and she was supposed to be back in Ottawa now. She gets up from her seat and asks Larry if he minds her making a quick phone call. Larry replies that he doesn’t, and Heather leaves the table.
Heather makes her way towards a public phone, and the phone rings in the apartment of Madison “Box” Jeffries, Heather’s lover and teammate. Jeffries is watching some sport game on the television and shouts ‘They score!’ before answering the phone: ‘Madison’s nuclear pizza! Radioactive pasta’s our speciality!’ Heather greets Madison, explaining that she is ringing to apologize, as it doesn’t look like she will be coming over tonight as something has come over.
Madison replies that had figured that by now and asks Heather if everything is all right, telling her that she sounds rather serious. He asks her if her parents are okay, and Heather replies that they are fine, that she visited them before going shopping, and while she was out shopping someone almost killed her. Heather explains that she is now busy trying to find out who. Madison is shocked and asks Heather where she is, declaring that he will come right over.
Heather tells Madison that she is okay and that she wants to handle it on her own, that it is rather personal, adding that it is nothing she cannot handle. Jeffries tells Heather not to be afraid to call if things get rough, and he will come to her. Jeffries pauses before asking Heather when she thinks she will be over, admitting that that their relationship hasn’t been doing great over the last few weeks, and that they need to talk. Heather pauses before agreeing, and suggests that they try for tomorrow night. Madison smiles and replies that it sounds good adding that he has something to do tonight anyway. As his ex-girlfriend, Diamond Lil comes up beside him he tells Heather to give him a ring tomorrow.
Heather walks back to the booth in the diner and wonders what Jeffries meant when he said he had something else to do. Walking past two men in suits at the table near hers, she decides that there is something strange about them and wonders if they had been listening to she and Larry talk. Sitting down at the table, Heather informs Larry that something has come up at home, so she thinks she better get back. Larry tells Heather that it is okay as he thinks he has told her everything there is to tell, and asks her if she can give him a call later.
Heather agrees to and asks Larry to give her his number, so he writes it down on a napkin, before handing it to Heather and asking her if she needs a ride back. Heather thanks him but declines, as she has her own transportation. As Heather and Larry leave, Heather feels two sets of eyes boring into her - not the kind of look she usually gets from men.
Outside, Heather has one more question for Larry before she leaves, and asks him if Senator Barlow ever told him any names of any participants. Larry replies that there was only one - General Will Zimmerman who is based in Washington and is supposed to be in bed with the gangster. Larry gets into his car as Heather thanks him and tells him that they will be in touch. Larry replies that it sounds good.
Heather runs into an alleyway, knowing that now is the time where she sees whether she is right or not. She changes into her costume and flies to the rooftop of the restaurant. ‘It’s time to get down to business’. The men in suits run out of the diner too, annoyed that Heather has disappeared they decide to go after Larry Warren, and follow him in their car.
Of course, Heather overheard them and tracks them, vowing to get some answers tonight, this is not one adventure that is going to lead her in circles. She recalls that the last few nights have been a nightmare, a whirlwind of supernatural devastation. Heather mutters that she only wanted one day off, a reprieve from the pressures of leadership, and a rest before they track down the Sorcerer. Heather supposes that this beats fighting demons, zombies and creatures from alternate dimensions though, at least it is something she can relate to, something down to earth.
Twenty minutes pass and the two cars pull off onto a country road. Heather knows that this way only leads to desolation and wonders if Larry knows he is being followed. Ten minutes later though, the opposition forces this issue, and as a large truck is parked across both sides of the road, Heather knows that it is almost time for her to show her hand. Larry gets out of his car and calls to the truck, asking what it is doing here and where the driver is. The lights flash from the car that was following him, and as the armed men in suits approach Larry, he asks what is going on, as he hasn’t finished his job yet.
Others step out of the truck, declaring that they are not with his people and all are about to fire - until Vindicator intervenes, removing the weapons from the men in various fashions. One of them shouts ‘Kill her! She’s dead meat!’ and they begin firing on her, but Heather’s force field protects her, and she yells ‘WRONG!’ as she flies towards the men and blasts them into the truck, before turning to Larry and announcing that it looks like they have found their killers.
Larry tells Heather that she got here just in time, before Heather walks over to one of the agents and standing over him declares that she is going to make this simple, that she wants him to tell her who hired him. The man wipes blood of his face exclaiming that he doesn’t make confessions to women in strange costumes, and tells Heather to take her freaky habits elsewhere.
Vindicator grits her teeth before telling the man that she thinks he is going to be very cooperative, as the alternative isn’t pleasant. She informs him that her fiancée has been acting strange, that her government has tries to make her a criminal and that some fool almost killed her today. ‘I’m not in a very good mood!’ she shouts, firing a blast of plasma at the ground beside him.
The man covers his face and calls Heather crazy, exclaiming that he doesn’t talk to crazy people. Heather informs him that her costume can generate force beams equivalent to 250 pounds of TNT, and that she just demonstrated a light tap. Smiling, Heather asks the man if he is sure he doesn’t want to talk. As Heather’s hand, charging with power, closes in on the man’s crotch, he is shocked and throws his hands up, pleading ‘Okay! Okay!’ and revealing that General Will Zimmerman is the one who hired them.
Heather notices Larry pick up a weapon behind her, and when she turns to him, he informs her that he just wanted to cover her in case the others made move, before suggesting to Heather that she go after Zimmerman, adding that he can hold these men until the cops get here. Heather decides that it is time she got to the bottom of this, and flies away, telling Larry that she will see him later.
Larry tells Heather to take care, before turning to the men, machine gun in his hand he points out that they are all alone now. The men try to reason with Larry, ‘No hard feelings right?’ ‘She’s going to call the police, so you better…’ Larry reminds them that they previously said he doesn’t work for the same people as them, and with a cruel look in his eye, begins laughing.
In New York, the smoking man looks at the headline of the Daily Bugle, “Senator Barlow Assassinated”. His assistant informs him that their team failed to report in, as he was expecting confirmation of the hit at 20:15. The smoking sits in the shadows of the room and declares that he can only assume his men failed, and his assistant agrees, pointing out that Larry Taylor may still be alive. The smoking man begins to scrunch up the newspaper, he knows that Larry leaked information to the Canadian super hero, meaning their deniability has been compromised, meaning they are left with only one option. His assistant asks ‘The general, sir?’ and stepping out of the shadows, the Kingpin declares ‘Exterminate him. Now!’
Vindicator flies across Washington DC, it took her two hours to get here from Canada, flying nearly at MACH-1 and at a low altitude to avoid US radars. Heather knows she is in General Zimmerman’s town - the man who almost had her killed - and the man who is going to pay.
Heather stops at a phone booth and finds the General listed in the phonebook, address and all. She purchases a map at a gas station and ten minutes later, she swoops down on his home. Heather has decided to surprise him rather than show up on his doorstep, after all, he certainly had her surprised this morning. There is also another reason - a voice inside her says to be careful.
After entering through an upstairs window, Heather suddenly runs into the sniper! She flies towards him while he tries to shoot her, but the bullets bounce of her electromagnetic field, and as she punches him to the ground she tells him that he has killed a good and honest man, not to mention nearly killing her. She lunges on top of him, telling him that he has five seconds to explain himself, and asking him why.
Vindicator notices someone else in the room, before realizing that he is dead. The sniper tells Heather that General Zimmerman died of a “heart attack”, laughing that it is an amazing coincidence. The sniper smiles as he tells Heather that the General’s wife took an overdose of sleeping pills after “finding him”. He declares that such pathos should sell a lot of newspapers and keep certain people’s attention from where it is not wanted.
Heather ask the sniper if he killed them because the General could implicate his gangster colleague, to which the sniper confirms, adding that he doesn’t like loose ends. Heather asks him if he is forgetting something, reminding him that he shot the Senator and all she has to do is bring him into the police and make a statement. The sniper just smiles and tells Heather that his employer own all the right people and she could never take him in, and definitely couldn’t prove anything.
The sniper reminds Heather that she has no jurisdiction in the States, or even in her own country for that matter. Heather knows that he is right, but tells him that he will not be doing any killing for a while. He asks why, and suddenly power surges through his body. Heather gets off him and starts to walk out of the room, ‘As you Americans are so fond of saying…have a nice day’ she says to the now paralyzed sniper.
In his office, the Kingpin reads the Daily Bugle, two headlines of importance this time: “Chief of Staff dies of heart attack, wife commits suicide” and “Four men shot dead in Calgary”. The Kingpin exclaims that the whole operation is a fiasco, that he lost a general and that one of his best assassins is incapacitated. He tells his assistant that the whole Costa Brava campaign has to be reassessed. The Kingpin mutters that he will have to talk to the Chinese gentleman, even though funding his operation will be expensive in the short term.
The Kingpin tells his assistant, Wesley, that the spy cost him much, and if it hadn’t been for the super hero he would still have the general. He asks Wesley if he has heard from the his people yet, and Wesley replies that he is expecting them to call within the hour. ‘Excellent’ replies the Kingpin, smoking a cigar.
In a hotel, several men approach Larry, calling him Garcia, they tell him that he has ruined everything. Larry asks what they mean, pointing out that Vindicator believed his story, and went of to Washington like they planned. One of the men informs him that the Kingpin caught wind of their game and had the general assassinated. He declares that the super hero didn’t get to the General in time and now the media will never know about their planned coup attempt.
Two of them back Larry towards a balcony and when he asks them what they are doing, his in told that there are new arrangements now, that they made a deal with the Kingpin - ‘And you’re the payment!’.
The next day, Heather is home, and tries to call Larry’s number, but the number he gave her is out of service. Her thoughts are of retribution and anger, and she can only think of getting justice. Now that her head is clear though, she is beginning to see a pattern forming, a twisted design. Later, she starts doing some housework, when Larry’s face comes on the TV screen. Heather turns off the vacuum so she can listen, the reporting saying: ‘ - apparently, committing suicide by jumping from the 10th story window. Police say Mr. Garcia was a Costa Bravan refugee’.
Heather is shocked, and realizes that Larry - or Garcia - wasn’t American, but a spy! The pattern becomes more obvious, the design sharpens into focus. It was all tangled web of espionage, a tapestry of dirty deals and deception. Madison Jeffries steps out of the shower and comes up behind Heather, he smells of soap and wet hair and suddenly everything makes sense and Heather feels content.
She knows that whatever happened yesterday, whatever it was that she accomplished, has ruined somebody’s plans. The dark pattern of the shadow players has been dealt a serious blow, and nothing remains but the broken shards of a shattered design.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Omens
Alone in his chamber, Dr. Stephen Strange reaches a deep state of meditation. His psychic channels are open to receive transmissions from beyond, and they take the form of visions and symbols. He is the world’s Sorcerer Supreme, and knows that Earth is in constant danger of necromantic overthrow. It is his eternal struggle that maintains the mystic balance of good and evil, but the last few months have weighed heavily on him, for he cannot be everywhere at the same time, and some problems happen when he is not available - such as those in Canada.
Dr. Strange furrows his brow as he realizes something is very wrong in Canada, something that he has been unable to uncover. However, the omens that follow should answer his questions and prepare him for the coming battle. It begins, the first omen comes to him, it is South America, and a skeleton with a cape. Strange wonders if it is Death, or if it is dead people who wear capes.
In Brazil, reporters and photographers approach Captain Forsa, asking him what he thinks of the killings, and whether or not he is afraid that he will be next. Forsa exclaims that he has never known fear and boasts that he is the greatest hero in the world, before declaring that the serial killer is doomed and that none may assassinate the heroes of South America without facing his wrath.
An attractive female reporter asks Captain Forsa and asks him what he thinks his chances of finding the killer are, pointing out that no one even knows what he looks like, nor do they have any idea what his capabilities are, nor his motives.
After the press conference, Captain Forsa and the reporter are alone, and Forsa boasts that he is a master of his craft, and when he decides he wants someone, they never get away. They move closer to each other, and the reporter replies that she guesses they don’t.
Later, Forsa enters his hotel room, and upon turning on the light, sees the female reporter in his room. She supposes that he is used to fancy hotel rooms with anxious women hiding in the closet, but Forsa just asks her how she beat him up to the room, before informing her that he would love to dally with her but that he has just married a wonderful lady - the woman interrupts Forsa, telling him that she thinks he might be interested in seeing some photos she took of him this evening.
Forsa takes the envelope of photos from the woman, exclaiming that he never tires of seeing himself, when suddenly, shocked, he looks up at her and asks where she took them. Suddenly, the woman changes form, exclaiming that the photos were taken a few minutes from now - ‘After I’ve killed you!’ remarks the white clad man with a black cape.
The photos of the dead Captain Forsa fall to the ground as he lunges at his enemy, only for the mysterious man’s sword to plunge into his chest. Forsa lies dead on the floor, the mysterious man telling him that he was very powerful, but that power means nothing if it is not backed with wisdom.
The mysterious being plucks a camera from thin air, boasting that one should know their enemy if they are to defeat him. He explains that time, space and even form mean nothing to him, as he is a Zeitgeist, spirit of the times. Zeitgeist declares that all the heroes and villains in this world will share Forsa’s fate - until he is the only one left, and with that, Zeitgeist takes photographs of Forsa’s dead body.
Back at Strange’s Inner Sanctum, the Sorcerer Supreme decides that the first omen made little sense, and wonders what the connection is between South America, caped skeletons and Canada. He continues to meditate further, and another omen flashes into being - he first sees an old building that will have some future significance, then a Canadian flag encircled by what seems to be some ring or coronet. He knows that there is something familiar about the ring, he feels it is a great source of power, and wonders if it is a power defending Canada, for it certainly has something to do with Canada.
Meanwhile, in Edmonton, two members of the outlawed Alpha Flight - the phenomenally powerful Elizabeth “Talisman” Twoyoungmen and the team’s leader, Heather McNeil Hudson, a.k.a. Vindicator stand in front of the large house that was in Dr. Strange’s omen. Heather remarks that she thinks this will do, before asking Talisman what she thinks. Elizabeth claims that she knew this would be their base months ago, that the Talisman never lies.
The real estate agent tells the foster sisters that he thinks Alpha Flight will be right at home here, adding that it used to be the site of Edmonton’s utilities department, but they moved to a new complex some months ago, and all this time the building has been waiting for some new tenants. Vindicator asks if they can take a look around, and the real estate agent shows them in.
Inside, the agent explains that the first floor is mostly office space but that they could probably change it into something more interesting. Heather replies that she can see a lot of potential here, before the agent informs them that upstairs there are some lab facilities where they used to test - Talisman interrupts, and exclaims that she has to speak to Vindicator alone.
Talisman closes the door behind her, and sitting on a desk, Heather asks her what the matter is. Elizabeth exclaims that they are running out of time so she will make this quick: ‘We have to move in here as soon as possible! Tell them you want it and accept their conditions whatever they may be!’ Elizabeth exclaims. ‘What?’ asks Heather, reminding Talisman that they have not even seen the first floor yet.
Talisman exclaims that this is the base she foretold several months ago and that it is perfect for the needs of this team. Heather replies that she will be the judge of that, and turns away from Elizabeth as Talisman points out that she knows she doesn’t like it when she tells her what to do, as she knows leadership can make one insecure. Talisman explains to Heather that she is not interested leading this team, nor is she even going to be a member. Heather asks Elizabeth why she is here then.
Talisman states that she has to stop Llan the Sorcerer from opening the Gateway of Night, that if Llan succeeds, Canada will be the first to experience the horror known as the Sweeping Dark. Talisman claims that only she has the knowledge to stop him but that she needs the power of Alpha Flight to succeed. ‘Knowledge without power isn’t enough’.
Talisman tells Heather that this place will be instrumental in gaining their victory, to which Heather asks ‘how?’ pointing out that it is just an old building. Talisman reveals that it was built over an intense well of Earth magic and she can feel the energy pulsing below them. Elizabeth explains that she will need this power to draw their forces together, as Alpha Flight alone is not enough to stop the enemy. She declares that she has to summon the armies from beyond, by opening the Gateway of Day. ‘There’s a war coming. We’re going to need all the help we can get!’
The circlet haunts Dr. Strange, it is like a talisman of power, a primal force of nature - but suddenly it fades and is replaced by another omen. He sees a black rectangle approaching, coming out of the light. It is a piece of paper and seems to be important, perhaps of legal significance. Suddenly it bleeds, and appears with bleeding money.
Back in Canada, a large mansion, Veronica Langkowski is on the phone to her lawyer, demanding that she wants her money, and asking what he means that the estate has not transferred the money over. When her lawyer explains that they have been challenged, she asks him why, reminding him that they won the case, proving that her ex-husband was dead, so the money should revert to her. Veronica asks her lawyer what he means by someone has managed to get a retrial, and asks him who it is.
Shocked, Veronica exclaims that Walter is dead, so it cannot be him, and although there was a woman claiming to be him, she had since disappeared, and she hasn’t heard from her since the trial. Someone knocks at the door, so Veronica tells her lawyer that she will call him back, adding that it is the maid’s day off so she has to answer it herself.
Walking towards the door, the high-maintenance Veronica notices a run in her stockings. ‘What a day!’ she exclaims. Suddenly, as she opens the door, ‘Hello, Ronnie - how’s tricks?’ Veronica is stunned at seeing her handsome ex-husband, Walter Langkowski at the door. Veronica declares that he cannot be Walter, as Walter was a woman! ‘Not anymore, care to check under the hood?’ exclaims Walt.
Walt laughs, before exclaiming that he shouldn’t be laughing as he hasn’t given her the punch line yet, adding that it spoils the joke when you laugh before the punch line. Arms folded, Veronica asks Walter what it is that he wants, muttering that she thought their business was concluded. Walt tells Veronica that she thought wrong and pulling a piece of paper from his pocket he shoves it at Veronica and informs her that it is a summons, that they are going to tango in court again.
Veronica screws the summons up as she asks Walt what makes him think he is going to win this time, reminding him that she beat him before and can do it again. As Walt begins to transform into Sasquatch, he informs Veronica that he has had a talk with the judge who gave the last decision in her favor. Walt reveals that the judge saw he is a man again and Walt informed her that he would be seeking an appeal.
Halfway through his transformation, Walt informs Veronica that when the judge realized how intent he was on getting his money back, she told him that she was going to award the judgment in his favor, but that a government agent talked her out of it. Sasquatch stands tall in the foyer of Veronica’s mansion as Walt admits that that really upset him and he was ready to go looking for someone to squash - but then the judge delivered the punch line.
Walt informs Veronica that now the judge knows he is alive she is going to use her legal power to reopen the case. Veronica looks up angrily at Walt as he tells her that in other words, he is getting his money back.
Back in his inner sanctum, the omens keep coming, and Strange wonders how many there will be. He feels that the last one has some implications for the future of Canada even though it made little sense to him. He hopes that the next one will be clearer, and first comes a burning heart, indicating love and passion - but this heart is breaking - meaning it is love being destroyed. As the heart shatters, Strange sees that something is destroying it - a diamond. Love destroyed by a diamond?
‘You two look awful!’ exclaims Lillian Crawley a.k.a. Diamond Lil as she enters the hospital room of Michael “Shaman” Twoyoungmen and Eugene “Puck” Judd. The former Alphan Puck tells Alpha Flight’s new ally that she has quite a bedside manner and suggests she should have been a nurse. Lil declares that she was only making a comment and tells Madison Jeffries a.k.a. Box, her ex boyfriend that he should do the talking.
The long-serving Alphan tells his friends that they just came over to see how they were doing, adding that he heard they are both off the critical list now. Twoyoungmen reveals that the managed to stop his internal bleeding and repair some of the damage, luckily he didn’t need any organ transplants. Judd reveals that the doctors still do not know what is wrong with him, but comments that he feels awful, every inch of his body is in pain as if he is being squeezed.
Shaman asks where Heather is and why she didn’t come with them. Madison looks nervous and turns away as he reveals that Heather is in Edmonton with Shaman’s daughter, looking into the city’s offer to give Alpha Flight a home. Reminding him that ever since they saved the city from the Dreamqueen, Edmonton has been keen on having Alpha Flight live here. Madison informs Shaman that Heather wanted him to know that the Canadian government has suspended Alpha Flight’s super hero clearance, but that they have decided to stay together anyway, even though they risk arrest, as there is too much at stake with the Sorcerer running around.
Shaman asks if his daughter has had any luck finding the Sorcerer, exclaiming that the day of reckoning is drawing closer every second. Madison replies that there has been no sign of him since the slaughter in Montreal, and informs them that Heather got caught up in a political conspiracy the other day and that he and Lil have been waiting for Talisman to get back. They knows the Sorcerer must be up to something, but they don’t know what it is.
Judd asks what Diamond Lil is doing here, and Shaman informs him that she was let out of jail to join Canada’s new official super team. Judd asks why she isn’t with Gamma Flight, as he thought they wanted her. Lil declares that Gamma Flight said they didn’t need her anymore, so she is going to hang around with Alpha Flight unless anyone has any objections. But before anyone can object, a nurse enters the ward and tells Lil and Madison that they will have to leave, as visiting time is over.
Walking through the hospital corridor, Lil points out to Madison that he didn’t tell Shaman and Judd about them. Jeffries asks what there is to tell, and reminds Lil that she is staying at his house until the Flight gets resettled. Lil points out that he didn’t say anything about how he and Heather might not be - Madison cuts her off before she can say anything else, telling Lil that Heather has been under a lot of pressure and they haven’t had a chance to talk about their relationship yet.
Madison adds that Heather hasn’t really been herself over the last couple of months and thinks that if he told her about he and Lil the knowledge might send her over the edge. Lil points out to Madison that everyone thinks he and Heather are getting married, before reminding him that he told her he wasn’t sure now that she has returned.
Jeffries tries to take Lil’s hands off him, informing her that he and Heather have been together for a long time, but he still cares about her. Lil looks Jeffries in the eye and tells him to prove it. She kisses him on the cheek, and although he resists at first, he then puts his arms around her, Lil’s diamond earrings sparkling as he kisses her back.
In his inner sanctum, Dr. Strange feels resistance as gets closer to the source of the problem - whatever is plaguing Canada is about to be revealed to him. The light burns him and he feels pain - a dark and powerful omen is coming. He first sees a helmet that belongs to someone evil, and it has been underwater for some time now. Then someone - something picks the helmet up. Eggs begin to break, eggs that may have something to do with the helmet. Strange senses that the eggs have been waiting for the helmet.
Somewhere else… a slightly deformed man puts the long submerged helmet on and smiles. Suddenly, a voice booms, addressing him as Master of the World, the voice tells him that it is time to awaken, as his grandchildren await him in the depths. Looking around his ship, the Master calls out, asking who is there. The voice declares ‘You’ve been sleeping a long time, oh Master of the World‘ and informs him that he found him in a capsule buried deep in the muck at the bottom of Lake Ontario and that the helmet which allowed him to control his great ship was a great distance away, yet the damaged vessel still kept him alive.
‘Who are you? Show yourself!’ bellows the Master. The voice tells the Master that now his ship has been prepared there is nothing to stop him from achieving his goals, and the Sorcerer’s face appears on a large screen before the Master, reminding him that Alpha Flight halted his plans of conquest once, that their unity in power nearly destroyed him. Llan informs the Master that many things have changed since he has been asleep, and reveals that his ship’s child, Marrina, gave birth to a batch of children, but they await his call and his direction.
The Master declares that it is impossible, ‘The alien cow didn’t have time to -’ he is cut off, and Llan informs him that Marrina mated with another, the Prince of Atlantis, Namor, and that the union was sufficient to activate her genetic codes. And in a startling revelation, Llan informs the Master that Marrina sleeps a false death under the waves, but that she will be useful to him later.
Llan fades from the screen, but the Master pleads with him not to go, declaring that he needs more information. ‘What happened to Alpha Flight? I want my revenge!’ Llan tells the Master not to worry about Alpha Flight, as he is going to introduce them to someone from South America, and that with a few other surprises coming their way, they will be distracted for sometime. With that, Llan bids the Master farewell.
Dr. Strange cries out in pain and falls to the ground, his concentration broken. The pain is like nothing he has ever felt before and he realizes that something knew he was getting close to the source, so something powerful attacked him and broke is concentration. Strange knows that Canada is in deep trouble, if the omens are correct, but wishes that he could get a clearer picture as the visions were hazy.
Strange decides that he is going to have to journey to Canada in person, for he must have more knowledge if he is going to - suddenly, Strange’s servant, Wong, rushes up to him, informing him that the Avengers are here to see him. Strange asks if the Avengers said what they want, and Wong informs him that they have come to warn him about the possibility of attacks from unknown forces. Wong explains that it seems various super villains are randomly attacking heroes they have never fought before, and that the Avengers have come to discuss it with him.
Strange decides that this trouble, and what has happened to his brother, Vic, may make it impossible for him to get to Canada anytime sooner, and hopes that the wielder of the Talisman is able to contain the danger until he can get there. ‘Canada, sir?’ asks Wong. Strange replies ‘yes’ and that it looks like Talisman might be on her own for a while longer.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Outsiders
On the shores of Lake Superior - the Canadian side. Two young boys stand at the waters edge, ignoring the broken sign that says DANGER! POLLUTION! No Fishing or Swimming! These waters are unsafe for swimming, bathing or drinking. The boys hold onto a fishing rod, one of them yells ‘I think I got one!’ ‘Yeah, looks like Moby Dick!’ agrees the other. But as they pull the fish onto shore, ‘Oh no, not again!’ they say looking at the fish - which looks like every other fish they have caught today.
Pointing at the fish, one of the exclaims that they all have tumors and wonders what is wrong with the lake, why the fish are all messed up. One of them realizes that it is the pollution, that it is killing everything in the water. The other asks where it is coming from, and his friend points across the water, to the dark skies of the United States. Lightening strikes as he exclaims that the bad stuff is all coming from outside.
Meanwhile, on the edge of Minnesota, a US / Canadian Border Patrol officer knocks on the window of a car that is queued up and asks the driver to wind their window down. As the window is rolled down, the officer asks the driver if she is carrying any fruits or vegetables, to which she replies ‘No’. Somewhat taken aback by the woman’s appearance, the officer hesitates before he asks her if she is visiting Canada for business or pleasure. Nekra smiles and with a sparkle in her eye, she replies ‘Pleasure! Lots and lots of pleasure!’
Elsewhere, in Alpha Flight’s new headquarters in Edmonton, Elizabeth “Talisman” Twoyoungmen sits, and declares that they are coming. Her team leader, Heather “Vindicator” McNeil Hudson, asks her foster sister who is coming. Talisman reveals that there is a woman named Nekra who once brought a lover back from the dead, and she has just entered the country. Elizabeth then reveals that there is a man who becomes an insect, a woman whose skin can kill you and another man who thinks he is a bird.
Talisman informs Heather that there are events in the United States which are driving them here to Canada. She explains that there is a law called the Super-Powers Registration Act which is being ushered through congress, and that a war is being fought between super humans all over the United States. Elizabeth reveals that the Sorcerer is using these events to lure in super humans for his cause. Vindicator asks Elizabeth if she is saying that Llan is forming an army, ‘Of course, Heather,’ replies Elizabeth, exclaiming that these are only the first, and that he will bring more from outside, through the Gateway of Night - ‘Unless we stop the problem before it starts!’
Talisman sits in the middle of a ring of fire, spirits float around her. It has been two hours since Vindicator entered this room to speak with her - and two days since Talisman drew this circle on the floor to commune with the spirits of the natural world, two days since she has refused to come out. Heather looks at Elizabeth with sadness, the young woman she once knew is sinking deeper and deeper into the quagmire of her legacy. Perhaps she will never return, for the mystic amulet she wears is slowly drawing her into a supernatural abyss.
Talisman informs Heather that ever since she tapped into the Earth forces beneath this building, she has been able to expand her awareness of the enemy’s new plan. She reveals that his soldiers are entering Canada separately, unaware that they will link up with the others to cause trouble. Talisman tells Heather that they have to prevent them from getting together and have to deport them as soon as they arrive. Talisman explains that since they are coming in separately, Alpha Flight will have to split up to accomplish the task.
Heather protests at the splitting up of Alpha and asks how they will know their enemy. Talisman informs Heather that she will send each of them a compelling vision to help them on their way, and those who lack transportation will be delivered to their target. ‘Now go!’ snaps Elizabeth as she tells Heather that preparations must be made for the great war that follows, and that she must do this alone.  Heather groans and folds her arms, muttering that she will have trust Elizabeth on this one.
Turning around, Heather apologizes to Elizabeth, telling her that she is sorry for the way she has acted towards her recently, claiming that ever since her husband Mac died, then Snowbird, then the X-Men, and recently Marrina, she has been feeling so powerless, unable to prevent things from getting out of hand. Talisman tells Heather that she knows losing someone close is painful, before telling her to please leave now.
Heather leaves the room, a “Do Not Disturb” sign hangs on the door, and Heather begins to cry. Suddenly, Walter Langkowski, a.k.a. Sasquatch walks down the corridor and asks Heather if everything is okay. Heather tells her handsome teammate that she is glad he is here, and as Walt puts his arms around her ands leads her down the corridor, Heather declares that she could really use a shoulder to cry on and asks if he has some time. Walt replies that he does and suggests that they go up to the lounge, informing Heather that the furniture is all moved in, adding that he thinks this new “Maison Alpha” should work out fine.
The lounge greets the long-serving Alphans with a fresh paint smell. It has only been five days since they moved into the new base. For a minute or two, they sit silently, then it all comes pouring out. Heather tells Walt that she cant remember if she has told him this before, but that Elizabeth was raised in her home, and that they were once close friends. Walt replies that she hasn’t told him this story, and Heather reveals that when they were kids, they used to play together all the time.
Heather explains that Elizabeth had a hatred for her father, as she felt that Michael failed to save Elizabeth’s mother from cancer, so Heather’s parents took Elizabeth in, and she grew up with her family, all nine of them, and that they got along great, until they grew older. Heather reveals to Walt that when she and Elizabeth go to their teens, all the guys wanted to go out with Elizabeth, no one even noticed her, and while Heather is two years older, Elizabeth was the one with the boyfriends, all Heather did was watch her come and go.
Heather admits that a part of her retains that jealousy and that she hasn’t been very nice to Elizabeth ever since she came back to the team. Vindicator supposes that she and Elizabeth may never be friends again, as she hasn’t come out of that room since they moved in, and she is growing more distant everyday. Walt listens to Heather, before asking her what Talisman said to her in the room.
After hearing the story, Walt asks what Talisman means by “compelling” visions. Gazing out the window, Heather replies that she doesn’t know, when suddenly, a blinding light appears before her, and she screams ‘Nekra!’ Heather is receiving a compelling vision, it is a flash-forward, depicting Nekra in Winnipeg, where she is going on a killing spree, and that a man in an insect suit will come looking for her, there will be so much death. Heather realizes that she has to take Nekra out of the country, unless the powers of her battle suit can stop Nekra from meeting the man - the man with the deadly tail. Heather knows that if she fails, then there will be killing, Nekra will grow strong and more powerful - then it might be too late.
Winds begin to swirl around in the lounge of Maison Alpha, and transforming into Sasquatch, Walt asks what is going on. Walt asks Heather if she needs him, but Heather tells him to stay and warn the others about the visions. Suddenly, the Spirit of Time and Space appears before Vindicator, informing her that Talisman has sent him to guide her to her prey.
Meanwhile at the JFK International Airport, New York, a bald man in a blue suit sits, reading his horoscope. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Today you will be visited by an associate who will help you put your affairs in order. A trip to another city may prove to be exciting. Someone calls ‘Mr. Gargan!’ and the bald man looks up to see the Tinkerer, holding a briefcase. Gargan tells him that he was wondering when he was going to get here, as his plane is leaving in a few minutes. The Tinkerer informs Gargan that he had to see his son off, as he is leaving for Costa Brava today, before asking Gargan where he is going.
Gargan reveals that he is going to Canada, explaining that he is getting out of the US before all this registration stuff comes down on him, and that after his run-in with Hammer and his goons, he thinks it best that he lay low for a while, before asking the Tinkerer if he fixed his tail. ‘Of course! Am I not the best at my craft?’ asks the Tinkerer, before informing Gargan that he tried to duplicate some of the modifications Gargan previously described, but that it is not as powerful as the former model.
Nevertheless, the Tinkerer believes Gargan should be very pleased and informs him that he has added x-ray baffles to the suitcase so that he can get through any airport detectors. Gargan replies ‘good’ before taking the briefcase from the Tinkerer and handing him a envelope, while declaring that something tells him he is going to have some hot times up North.
Back at Maison Alpha, Alpha Flight’s new ally, Diamond Lil a.k.a. Lillian Crawley, who has been with the team through all of the Sorcerer Affair, lights up a cigarette, and enters a room where Madison Jeffries a.k.a. Box is talking hospital-bound Shaman over the phone. Jeffries informs Michael Twoyoungmen that they have moved into it, and that he used his transmutative powers to revamp it somewhat. Jeffries informs Shaman that he is calling to ask him how he and Puck are doing.
Shaman replies that his condition is improving well but that there is a problem with Judd - before Shaman can reveal what that problem is, Judd shouts ‘Let me talk to him!’ While the phone is being passed over, Madison turns to Lil and reminds her he has asked her not to smoke in here, when Judd shouts down the phone, ‘Madison! I need to speak to Heather!’ Jeffries informs Judd that Heather is in a meeting with Talisman right now, and is about to go check if she is free, when suddenly, Diamond Lil is frozen in place and stares blankly ahead.
‘The Scorpion - moves so fast - incredible strength - tail shoots plasma bolts - deadly! Winnipeg - Winnipeg Airport!’ mutters Lil in a trance. Jeffries calls to his ex-girlfriend while Sasquatch bangs on the door, shouting to be let in. The Spirit of Time and Space arrives and tells Diamond Lil that he has been sent to take her to her prey. ‘Take me!’ replies Lil, as Sasquatch breaks into the room, too late to warn them. As Lil is lifted into the sky by the Spirit of Time and Space, Walt tells Madison not to worry, as she is being taken to her opponent.
Sasquatch grabs hold of Jeffries so that he cannot follow Lil, informing him that he has to do this alone. Jeffries asks what is happening, and tells Walt to let him go, as that “thing” has just busted Lil through the wall! He exclaims that if it wasn’t for Lil’s invulnerability she would be hurt. Sasquatch informs Jeffries that Talisman wants them to fight agents of the Sorcerer, and that she is sending out visions that will tell them what to do. Walt adds that he tried to warn them, but obviously Talisman got to them first. Madison asks Walt what he is talking about and where Heather is. Walt ushers Jeffries towards the lounge, leaving the telephone forgotten about, and Puck coughing as he calls out to them, wondering what happened and where Heather is, claiming that he needs to talk to her urgently.
But Heather is currently flying fast across Canada, guided by the Spirit of Time and Space. A farmer and a scientist are out in a field look up as Heather flies past them, they wonder what it was. ‘Kinda looked like a blur,’ says the scientist, before the farmer turns their attention back to his wheat, asking the scientist what he makes of it and if he has seen it before in agriculture school. The scientist replies that he has seen plenty of cases and that the wheat hasn’t been affected by a disease, but it is acid rain that has been destroying the crops.
The scientist reveals that back in the United States, factories are spewing tons of chemical waste into the atmosphere, and it gets into clouds which cross over into Canada. The scientist explains that when it rains, it gets into the soil and the plants drink it up. ‘And everything starts to go bad…’.
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, this town almost passes for an American town as it hovers over the American Midwest. Only the money and mixture of French and English on the cereal boxes give it away as Canadian. Nekra, wearing a seductive black dress walks through the city, even though she doesn’t know what she is doing here. She realizes that she wanted to get away from the Registration Act that might be getting passed in the States - but she knows something else made her come to Canada  - like an impulse or an urge.
Nekra wonders why she didn’t head for Mexico or the Bahamas. ‘What’s so hot about freaking Manitoba?’ Nekra then realizes that she might find some action here, when suddenly, Vindicator swoops down and lifts the villainess into the air. Nekra tells Vindicator to put her down, but Heather informs her that she is taking out of the country as she doesn’t belong here, adding that if she resists, it is a long hard fall to the ground.
Back in Edmonton, Jeffries and Walt are in the computer room, Jeffries asks Walt if he said Heather was going after a woman named Nekra. Walt replies yes, and Madison enters her into their database to find some information on her. Jeffries is shocked as he reads that Nekra is invulnerable and able to lift over ten tons. Walt reads further and points out that Nekra’s powers work as long as she is emotional. ‘Let’s hope this broad doesn’t get too angry, eh?’ exclaims Jeffries.
In Manitoba, Nekra manages to grab Vindicator’s arm and throws her off balance, enabling Nekra to slip out of Heather’s grasp. Nekra falls towards a building, and slams her body through a window, smashing the glass as she enters, and telling Vindicator as she follows, that she is not leaving Canada. Heather flies towards Nekra, pointing out that she is only making this harder on herself as she tries to convince her to give up. Suddenly, Nekra leaps over Heather and dives out the window, and laughs as she falls to the ground below, while Heather calls out to her to stop, pointing out that they are ten stories up, and muttering that she only wanted her to leave, not kill herself.
At the Winnipeg International Airport, Gargan leaves the building, and as Diamond Lil is lifted down to the ground by the Spirit of Time and Space, he exclaims that Winnipeg is freakier than Manhattan. Slightly disorientated, Lil quickly realizes where she is. Lil informs Mac Gargan - alias the Scorpion - that she has been sent by Alpha Flight to escort him back across the border. Lil asks Gargan if he is going to be civilized or if they are going to have to get down and party.
‘I’d party with you anytime, babe!’ Gargan tells Lil before suggesting that they check into a motel. Lil begins to reply to Gargan, when suddenly he punches her, declaring that he doesn’t like women who talk back to him. Gargan lifts Lil off the ground and heaves her above his head, telling her that she should have been warned how fast he is and boasting that he has fought some of the best. As he throws Lil through a “Welcome to Canada” sign, the Scorpion adds that they wont even get into how strong he is.
‘Stupid broad!’ mutters Gargan as he picks up his briefcase and pulls a man out of his car. Getting into the car, he exclaims ‘Winnipeg, here I come!’ Lil rushes towards the car, telling Gargan to stop and that this is his last chance. But Gargan doesn’t stop, and Lil is brushed aside as he speeds past her, telling her that she has to be fast to catch a Scorpion. Watching Gargan get away, Lil tidies her hair and wonders what to do now.
Elsewhere in Winnipeg, at the headquarters of Canada’s premiere super hero team, Gamma Flight, the teams leader, Nemesis calls the others to attention. She informs them that she has just received a report of conflict downtown and that it seems Vindicator and Diamond Lil are fighting some unknown para-humans somewhere around Portage and Main. Nemesis informs the others that they are going to have to go and arrest all of them.
Witchfire remarks that Alpha Flight has ignored the governments order to disband, and reminds her teammates that they gave them fair warning and suggests that Alpha should have listened when they had the chance. Wildchild laughs as he exclaims they should have nailed Alpha Flight during the Montreal gig, adding that the only way to solve the problem is to nip it in the bud.
Nemesis points out that they didn’t know Alpha Flight would disobey government orders, and supposes that they cannot accept the fact that they have been replaced as Canada’s official super team. Holding her sword ready, Nemesis boasts that it is time to show Alpha Flight who is in charge.
In Winnipeg, a woman falls from ten stories high, Nekra knows the fall won’t hurt her, she has too much work to do.
Miles away, a cab heads toward downtown, it is driven by a man with an arachnid suit. The Scorpion thinks about killing. Lots and lots of killing.
At the airport, a man with the thoughts of a predatory bird has arrived on flight #102. He feels a need to head downtown. The Owl feels a hunger he cannot define.
At the border, a woman with poisonous skin and a name like a snake drives through without a hitch. Winnipeg is just a short distance away.
Near the top of the world, a being called the Sorcerer is laughing. Laughing hard.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Counter Moves
Near the top of the world is a place of dark power. It’s a well of infinite evil, older than the human race. Some people call it “The Eye of the World”. For thousands of years the eye has been closed. Closed by powerful spells woven in ancient times. The spells are about to be broken, as a powerful being known as Llan the Sorcerer has come to open it. He is a being so ancient that he knows the Eye of the World’s original name: “The Gateway of Night”. The Gateway can only be opened by the proper key - not a metal key forged by man, but a key made from something much more abstract…violence!
Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, violence is indeed being acted out. The woman known as Nekra falls from ten stories - luck for her she has near invulnerability and the strength of one hundred men. She lands on top of a car - she is angry and her temper is rising - which make her powers all the more effective. She growls as Heather “Vindicator” McNeil Hudson, leader of the outlaw Canadian super heroes Alpha Flight, flies down towards her and tells her to give it up. Heather tells Nekra that she doesn’t want to hurt her, but Nekra replies that she wants to hurt Heather, and leaps at her - only to get knocked back by Vindicator’s plasma blasts.
From the Eye of the World, the Sorcerer watches the two women battle. The Sorcerer knows that Vindicator was sent by Talisman to take Nekra back across the border to America, which is exactly what the Sorcerer anticipated, exactly why he summoned Nekra and other fleeing villains into Canada in the first place. The Sorcerer stokes the flames with his mind laughing inwardly. Things are coming along nicely, much better than last time, and he thinks back, to ten thousand years ago.
(Flashbacks 10,000 years ago)
The Earth was a very different place ten thousand years ago. The Talisman was worn by another, a woman who spent many years in preparation for her battles with Llan, mastering her powers and gaining wisdom. When he returned to this plane in his new monster-like form, she was ready for him, and like always, her cleverness foiled his plans. The Talisman prevented Llan from opening the Gateway of Night and tricked him into assuming an inert form. Her magicks prevented him from changing back until he could find a mortal willing to consume him.
Then, Llan in the form of a small token, was buried deep within the Earth, the Talisman hoping that he would never be uncovered. For thousands of years, Llan waited below. Rains without end altered the topsoil, sometimes washing earth away, sometimes adding more. Season upon season passed, while he slowly drew closer to the surface. He knew his moment of escape was about to dawn, it was written in the circling stars above.
When the time finally came, Llan searched for the proper victim, and brought him forth with an effort of will. Using lies and persuasion, Llan stole the mortal’s body and effected the changes. He assumed a form suitable to this strange era of costumed adventures. To the mortals of this world, he would appear as a villain, a costumed malefactor out to commit crimes. Only the current Talisman knows what he really is - but unlike her predecessor, Elizabeth Twoyoungmen has a lot to learn.
(Present)
Maison Alpha, Edmonton, the new home of Alpha Flight, Canada’s former premiere super hero team, now outlaws in their own country. Elizabeth sits in the middle of the ring she made some days earlier, and admits to her teammate Madison Jeffries a.k.a. Box, that he is right, that she made a mistake. ‘No kidding’ Jeffries remarks, before reminding Talisman that she didn’t even warn them ahead of time, for if she did, he could have got into his armor and been ready to - Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski tries to calm Jeffries down, but Madison shrug him off, exclaiming that he hasn’t finished.
Jeffries reminds Talisman that she sent Diamond Lil and Heather after a bunch of heavy duty psychos without any explanation or back up. Jeffries informs Elizabeth that the thing she sent to collect Lil blew her through the wall and carried her off into the sky. He exclaims that now he and Walt are sitting around and going crazy, wondering what has happened to their friends and why they can’t go help.
Talisman replies that she knows they are worried, but tells them that they should worry more about the fate of their country. She informs them that the Sorcerer is taking advantage of the conflicts in the United States to lure super-criminals to Canada and that he plans to create an army. Elizabeth explains that she sent Heather and Lil to Winnipeg to prevent this from happening - but now it looks like they may fail!
Walter asks if Heather and Lil lost, and Jeffries raises his voice, demanding to know what happened to his girlfriend and ex-girlfriend. Talisman reveals that Heather and Lillian are both fine, but that Lil’s quarry got away and he is heading toward downtown Winnipeg, where Nekra is. Talisman informs the men that they have to prevent the Scorpion and Nekra from meeting, before revealing that is not the problem - the problem is the government’s new team, Gamma Flight.
Talisman reveals that Gamma Flight have orders to arrest Heather and Lil on sight, and that they are flying towards Winnipeg as they speak. Talisman tells the men that the only chance they have of winning this is if the two of them stall Gamma Flight and tell them what is really going on, revealing that is the reason she held the two of them back.
Elizabeth tells Walt and Madison that they have to convince Gamma Flight to take their side, as the Sorcerer has called in even more criminals from the United States. Ominously, Talisman tells the men that if they do not stop the villains from banding together, then Alpha Flight will soon have a blood bath on their hands.
Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, someone bangs on the door of a men’s room, asking whoever is inside with the door locked if they are going to be long. Inside, Gargan puts on his Scorpion costume, and as the aggravated person waiting to use the room exclaims that he hasn’t go all day, he is suddenly knocked back by the Scorpion’s tail as he shoves the door open. The Scorpion walks over to the man and asks him if he is still in a hurry, before declaring that they all have to go sometime, and stings him with his tail.
Suddenly, a taxi screeches up beside the Scorpion, and upon seeing who gets out of it, the Scorpion exclaims ‘Diamond Lil! Just what I need!’ Diamond Lil tells her driver to hurry and get out of here as the Scorpion tells her that she shouldn’t have followed him, and claiming that he was nice at the airport, he is in a different mood now - a killing mood. Diamond Lil exclaims that she is invulnerable, and tells Gargan that the only one who is going to get hurt around here is him.
‘Maybe,’ smiles the Scorpion, before thrusting his tail at Lil and knocking her back, claiming ‘Maybe not!’ Getting up off the ground, Lil admits that the Scorpion is fast, telling him that she knows all about his super human speed but that it is not going to do him any good. As she looks around though, the Scorpion is gone. ‘Oh great!’ mutters Lil.
At the Eye of the World, the Sorcerer watches these events unfold before him - and everything is going exactly as planned. He laughs, for so far, the new Talisman hasn’t guessed his true purpose. It is true though that Llan is building an army, and that he lured these criminals into Canada. But his reasons are different than what Talisman thinks.
Llan wanted Alpha Flight to intervene, he wanted the ensuing violence that would naturally follow. In the three months that Alpha Flight were away, he influenced the government into forming Gamma Flight, and following that, Alpha Flight was declared illegal under the Canadian Emergency Powers Act - an act originally designed to stop terrorists. That is what Alpha Flight is considered now, as Gamma Flight moves into arrest them. A fight is certain, thinks Llan - beautiful violence.
Even now as the Scorpion moves implacably toward Nekra, downing everyone in his path. He is too obsessed to realize that he is being moved into place - his thoughts are putty in the Sorcerer’s hands.
Elsewhere, two other pawns are about to be shifted onto the board: The Asp is a woman with poisonous skin who can emit deadly energies. The Owl is psychopathic and easily manipulated. To move them into the battle site is to assure the deaths of Vindicator and Diamond Lil.
Llan smiles - all the forces are coming together, and the Sorcerer places hatred in the two villains minds. Hatred for the heroes like those who drove them from their country. Soon, Llan’s pawns will face off with Talisman - and when they do…blood will flow like wine.
Back at Maison Alpha, Jeffries asks Walt if he is ready, and Walt replies ‘Let’s do it!’ Jeffries phases into his Box armor The Box robot has been increased in size, and as Box picks Walt up in his hand he informs him that he is picking up radio stuff from Winnipeg and that it seems like part of downtown has become a battle zone. Walt declares that they had better move in, and Jeffries informs him that he is going to push Box to the max. Walt is strapped into a compartment, and Box takes off for Winnipeg.
Civilians run as Nekra tells Vindicator that she will kill her and that she cannot dodge her forever. Heather tells Nekra to give it up, as sooner or later she knows she will get tired and her powers will wear off. ‘I’ve never felt better!’ Nekra announces as she heaves a car at Vindicator. Heather flies out of the way just in time, knowing that she has to keep Nekra’s rampage contained.
Suddenly, Heather is knocked to the ground by the Scorpion’s tail. And as he leans over her, he exclaims that it looks like he gets to kill a super hero. Nekra runs over to the Scorpion and tells him to leave Vindicator alone, as she is hers. Scorpion suggests that he grabs her arms, Nekra grabs her legs and together they will make a wish.
‘Try wishing me away!’ exclaims Diamond Lil as she grabs Scorpion by his tail and throws him across the road into Nekra. Lil puts her hands on Vindicator’s shoulders and asks if she is okay - Heather tells her to get her hands off and that she will be fine - when suddenly, Diamond Lil is thrown to the ground by a power surge from Asp, who along with Owl approaches the women. Asp tells them that their time has come, as Heather asks who they are. ‘Death!’ replies Owl as he leaps towards Vindicator.
Nekra smiles and exclaims that this is turning into some party as the Scorpion suggests they rip them up. Both villains rush towards the others, when suddenly they are knocked back by a mystic force bolt from Witchfire - Gamma Flight has arrived! Nemesis informs everyone that they are under arrest, but the villains just rush to battle them, Scorpion laughing, ‘More meat!’
Vindicator thinks to herself that the Americans are totally deranged, almost as if they are possessed by something - suddenly she realizes - the Sorcerer! Blasting Owl to the ground, Heather decides that she has to warn Gamma Flight’s alleged sorceress, Witchfire, about this, as maybe she can block the Sorcerer’s influence. But before Heather can make her way to Witchfire, Nekra jumps on her ‘We haven’t finished yet!’ she yells, pining Heather to the ground.
Diamond Lil battles Asp while Nemesis defends herself against the Scorpion. Auric informs his sister, Silver, that trouble is coming, pointing to the approaching Box. On the ground, Nekra tells Heather that she cannot shoot her while she has her hands pinned - but that she can rip out her throat. Heather suggests to Nekra that she look up - and as the villainess does, she sees Box.
Box announces that he is not alone, and Sasquatch leaps out of the compartment, shouting ‘Heads up, losers!’ as he plummets to the ground. He lands in front of the Scorpion. ‘Hello, goodbye!’ Walt says as he whacks the Scorpion away.
Heather blasts Nekra off her, and makes her way to Witchfire and Nemesis, informing them that the Americans are being controlled by an outside force, and asks them if they can stop it. Witchfire concentrates for a moment, before revealing that she can feel something, but that it is so powerful. She turns to her team leader and tells her that she needs time to work a spell of interference, and asks her to keep them away from her.
‘Right!’ says Nemesis as she chops the end of the Scorpion’s tail off as he approaches them. Witchfire casts her spell, and suddenly, Nekra, Scorpion, Asp and Owl all fall to the ground, unconscious. ‘Cut the string, and the puppets fall!’ remarks Witchfire. Vindicator congratulates Witchfire and tells her that she wished Talisman thought of that, as it would have prevented a lot of destruction.
Witchfire explains that the spell only worked because the controlling mind let go and that it was more powerful than anything she has encountered. As everyone gathers around, Sasquatch declares that at least it is over, but Nemesis replies that it isn’t, and informs Alpha Flight that they are all under arrest, reminding them that they had no legal clearance to fight this battle and cause this destruction. She reminds them that they were ordered not to operate as a team within Canada’s borders, and therefore Gamma Flight is taking them in!
At the Gateway of Night, Llan watches as their destiny is set and the way is clear for more evil. He grins with satisfaction, for if the Talisman had used her wits instead of the brute force her soldiers had to offer, then things might have been different. Instead, she fell right into the Sorcerer’s hands. The Gateway of Night can only be unlocked by the key - the key is violence. What better source of it than pitched battle between super-humans? Now the gate is unlocked, and now Llan may slowly open the Eye of the World…and the real violence is about to begin!


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The Quest for Northstar, part one: Prisoners
Maison Alpha, Edmonton, Canada: Her name is Elizabeth Twoyoungmen - and she is all alone now, trapped in a vicious circle. She is the Talisman, mystic guardian of Canada, and she gazes into the glass oracle and sees her plans fall to pieces, and her worst enemy triumphant. Elizabeth watches with growing despair as events get out of hand, and she hopes that there is an escape from the tightening noose of her destiny.
Talisman watches in the glass oracle, as recent events are replayed before her very eyes. It began when a group of American super-villains decided to cross the border into Canada - Scorpion, Nekra, Asp and Owl - but Talisman knew they were drawn here by the psychic influence of Llan the Sorcerer. Elizabeth sent her teammates in Alpha Flight - Vindicator, Sasquatch and Box - as well as Alpha’s ally Diamond Lil - to deal with the American villains - but her plan backfired for two reasons.
Firstly, because Alpha Flight is no longer sanctioned by the Canadian government, a new team called Gamma Flight replaced them, and Gamma Flight was sent in to arrest Alpha Flight. Secondly, Talisman misjudged the Sorcerer’s intentions. He wasn’t planning to use the American villains in his army, he merely used them to lure Alpha Flight into battle. The ensuing violence empowered the Sorcerer to unlock the Gateway of Night - which is the very thing Talisman was trying to prevent.
Talisman stands up, the weight of the world is literally on her shoulders, as Alpha Flight and Diamond Lil have been arrested, while her father Shaman and former Alphan Puck are in hospital, unable to aid her. Elizabeth Twoyoungmen is left with only one option. Using her magical powers, Talisman calls through twisting realms and screeching planes - and the Spirit of Time and Space answers her call. The Spirit of Time and Space appears before Elizabeth and asks her what she wants of him. Talisman informs him that there are three women he must find, and that they must be brought together to find a man trapped in another dimension. ‘Here’s the plan…’
Elsewhere, at Sainte-Anne in De Beaupre, Quebec. Jeanne-Marie Beaubier sits in the office of the Priest, as the Priest informs her that the Mother Superior wanted him to have a word with her, as she is concerned about Jeanne-Marie’s history, especially in light of the recent antics of her former colleagues. Jeanne-Marie asks the Priest if he is talking about Alpha Flight and declares that she doesn’t see what her past has to do with her current life as a nun. She informs him that her entrance into the order has given her peace and tells him that he has no idea how torn her spirit was before she joined.
The Priest tidies his bookcase as he claims that the past always plays a role in the present, sometimes in ways that we cannot foresee. The Priest reminds Jeanne-Marie that it wasn’t long ago that she was cavorting around the globe as the super hero Aurora, and boasts that people like her are a magnet for trouble. Dressed in the traditional black and white costuming of nuns, Jeanne-Marie points out that no one has come looking for her since she entered the order, and exclaims that she left that life behind and that she came here to escape the pain and violence.
Emotional and stumbling, Jeanne-Marie relates the story of her past, and the Priest listens intently, not saying a word. She begins by explaining that she and her brother once soared through the skies of Canada as Aurora and Northstar of Alpha Flight, believing themselves to be mutants, as their powers were flight and super-speed, and when they linked hands, a brilliant light shone forth.
Jeanne-Marie continues, admitting that madness rode her mind and drove her to commit a rash act: she had her lover, Walter Langkowski, alter her atomic structure, and her powers were changed. No longer was the light shared with Northstar, Aurora now owned it outright. But in stealing the light, Aurora unwittingly  sent her brother into the arms of a progressive illness, one that slowly took away his life. Seeking a cure, they entered a world of darkness and despair, and only by giving her brother the light, could Aurora cure him. But in doing so, she lost the desire to continue her chosen path.
After Jeanne-Marie concludes her story, the Priest informs her that they think she is more suited to the world of the super hero, as trouble seems to be her shadow. Jeanne-Marie pleads with him to believe her, that nothing is ever going to come looking for her. On cue, the Spirit of Time and Space appears in front of Aurora and informs her that a quest beckons her. The Spirit reveals that he has been sent by the one who wears the Talisman and that through the planes of unending flame, through the doors that laugh in color, she will find her lost brother.
‘Prepare your mortal soul!’ the Spirit declares as the scared Priest reaches for a large cross, reminding Jeanne-Marie that he just told her this would happen. Jeanne-Marie screams at the Spirit, asking it how it dare come into this house, and telling it that whatever it is it has no right to - but without warning, the Spirit of Time and Space breathes flame out of its mouth and covers Aurora, seemingly burning her. The shocked Priest just stands over her ashes.
Meanwhile, in Alfheim, Asgard, two Elves sit by a campfire, and a one of their Riding Cats that is tied to a Talking Tree scratches the Tree, the Tree asks the Elves if they have to keep the Cats tied up here. One of the Elves tells the Talking Tree to be quiet and asks if he wants to be firewood. The other Elf declares ‘There is nothing worse than uppity plant life!’ ‘Speaking of uppity’ says the first Elf, referring to the Outlander, he asks when he is going to come back, as he has been gone for hours now. One of the Elves exclaims that he is probably among the Dolmens again, pining for his lost world. The other warns that the Outlander best be wary, as it is a night for goblins and their ilk.
Nearby, at some large stone segments, Faeries dance through some flowers, while former Alphan, Jean-Paul Beaubier a.k.a. Northstar wanders while wondering how long he has lived here. Unshaven, but as handsome as ever, he thinks it has been ages since he was Northstar, and now, trapped in this weird country - on this floating world called Asgard.
Jean-Paul hardly remembers coming to this world, but does remember that he was sick and suffering delusions. He recalls that supposedly he was dying from exposure to the Earth’s environment, and that Alpha Flight sought a cure for him in a mystic place, and they reached through a gateway to a world called Svartalfheim, the land of the Dark Elves. Jean-Paul remembers that it was there that they met the God, Loki, who revealed that his sister and he can be only cured by Elf-light.
But Loki is the God of Lies…and Jean-Paul has since discovered that upon coming here, these Elf-folk are no kin of his, in fact, they laughed at his story - but now, he cannot find his way home again. Northstar turns and walks through the large stones, while quietly, two trolls walk behind him, seeing that he is alone, ‘Aye! The meat of his body is fresh and tasty!’ But there are more than just two trolls - there are dozens, all ready to attack Northstar, except their commander reminds them that the High Priest wants Northstar taken alive, so if he dies, then they will all die!
Northstar continues to walk through the large stones, remembering that the Elves say this Dolmen is a gateway to other worlds, but none of them know how to use it. He wishes there was some way…but he fears that he will never get out of this place. Jean-Paul supposes that he should get back to the others, but as he leaves the stones he comes across a Riding Cat - who hisses furiously. Jean-Paul asks the cat what the matter is, when suddenly, he turns around - only to be surrounded by dozens of trolls, who manage to render him unconscious.
Back on Earth, more specifically, Etobicoke, Canada, the apartment of Melanie Kilgrave, her daughter Kara, and Kara’s friends Goblyn and Laura Dean. The former member of the disbanded Beta Flight, Kara Kilgrave a.k.a. the Purple Girl, holds up a purple outfit, and asks Laura what she thinks. ‘We yuck!’ the younger girl replies, before pointing out that no one wears red capes anymore. Kara claims that she was just asking, before suggesting that while she is trying on her new outfit, Laura goes and gets Goblyn, as she wants to see what she thinks.
Laura Dean hesitates before getting off the couch and telling Kara that she doesn’t know what kind of input Goblyn has to give, ‘I mean, really’. Kara exclaims that she wants everyone’s opinion, and with that, Laura uses her mutant power to open a gateway, and stepping inside the new realm, she looks around for her sister. Laura calls to Goblyn, telling her that it is time to come in. Laura finds Goblyn playing with a small green pony and tells her that she knows she likes this dimension, but that it is time to go back, as Kara has got something to show them.
In her bedroom, Kara changes out of her clothes, thinking to herself that ever since they left Beta Flight and came back to Etobicoke, things have been a real drag, as they thought giving up the super hero life and try being normal kids again would be the right move…there is only one problem with that…the Purple Girl, Laura Dean and Goblyn are not even remotely normal - the other kids at school didn’t let them forget that.
Kara supposes that people in this world are all supposed to look the same, dress the same and think the same, after all, if you stick out of the crowd, then people come down on you or treat you like dirt. She thinks that everyone is like herd animals, expected to keep their heads down and follow the leader - well not this girl!
As she changes into her new outfit, Kara claims that she likes who she is and is not ashamed of being different - a mutant - purple skin and all. She believes that being different is what makes a person special, only boring people try to be like everybody else. ‘The coolest people are the ones who are true to their inner selves and aren’t afraid to show it.’
Dressed in her new skin-tight purple outfit, Kara exclaims ‘Definitely!’ and walking back into the lounge, she asks the Dean twins what they think of her costume. Both girls cry out in shock - but not at Kara’s costume - the Spirit of Time and Space has just appeared behind her! Laura asks what it is, and Kara points out that it looks like ‘one of those spirit things Talisman used to summon’. Suddenly, the Spirit of Time and Space cries ‘Prepare your mortal souls’ and the Purple Girl, Laura Dean and Goblyn are reduced to ashes.
Meanwhile, at the Winnipeg Prison, Manitoba, Alpha Flight’s ally Lillian “Diamond Lil” Crawley lies across one of the bunks in a cell, and keeps tapping her diamond-hard foot against the concrete wall, while muttering that she is starting to get steamed, as they have been waiting for hours. Alpha Flight’s leader, Heather McNeil Hudson a.k.a. Vindicator tells Lil to be patient, as she is sure they will be let out of here soon, pointing out that it is only a drunk tank holding cell.
Lil asks Heather why she let Gamma Flight take them in, ‘We could have dusted them losers easy!’ Vindicator points out that Gamma Flight have the law on their side, reminding Lil that the government sanctioned Gamma Flight after taking away Alpha’s clearance, and though they could easily bust out of prison, a price would be put on their heads. Vindicator believes that Alpha Flight is going to need Gamma Flight’s cooperation if they are going to defeat the Sorcerer, and sticking up for Gamma Flight, Heather points out that they haven’t the Alphans badly, as they let her keep her suit.
In the holding cell across the corridor, Walter “Sasquatch” Langkowski declares that he thinks Gamma Flight is trying to pressure them for some reason, why would they want Alpha Flight to be a team anymore? Sitting on one of the bunks, Madison “Box” Jeffries agrees with Walt and declares that this has to be some kind of game. Heather tells her boyfriend that they have to play by Gamma Flight’s rules - at least for the time being.
Walt motions to the door be the cells and announces that someone is coming, and General Brian Winslow enters the corridor off the cells. ‘What a surprise’ mumbles Heather upon seeing the General, who sarcastically replies ‘You remember, I’m touched’. Before remarking that they will obviously be wondering why he is here. Winslow reminds Heather of the little chat they had several months ago, after the affair with the Dreamqueen, when he offered Alpha Flight renewed government sanction.
Vindicator points out that the obviously refused, which Winslow admits he was not surprised about, and reveals that they were already in the process of creating a new team - Gamma Flight - at that time. Heather asks Winslow, firstly why Alpha are denied their freedom to operate, and secondly, why is he here?
Winslow reminds Vindicator that Alpha Flight disappeared after their talk, and in the three months that they were gone, a relentless parade of bizarre events followed. Winslow reveals that strange plagues gripped entire communities in one day - then went away without a trace, that there were rains of blood in Saskatchewan that lasted a week, and reports of horrors attacking every province.
General Brian Winslow tells Heather that worst of all was the tragedy in Montreal - the day Alpha Flight resurfaced - 342 people were found dead. Heather calmly tells Winslow that she can tell him why some of these events happened, and begins to tell him that there is - but Winslow interrupts, telling Heather that he is sure she can explain it all - as that is why Alpha Flight is here - because in every case, Alpha Flight’s involvement was evident!
Elsewhere, at the Ottawa General Hospital, a Doctor informs former Alphan, Eugene “Puck” Judd, that things are not good. As the nurse checks Judd’s temperature, the elderly hero mutters ‘Tell me something I don’t know’, and the doctor reminds him that in the past two days her has lost two feet in height and explains that his body seems to have compressed its mass until he has reached his present condition.
The doctor asks Judd if he is still in pain, and Judd replies that he is, but he thinks he has stopped shrinking, so the pain seems to be going away slowly. Judd claims that he is ready to get out of here, as he knows Alpha Flight needs him. As the nurse administers some medicine, the doctor tells Judd that he will be staying here for quite some time, as they have lots of tests they want to run on him, ‘Yours is a very interesting case’. Judd tells the Doctor, that he has to leave, when the nurse injects him. Judd’s vision goes blurry as the doctor tells him that they are here to take care of him, and that they have lots of tests to run.
Darkness, then Aurora opens her eyes. She finds herself dressed in her revealing white and gold costume, even her blue scarf is around her neck, and her beautiful hair is long again. ‘Maudit!’ she screams, before muttering things in her native French, sobbing, until suddenly, there is a burst of flame - and three others appear before her. ‘Purple Girl, Goblyn, Laura Dean! No! My madness has returned!’
The three mutant girls rush towards Aurora, who has slumped to the ground, and Kara tells Aurora not to worry, before informing her that she is not Purple Girl anymore, that she has changed her name to Persuasion. Kara then asks what this place is, but Aurora doesn’t know, all she does is mutter about this thing that breathed fire.
Suddenly, that “thing” - the Spirit of Time and Space - appears before the quartet and informs states ‘The quest. It is time’. The Spirit informs them that one called Northstar is trapped on the floating world of Asgard, in the country of Alfheim, and that they must find him quickly. The Spirit points out that Laura Dean can open a portal from this Plane of Forgotten Dreams and create a passage to the immortal realm, the portal will take them to Northstar. The Spirit informs the girls to seek out the Cat Elves, who have taken them into their homes.
Aurora asks the Spirit who he was sent by, and how he knows where her “brozair” is. The Spirit of Time and Space replies that the wearer of the Talisman is its mistress and that she bids them to hurry, as they are needed in Edmonton as soon as possible. The Spirit fades away as it warns them to beware of the Dark Elves and their blood-drenched temple.
Aurora tells the Spirit to wait, as she has to ask…but the Spirit is gone. ‘Now what? Asks Kara, and Laura reminds her that the Spirit said she can make a gateway to Asgard, and suggests she take them home instead, then they can figure out what to do from there. Aurora likes that idea, as it sounds better than standing around here. She suggests that once home, they can call Talisman and get some answers.
But as Laura Dean opens a portal using her mutant powers…the living room of Melanie Kilgrave does not appear on the other side. ‘I thought you said you were going to take us home’ snaps Aurora, to which Laura exclaims that this has never happened to her before.
Stepping into the portal, Aurora assumes this to be Asgard and tells her associates that she doesn’t think getting home will be an easy task. The other girls step through, exclaiming how beautiful it is. As they walk across the lush landscape, Aurora wonders if her brother will not want to leave here when they find him - maybe they will not want to leave either.
Nearby, a trap door opens, and two Trolls peek through the opening - ‘I see some girl flesh in the clearing!’ The other one tells his fellows to grab their weapons, as it is time to go hunting.
Persuasion wonders which way they should go, and Aurora motions to some people in the trees, hoping that they can give them some directions. But these “people” rush towards the girls, weapons ready, they shout ‘Kill!’ Aurora guesses that they are not interested in giving directions - ‘Welcome to Asgard, ladies! let’s party!’ jokes the Purple Girl.