“DEBRIEFING”
Part II: Assemble!
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE: The Champions travelled to the Soviet Union in order to free Bucky, after learning that he had been held there for years. When they returned to the states, they were met by Ironman, who insisted that they submit to a debriefing. This led to a conflict, initially with Ironman. But now the Avengers have arrived”¦
# # # # # # # # # #
♪ Theme Music: “Draw the Line” By Aerosmith♪
In Los Angeles, California, Ironman lies unconscious at Hercules’ feet, even as Black Goliath and the Angel stand around behind him. Angel has knelt down to inspect the unconscious Avenger, to make sure that he wasn’t hurt too bad from Hercules’ blow to the helmet. However, as the other Champions pile in behind them, they are greeted by the sight of the Avengers””Hawkeye, Yellowjacket, the Wasp, Black Panther, the Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man!
“You’d better hope he’s not hurt, wings!” Hawkeye cautions, his bow pulled back, with an arrow pointed directly at the Angel.
“I don’t take threats too well, Hawkeye,” the Angel responds. “Put the bow away, or I’ll have to make you eat it!”
“Hold on, Clint,” Wanda says softly, stepping forward. “I know Angel from the days he was with the X-Men. We even fought him a number of times when we were working with Magneto. He’s”¦.”
“Not interested, lady!” Hawkeye responds. “In case you hadn’t noticed, they dropped Ironman! I ain’t taking any lip outta this guy!”
“Thy threatening tone will not be tolerated!” Hercules calls out, gesturing towards Hawkeye. “Much as I enjoy the bow, “˜twould be a shame indeed to break thy bow o’er thy head!”
“Wait a minute, Hercules,” the Black Widow says, her left hand gently touching Hercules on his right bicep.
“Too late for that, “Tasha!” Hawkeye responds, firing his arrow at Hercules’ feet. Instantly, a surge of energy shoots through Hercules’ body, as he is hit with an electrical discharge that sends a blinding flash of light through the afternoon sky! “I’m puttin’ this loudmouth down now!”
“That tears it!” the Angel takes to the air, slamming his body into Hawkeye, sending him crashing to the ground! “We were trying to avoid this, but Tony Stark’s bodyguard started the whole thing, trying to bring our plane out of the sky! Looks like we can’t reason with you either!”
Hawkeye rolls over on his back, rolling with the impact of the blow, and uses his legs to flip the Angel over his shoulders! “I ain’t interested in what you like or don’t like!” Hawkeye replies.
“This conflict could have been avoided, Widow!” the Black Panther comments, grabbing the Black Widow’s arm and holding onto her. “We needed to bring you all to the Pentagon for a debriefing on your unauthorized mission to the Soviet Union. Were you trying to start an international incident?!”
“No, T’Challa, we weren’t!” Black Widow. “And we could have explained the whole thing to Ironman if he hadn’t come in so strong.”
“What could have been important enough to send you to Russia”¦at the risk of starting an all-out nuclear war?!” Black Panther demands, still holding onto her arm.
“Let go of my arm, T’Challa!” Black Widow returns, lifting her leg and slamming her knee into his mid-section! “We had to go to the Soviet Union to rescue a friend!”
“A friend?!” Black Panther replies, grabbing her by the back of the calf before she can move her leg. He leans forward, pinning her to the ground. “One of your former operatives? Is that what this is about”¦a defection?!”
Black Widow, her arm and leg pinned to the ground, struggles against the Panther’s superior strength. She twists her body, and kicks him in the back of the head with her free leg. “˜Is this your idea of a debriefing, Panther?!”
“Don’t avoid the question, Widow!” the Black Panther responds. “If you stop struggling and give me some answers”¦”
“I’ve got your answers!” the Winter Soldier responds, leaping across the distance between them, and kicking the Black Panther in the side of the face, even as he turns to the sound of Bucky’s voice. “She came to save me from the reds!”
As they continue to fight, Hercules steps forward, unharmed from the energy attack. As he steps menacingly towards Hawkeye, Wonder Man steps in front of him, putting his hand out in a gesture to try to stop Hercules. “Wait a minute, big guy!” Wonder Man says in a calm tone. “I know Hawkeye can be a pain, but he’s a friend of mine. There’s no reason to”¦”
“Out of my way!” Hercules returns. “I warned thy comrade what would happen if he dared attack the prince of power!” So saying, Hercules back-hands Wonder Man, driving him back a few steps.
“Hold on, Hercules!” Wonder Man responds, grabbing Hercules by the wrist. “If I have to, I’ll show you why they say I hit like Thor’s hammer!”
“Indeed?” Hercules asks, suddenly intrigued by what Wonder Man is saying. “I think thou art a braggart for so saying.” A smile crosses Hercules’ face, as he slams his fist into Wonder Man’s jaw, sending him flying back into a ten-story building behind them, shaking it to its very foundations! “But, a challenge like thine is hard to refuse. Have at thee!”
# # # # # # # # # #
INTERLUDE
♪ Theme Music: “Life’s Been Good!” By Joe Walsh♪
A short distance away, in the Hollywood district, an elaborate mansion houses a group of villains that Ares is putting together. Moving through the mansion, in a large living room, Whiplash sits on a plush sofa, watching a large television screen. Seated near him, in a recliner, is Rampage. They are leaning forward, paying close attention to the football game on the television screen.
“I wonder what Ares and that fine chick Satana have planned for us?” Rampage muses, uncorking another bottle of fine wine.
“Does it matter?” Whiplash asks. “I’ve never even seen a T.V. this big!” He leans over, drinking a large mug of beer. “But I’m okay with it, whatever it is! I know they want us to fight some chumps, and I’m ready for action!”
Down the hallway is a recreation room, where the Orb sits in a heated whirlpool, his head leaning back onto a plush pillow. His mask lies on the tile behind him. He closes his eyes, enjoying the high life. Across from him, the Fly sits in the whirlpool as well, drinking down a cold beer.
“She told the truth,” the Orb thinks to himself, running his hands along his whiskered face. “She healed my face completely. I haven’t felt this human since the accident that transformed me into the Orb!”
“Man, this is the life!” the Fly comments, smiling. “All we need is some hot babes to make this even better! As soon as I finish this gig, I’m going to buy me a place like this.”
Outside, on an immaculate lawn, the shapely Madam Masque is playing crocket with Roosevelt (Incinerator), as Phobos looks on with interest. She leans over, striking the hard crocket ball with her mallet, sending it through two arches skillfully.
“Not bad,” Roosevelt offers, holding onto the handle of his crocket hammer a bit tighter with every successful shot his opponent makes.
“So you keep saying,” she smiles under her mask. “And yet, the game is almost finished.”
“I admire your competitive spirit,” Enyalios remarks, holding a metal horseshoe in his hand. “Although your lifespan is finite, you mortals tend to make the most of the time you have.”
“That’s the only way we know how to do it,” Roosevelt responds, not even looking over at Ares’ son.
“We try to make the most of what we have,” Madam Masque adds, with an icy chill to her voice. “But we enjoy the same pleasures that you enjoy. We just enjoy them more fully.”
“An interesting notion,” Enyalios responds with a smile. “Perhaps we could test that theory”¦?”
“Brother!” Phobos calls out, gesturing at the metal pole, where his horseshoe lies. “If you can tear yourself away from your diversions, it is your turn to continue our own contest.”
Enyalios rolls his eyes contemptuously. “Yes, of course,” he replies. “It would seem that my brother never tires of losing our contests. But, why should I deny him his opportunity to be humbled? Such has occurred since his birth.”
“Your boasting belies your abilities,” Phobos responds. “Why not see how close you can get to the target”¦if you can stop overestimating your limited abilities long enough.”
Satana pulls a robe over her nude body, as she rises from the bed, where Ares lies, his lower torso covered with blankets. He watches a monitoring screen attached to the wall, which displays the members of his villain team, located inside and outside of the mansion that he and the lovely Satana have commandeered.
“They seem to be largely enjoying their brief moment of wealth,” Satana comments, looking on with a knowing gaze. She is familiar with the desires of men, having fulfilled””at least temporarily””many of them over time. “Except, of course, your sons.”
“Aye,” Ares replies with a nod. “They will quibble amongst themselves. But, on the way when we battle the Champions, they will be as effective as any of the others.”
“I must admit, Ares,” Satana comments, sitting back on the bed, sitting on Ares’ still-covered lap, as she runs her long nails along his chest. “I was surprised that you brought them here.”
“Why not?” Ares asks. “Allow them to dream their dreams. That will make them all the more eager to do our work.”
“I love the way your mind works,” Satana says, as she leans forward, kissing Ares. Even as they continues to kiss deeply, Ares’ hands move forward, unfastening the tie to her robe, as his hands run along her body.
END OF INTERLUDE
# # # # # # # # # #
♪ Theme Music: “Hold the Line!” By Toto ♪
Ghost Rider rides through the streets on his flaming motor cycle, his chilling skull looking forward, as his whole body trails hellish flames in his wake. Flames erupt from his eye sockets, blasting forward towards the Vision, striking the floating figure in the chest, driving him back!
“I’m not going to sit here and watch my team get attacked for rescuing a war hero from the Soviets!” Ghost Rider remarks, as he continues forward, jumping over an overturned ‘76 Pinto, and landing directly on the other side.
“This conflict could be avoided,” the Vision responds, as he levitates back into the air. Solar energy explodes from his eyes, striking Ghost Rider in the chest, knocking him from his motor cycle, as he skids onto the ground, his motorcycle overturning! “Stop fighting and let us discuss the situation. I am certain that a reasonable resolution can be reached.”
“You have no idea what the Soviet Union is like!” Darkstar responds sharply, gesturing towards the Vision, as dark energy is emitted from her fingertips”¦energy that slams into the Vision, driving him back into a brick wall!
“Vision!” Scarlet Witch screams out, gesturing towards the ground. Immediately, her powers alter probabilities, causing an underground water pipe below their feet to burst. When it does so, the contained water pressure shoots upwards with tremendous force, striking the lovely Darkstar in the face and her upper body, drenching her and driving her back before she can erect a force field!
Iceman, looking on with concern, immediately goes into action, creating an ice bridge that takes him to her. He catches her with one arm, and with the other, he turns the water into ice, immediately stopping the breach in the pipes and leaving an ice sculpture where shooting water once existed.
“Are you okay?” Iceman asks, looking down at the Russian beauty in his arm.
Her eyes open, and a smile crosses her face. “I’m fine, Bobby,” she replies. “You can let me go now.”
“Do I have to?” he asks, grinning.
“There will be time for that later, Bobby,” she says in response, taking to the air, and directing her dark energy at Scarlet Witch, who is now leaning towards the Vision, who is stirring from the punishment he received earlier. The dark energy engulfs Scarlet Witch, sweeping over her like a shadow. When it has drifted away from her, she is lying on the concrete, unconscious.
The Vision rises from the rubble, his eyes blazing with fury, as his face holds a stern, serious expression. He emits crimson beams from his eyes, shooting the bridge out from under Iceman, causing him to fall towards the ground.
“You have erred in striking the Scarlet Witch,” the Vision warns coldly, as he continues to fire at Iceman, who erects another bridge to catch himself. “It will be a costly mistake.”
“This fella’s relentless!” Iceman thinks, as he quickly puts up a solid ice shield to block the next blast from the Vision, aimed directly at him. “I have to put up an extra thick shield, or”¦” The shield explodes, sending ice shards in all directions, and the feedback strikes Iceman, sending him crashing to the ground! Fortunately for Iceman, he was much closer to the ground than he had been previously. He falls to the ground, and gets up slowly, making it to his hands and knees. “Whoa!” Iceman comments, rubbing his head. “I feel like I just got hit by Cyke’s optic blasts.”
Even as the Vision moves in on Iceman, hovering over him, Ghost Rider has returned to his bike, and rides up behind them with grim determination. He gestures forward, sending waves of hellfire into the Vision’s back, striking him and flooding him with the unnatural, burning fires. Vision’s face contorts into pain from the experience.
The Vision turns, still flying, even as Ghost Rider sits on the bike below him. “I have never encountered fire like yours,” the Vision remarks. “I do not think I will tolerate the feel of it again.”
So saying the Vision flies down, towards Ghost Rider, who rides his bike sharply to the left, avoiding the Vision’s lunge. Ghost Rider’s bike tilts sharply, as fire trails behind him, completing a full circle to avoid the Vision’s attack. However, as fast as the Ghost Rider’s bike is, and as expert as is his riding, the Vision moves faster, and with more mobility, flying around him. He leans forward, his arm become immaterial, as he sends it into the Ghost Rider’s back.
“What the”¦?!” Ghost Rider asks, skidding his bike to a stop, even as he reaches back with one hand to stave off the Vision’s attack. “What are you doing?!”
“I will end this conflict quickly,” the Vision remarks, as he inserts his hand into Ghost Rider’s back. He slowly solidifies his hand, seeking to disrupt Ghost Rider’s molecules. However, the Vision soon realizes that the Ghost Rider does not have a human body. His body is soon engulfed in the hellfire, as he throws his head back in pain. The Vision falls from the sky, landing hard on the concrete beneath him.
For his part, Ghost Rider shakes slightly, his flame flickering off and on for a moment, as he shakes his head. “I don’t know what that was,” he utters. “But I will not feel it again.”
Behind them, Black Panther and the Winter Soldier exchange blows. Black Panther kicks Captain America’s former partner in the stomach, driving him back. “I have no use for communists either,” the Black Panther says with disdain. “It troubles me that some African nations are leaning towards Marxism”¦”
The Winter Soldier leaps into the air, as the Panther’s next kick sweeps under him. “Then, why are you fighting us? I won’t tolerate you manhandling Natasha”¦we go way back!” the Winter Soldier comments. “˜I don’t know you, but you look familiar somehow.”
“We fight only because you will not comply with your government’s request,” Black Panther responds, blocking Winter Soldier’s next blow with his forearm. “If you are who you claim to be, you are a soldier.”
“Oh, I’ve heard it all before,” the Winter Soldier responds sharply, hitting the Black Panther in the face with his metallic arm, sending him flying back, smashing into the side of a building. “I don’t follow orders anymore. I’m not that man anymore!”
Before Black Panther can get to his feet, still in a crouching position, the Winter Soldier is upon him, kicking him in the pit of the stomach, slamming him back into the brick wall again. “I’m sure some things have changed since the last time I was in the States,” Winter Soldier comments, “but in my time this used to be a free country!”
“It still is!”
The Winter Soldier immediately turns around, although still holding onto the stunned Black Panther by the shirt. As he turns, he is greeted by the sight of Captain America, walking beside Nick Fury, dressed in his blue SHIELD uniform.
“Cap?!” Winter Soldier asks, letting go of Black Panther, even as the others stop their fighting as well. Ironman walks up to the trio of heroes, who are converging together. “Fury?!”
“How ya doin’, kid?” Nick asks, his cigar dangling from the side of his mouth.
“Is he who he claims to be?” Ironman asks, looking over at Cap and Fury.
“Oh, he’s Bucky all right!” Fury returns. “When we pulled up, we were scannin’ him from the Helicarrier. He’s the genuine article.”
“Bucky?” Cap asks, as the two old friends draw closer. “There have been so many frauds over the years, so many dashed hopes”¦”
The two draw closer, hugging, as Fury looks on, amused.
“I hate to break up this moment,” Fury says, “but we’ve got to talk to the kid, and find out what we can about his confinement.”
“Do you mind Fury doing the debriefing?” Cap asks.
“All you had to do was ask, Cap!” Bucky responds.
“I’m coming along,” Black Widow interjects. “I might even be able to fill in some gaps where I can.”
“All right, “˜Tasha,” Fury responds, as they turn to leave. “You talked me into it.”
# # # # # # # # # #
EPILOGUE
♪ Theme Music: “Night Fever!” By The Bee Gees ♪
Seated at a table in the front row of tables near a large stage, Warren Worthington takes another sip of his Seagram’s seven and seven, as the Champion’s publicist sits across the table from him, taking another drink of beer. Warren wears a black suit, with a white shirt. The publicist wears a plaid suit jacket and kaki slacks. His shirt has its top two buttons unbuttoned.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this!” Warren remarks, taking another sip of his drink, even as he flinches from the sound of disco music bombarding his ears. “Youknow how much I hate this”¦music.”
“If I didn’t know it before, Warren baby,” the publicist responds with a smile, “I’d know it now, “˜cause that’s all I’ve been hearing for the past ten minutes. But look at this great seat we’ve got. You’ll be able to see her, and to take in her performance. This is ring-side, Warren! You know, it’s only the best with me!”
Warren rolls his eyes, as he throws back the last of his drink, and motions for the waitress who is passing by to bring him another drink. The waitress looks at him with a seductive smile. She nods and turns away slowly, making her way up to the bar.
“It’s about to start, Warren!” the publicist says, trying to talk above the music, even as a band starts to play. The lights go dim, and both men turn to the stage. As they do so, lights swirl around, crisscrossing first the stage, and then the entire interior of the building.
“These lights”¦” Warren comments thoughtfully, as his eyes scan the stage and the interior of the building. “Where are they coming from? I don’t see any interior lighting that can be making these kinds of lighting patterns”¦”
“Yeah, she’s something else!” the publicist responds, enthusiastically, as he gestures up towards the stage. “She’s known for having the best light show around!”
“What did you say she calls herself?” Warren asks, as they turn to the stage, where they see a lovely woman, dressed in a silver costume, with blue facial makeup around her eyes.
“The Dazzler!” the publicist says, amid the roar of the crowds.
END OF EPILOGUE
# # # # # # # # # #
NEXT ISSUE: More on the Dazzler, plus a new story arc featuring one of the Champions’ villains, and one of the 70’s new teams. Be here for that!
# # # # # # # # # #
CABLES OF CHAMPIONS
Dazzler was one of those unique 70’s phenomena. I remember the advertisements for her debut back in the 70’s, and the length of time it took for her first comic to hit the stands. The art in the first couple of issues was very nice John Romita Jr. artwork, and it even featured the Enchantress (although you’d have to wonder why they thought she’d stand a chance against the Enchantress of all people, but I’m sure it was just a matter of getting her a villainess to fight).
Anyway, Dazzler was created to capitalize on the disco era, and even had the KISS-style makeup. Ironically, though, by the time they actually got her book out (which was originally going to be called Disco Dazzler), the disco era had pretty much ended. But, given that this series is set in the heart of the disco era, it only makes sense that we’ll see signs of that time. I remember it was a big thing (for good or bad, depending on who you asked) in 1978.
Dazzler was actually conceptualized early in the disco era (mid-70’s), although her debut happened later in that decade. Her first visual, with the flowing long hair, was definitely my favorite, and that’s what you should be visualizing her in her appearance.
Her appearance this issue will also be a foreshadowing of some things you’ll be seeing in upcoming issues, as well as prominent guest-stars. I plan on tying into a very specific storyline that was going on in the late 70s soon, and tying up a couple of my own storylines as well. I hope you enjoy the ride. Be here next issue for more on Dazzler, and the beginning of the next big story arc.
- Jeff Melton
Part II: Assemble!
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE: The Champions travelled to the Soviet Union in order to free Bucky, after learning that he had been held there for years. When they returned to the states, they were met by Ironman, who insisted that they submit to a debriefing. This led to a conflict, initially with Ironman. But now the Avengers have arrived”¦
# # # # # # # # # #
♪ Theme Music: “Draw the Line” By Aerosmith♪
In Los Angeles, California, Ironman lies unconscious at Hercules’ feet, even as Black Goliath and the Angel stand around behind him. Angel has knelt down to inspect the unconscious Avenger, to make sure that he wasn’t hurt too bad from Hercules’ blow to the helmet. However, as the other Champions pile in behind them, they are greeted by the sight of the Avengers””Hawkeye, Yellowjacket, the Wasp, Black Panther, the Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man!
“You’d better hope he’s not hurt, wings!” Hawkeye cautions, his bow pulled back, with an arrow pointed directly at the Angel.
“I don’t take threats too well, Hawkeye,” the Angel responds. “Put the bow away, or I’ll have to make you eat it!”
“Hold on, Clint,” Wanda says softly, stepping forward. “I know Angel from the days he was with the X-Men. We even fought him a number of times when we were working with Magneto. He’s”¦.”
“Not interested, lady!” Hawkeye responds. “In case you hadn’t noticed, they dropped Ironman! I ain’t taking any lip outta this guy!”
“Thy threatening tone will not be tolerated!” Hercules calls out, gesturing towards Hawkeye. “Much as I enjoy the bow, “˜twould be a shame indeed to break thy bow o’er thy head!”
“Wait a minute, Hercules,” the Black Widow says, her left hand gently touching Hercules on his right bicep.
“Too late for that, “Tasha!” Hawkeye responds, firing his arrow at Hercules’ feet. Instantly, a surge of energy shoots through Hercules’ body, as he is hit with an electrical discharge that sends a blinding flash of light through the afternoon sky! “I’m puttin’ this loudmouth down now!”
“That tears it!” the Angel takes to the air, slamming his body into Hawkeye, sending him crashing to the ground! “We were trying to avoid this, but Tony Stark’s bodyguard started the whole thing, trying to bring our plane out of the sky! Looks like we can’t reason with you either!”
Hawkeye rolls over on his back, rolling with the impact of the blow, and uses his legs to flip the Angel over his shoulders! “I ain’t interested in what you like or don’t like!” Hawkeye replies.
“This conflict could have been avoided, Widow!” the Black Panther comments, grabbing the Black Widow’s arm and holding onto her. “We needed to bring you all to the Pentagon for a debriefing on your unauthorized mission to the Soviet Union. Were you trying to start an international incident?!”
“No, T’Challa, we weren’t!” Black Widow. “And we could have explained the whole thing to Ironman if he hadn’t come in so strong.”
“What could have been important enough to send you to Russia”¦at the risk of starting an all-out nuclear war?!” Black Panther demands, still holding onto her arm.
“Let go of my arm, T’Challa!” Black Widow returns, lifting her leg and slamming her knee into his mid-section! “We had to go to the Soviet Union to rescue a friend!”
“A friend?!” Black Panther replies, grabbing her by the back of the calf before she can move her leg. He leans forward, pinning her to the ground. “One of your former operatives? Is that what this is about”¦a defection?!”
Black Widow, her arm and leg pinned to the ground, struggles against the Panther’s superior strength. She twists her body, and kicks him in the back of the head with her free leg. “˜Is this your idea of a debriefing, Panther?!”
“Don’t avoid the question, Widow!” the Black Panther responds. “If you stop struggling and give me some answers”¦”
“I’ve got your answers!” the Winter Soldier responds, leaping across the distance between them, and kicking the Black Panther in the side of the face, even as he turns to the sound of Bucky’s voice. “She came to save me from the reds!”
As they continue to fight, Hercules steps forward, unharmed from the energy attack. As he steps menacingly towards Hawkeye, Wonder Man steps in front of him, putting his hand out in a gesture to try to stop Hercules. “Wait a minute, big guy!” Wonder Man says in a calm tone. “I know Hawkeye can be a pain, but he’s a friend of mine. There’s no reason to”¦”
“Out of my way!” Hercules returns. “I warned thy comrade what would happen if he dared attack the prince of power!” So saying, Hercules back-hands Wonder Man, driving him back a few steps.
“Hold on, Hercules!” Wonder Man responds, grabbing Hercules by the wrist. “If I have to, I’ll show you why they say I hit like Thor’s hammer!”
“Indeed?” Hercules asks, suddenly intrigued by what Wonder Man is saying. “I think thou art a braggart for so saying.” A smile crosses Hercules’ face, as he slams his fist into Wonder Man’s jaw, sending him flying back into a ten-story building behind them, shaking it to its very foundations! “But, a challenge like thine is hard to refuse. Have at thee!”
# # # # # # # # # #
INTERLUDE
♪ Theme Music: “Life’s Been Good!” By Joe Walsh♪
A short distance away, in the Hollywood district, an elaborate mansion houses a group of villains that Ares is putting together. Moving through the mansion, in a large living room, Whiplash sits on a plush sofa, watching a large television screen. Seated near him, in a recliner, is Rampage. They are leaning forward, paying close attention to the football game on the television screen.
“I wonder what Ares and that fine chick Satana have planned for us?” Rampage muses, uncorking another bottle of fine wine.
“Does it matter?” Whiplash asks. “I’ve never even seen a T.V. this big!” He leans over, drinking a large mug of beer. “But I’m okay with it, whatever it is! I know they want us to fight some chumps, and I’m ready for action!”
Down the hallway is a recreation room, where the Orb sits in a heated whirlpool, his head leaning back onto a plush pillow. His mask lies on the tile behind him. He closes his eyes, enjoying the high life. Across from him, the Fly sits in the whirlpool as well, drinking down a cold beer.
“She told the truth,” the Orb thinks to himself, running his hands along his whiskered face. “She healed my face completely. I haven’t felt this human since the accident that transformed me into the Orb!”
“Man, this is the life!” the Fly comments, smiling. “All we need is some hot babes to make this even better! As soon as I finish this gig, I’m going to buy me a place like this.”
Outside, on an immaculate lawn, the shapely Madam Masque is playing crocket with Roosevelt (Incinerator), as Phobos looks on with interest. She leans over, striking the hard crocket ball with her mallet, sending it through two arches skillfully.
“Not bad,” Roosevelt offers, holding onto the handle of his crocket hammer a bit tighter with every successful shot his opponent makes.
“So you keep saying,” she smiles under her mask. “And yet, the game is almost finished.”
“I admire your competitive spirit,” Enyalios remarks, holding a metal horseshoe in his hand. “Although your lifespan is finite, you mortals tend to make the most of the time you have.”
“That’s the only way we know how to do it,” Roosevelt responds, not even looking over at Ares’ son.
“We try to make the most of what we have,” Madam Masque adds, with an icy chill to her voice. “But we enjoy the same pleasures that you enjoy. We just enjoy them more fully.”
“An interesting notion,” Enyalios responds with a smile. “Perhaps we could test that theory”¦?”
“Brother!” Phobos calls out, gesturing at the metal pole, where his horseshoe lies. “If you can tear yourself away from your diversions, it is your turn to continue our own contest.”
Enyalios rolls his eyes contemptuously. “Yes, of course,” he replies. “It would seem that my brother never tires of losing our contests. But, why should I deny him his opportunity to be humbled? Such has occurred since his birth.”
“Your boasting belies your abilities,” Phobos responds. “Why not see how close you can get to the target”¦if you can stop overestimating your limited abilities long enough.”
Satana pulls a robe over her nude body, as she rises from the bed, where Ares lies, his lower torso covered with blankets. He watches a monitoring screen attached to the wall, which displays the members of his villain team, located inside and outside of the mansion that he and the lovely Satana have commandeered.
“They seem to be largely enjoying their brief moment of wealth,” Satana comments, looking on with a knowing gaze. She is familiar with the desires of men, having fulfilled””at least temporarily””many of them over time. “Except, of course, your sons.”
“Aye,” Ares replies with a nod. “They will quibble amongst themselves. But, on the way when we battle the Champions, they will be as effective as any of the others.”
“I must admit, Ares,” Satana comments, sitting back on the bed, sitting on Ares’ still-covered lap, as she runs her long nails along his chest. “I was surprised that you brought them here.”
“Why not?” Ares asks. “Allow them to dream their dreams. That will make them all the more eager to do our work.”
“I love the way your mind works,” Satana says, as she leans forward, kissing Ares. Even as they continues to kiss deeply, Ares’ hands move forward, unfastening the tie to her robe, as his hands run along her body.
END OF INTERLUDE
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♪ Theme Music: “Hold the Line!” By Toto ♪
Ghost Rider rides through the streets on his flaming motor cycle, his chilling skull looking forward, as his whole body trails hellish flames in his wake. Flames erupt from his eye sockets, blasting forward towards the Vision, striking the floating figure in the chest, driving him back!
“I’m not going to sit here and watch my team get attacked for rescuing a war hero from the Soviets!” Ghost Rider remarks, as he continues forward, jumping over an overturned ‘76 Pinto, and landing directly on the other side.
“This conflict could be avoided,” the Vision responds, as he levitates back into the air. Solar energy explodes from his eyes, striking Ghost Rider in the chest, knocking him from his motor cycle, as he skids onto the ground, his motorcycle overturning! “Stop fighting and let us discuss the situation. I am certain that a reasonable resolution can be reached.”
“You have no idea what the Soviet Union is like!” Darkstar responds sharply, gesturing towards the Vision, as dark energy is emitted from her fingertips”¦energy that slams into the Vision, driving him back into a brick wall!
“Vision!” Scarlet Witch screams out, gesturing towards the ground. Immediately, her powers alter probabilities, causing an underground water pipe below their feet to burst. When it does so, the contained water pressure shoots upwards with tremendous force, striking the lovely Darkstar in the face and her upper body, drenching her and driving her back before she can erect a force field!
Iceman, looking on with concern, immediately goes into action, creating an ice bridge that takes him to her. He catches her with one arm, and with the other, he turns the water into ice, immediately stopping the breach in the pipes and leaving an ice sculpture where shooting water once existed.
“Are you okay?” Iceman asks, looking down at the Russian beauty in his arm.
Her eyes open, and a smile crosses her face. “I’m fine, Bobby,” she replies. “You can let me go now.”
“Do I have to?” he asks, grinning.
“There will be time for that later, Bobby,” she says in response, taking to the air, and directing her dark energy at Scarlet Witch, who is now leaning towards the Vision, who is stirring from the punishment he received earlier. The dark energy engulfs Scarlet Witch, sweeping over her like a shadow. When it has drifted away from her, she is lying on the concrete, unconscious.
The Vision rises from the rubble, his eyes blazing with fury, as his face holds a stern, serious expression. He emits crimson beams from his eyes, shooting the bridge out from under Iceman, causing him to fall towards the ground.
“You have erred in striking the Scarlet Witch,” the Vision warns coldly, as he continues to fire at Iceman, who erects another bridge to catch himself. “It will be a costly mistake.”
“This fella’s relentless!” Iceman thinks, as he quickly puts up a solid ice shield to block the next blast from the Vision, aimed directly at him. “I have to put up an extra thick shield, or”¦” The shield explodes, sending ice shards in all directions, and the feedback strikes Iceman, sending him crashing to the ground! Fortunately for Iceman, he was much closer to the ground than he had been previously. He falls to the ground, and gets up slowly, making it to his hands and knees. “Whoa!” Iceman comments, rubbing his head. “I feel like I just got hit by Cyke’s optic blasts.”
Even as the Vision moves in on Iceman, hovering over him, Ghost Rider has returned to his bike, and rides up behind them with grim determination. He gestures forward, sending waves of hellfire into the Vision’s back, striking him and flooding him with the unnatural, burning fires. Vision’s face contorts into pain from the experience.
The Vision turns, still flying, even as Ghost Rider sits on the bike below him. “I have never encountered fire like yours,” the Vision remarks. “I do not think I will tolerate the feel of it again.”
So saying the Vision flies down, towards Ghost Rider, who rides his bike sharply to the left, avoiding the Vision’s lunge. Ghost Rider’s bike tilts sharply, as fire trails behind him, completing a full circle to avoid the Vision’s attack. However, as fast as the Ghost Rider’s bike is, and as expert as is his riding, the Vision moves faster, and with more mobility, flying around him. He leans forward, his arm become immaterial, as he sends it into the Ghost Rider’s back.
“What the”¦?!” Ghost Rider asks, skidding his bike to a stop, even as he reaches back with one hand to stave off the Vision’s attack. “What are you doing?!”
“I will end this conflict quickly,” the Vision remarks, as he inserts his hand into Ghost Rider’s back. He slowly solidifies his hand, seeking to disrupt Ghost Rider’s molecules. However, the Vision soon realizes that the Ghost Rider does not have a human body. His body is soon engulfed in the hellfire, as he throws his head back in pain. The Vision falls from the sky, landing hard on the concrete beneath him.
For his part, Ghost Rider shakes slightly, his flame flickering off and on for a moment, as he shakes his head. “I don’t know what that was,” he utters. “But I will not feel it again.”
Behind them, Black Panther and the Winter Soldier exchange blows. Black Panther kicks Captain America’s former partner in the stomach, driving him back. “I have no use for communists either,” the Black Panther says with disdain. “It troubles me that some African nations are leaning towards Marxism”¦”
The Winter Soldier leaps into the air, as the Panther’s next kick sweeps under him. “Then, why are you fighting us? I won’t tolerate you manhandling Natasha”¦we go way back!” the Winter Soldier comments. “˜I don’t know you, but you look familiar somehow.”
“We fight only because you will not comply with your government’s request,” Black Panther responds, blocking Winter Soldier’s next blow with his forearm. “If you are who you claim to be, you are a soldier.”
“Oh, I’ve heard it all before,” the Winter Soldier responds sharply, hitting the Black Panther in the face with his metallic arm, sending him flying back, smashing into the side of a building. “I don’t follow orders anymore. I’m not that man anymore!”
Before Black Panther can get to his feet, still in a crouching position, the Winter Soldier is upon him, kicking him in the pit of the stomach, slamming him back into the brick wall again. “I’m sure some things have changed since the last time I was in the States,” Winter Soldier comments, “but in my time this used to be a free country!”
“It still is!”
The Winter Soldier immediately turns around, although still holding onto the stunned Black Panther by the shirt. As he turns, he is greeted by the sight of Captain America, walking beside Nick Fury, dressed in his blue SHIELD uniform.
“Cap?!” Winter Soldier asks, letting go of Black Panther, even as the others stop their fighting as well. Ironman walks up to the trio of heroes, who are converging together. “Fury?!”
“How ya doin’, kid?” Nick asks, his cigar dangling from the side of his mouth.
“Is he who he claims to be?” Ironman asks, looking over at Cap and Fury.
“Oh, he’s Bucky all right!” Fury returns. “When we pulled up, we were scannin’ him from the Helicarrier. He’s the genuine article.”
“Bucky?” Cap asks, as the two old friends draw closer. “There have been so many frauds over the years, so many dashed hopes”¦”
The two draw closer, hugging, as Fury looks on, amused.
“I hate to break up this moment,” Fury says, “but we’ve got to talk to the kid, and find out what we can about his confinement.”
“Do you mind Fury doing the debriefing?” Cap asks.
“All you had to do was ask, Cap!” Bucky responds.
“I’m coming along,” Black Widow interjects. “I might even be able to fill in some gaps where I can.”
“All right, “˜Tasha,” Fury responds, as they turn to leave. “You talked me into it.”
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EPILOGUE
♪ Theme Music: “Night Fever!” By The Bee Gees ♪
Seated at a table in the front row of tables near a large stage, Warren Worthington takes another sip of his Seagram’s seven and seven, as the Champion’s publicist sits across the table from him, taking another drink of beer. Warren wears a black suit, with a white shirt. The publicist wears a plaid suit jacket and kaki slacks. His shirt has its top two buttons unbuttoned.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this!” Warren remarks, taking another sip of his drink, even as he flinches from the sound of disco music bombarding his ears. “Youknow how much I hate this”¦music.”
“If I didn’t know it before, Warren baby,” the publicist responds with a smile, “I’d know it now, “˜cause that’s all I’ve been hearing for the past ten minutes. But look at this great seat we’ve got. You’ll be able to see her, and to take in her performance. This is ring-side, Warren! You know, it’s only the best with me!”
Warren rolls his eyes, as he throws back the last of his drink, and motions for the waitress who is passing by to bring him another drink. The waitress looks at him with a seductive smile. She nods and turns away slowly, making her way up to the bar.
“It’s about to start, Warren!” the publicist says, trying to talk above the music, even as a band starts to play. The lights go dim, and both men turn to the stage. As they do so, lights swirl around, crisscrossing first the stage, and then the entire interior of the building.
“These lights”¦” Warren comments thoughtfully, as his eyes scan the stage and the interior of the building. “Where are they coming from? I don’t see any interior lighting that can be making these kinds of lighting patterns”¦”
“Yeah, she’s something else!” the publicist responds, enthusiastically, as he gestures up towards the stage. “She’s known for having the best light show around!”
“What did you say she calls herself?” Warren asks, as they turn to the stage, where they see a lovely woman, dressed in a silver costume, with blue facial makeup around her eyes.
“The Dazzler!” the publicist says, amid the roar of the crowds.
END OF EPILOGUE
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NEXT ISSUE: More on the Dazzler, plus a new story arc featuring one of the Champions’ villains, and one of the 70’s new teams. Be here for that!
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CABLES OF CHAMPIONS
Dazzler was one of those unique 70’s phenomena. I remember the advertisements for her debut back in the 70’s, and the length of time it took for her first comic to hit the stands. The art in the first couple of issues was very nice John Romita Jr. artwork, and it even featured the Enchantress (although you’d have to wonder why they thought she’d stand a chance against the Enchantress of all people, but I’m sure it was just a matter of getting her a villainess to fight).
Anyway, Dazzler was created to capitalize on the disco era, and even had the KISS-style makeup. Ironically, though, by the time they actually got her book out (which was originally going to be called Disco Dazzler), the disco era had pretty much ended. But, given that this series is set in the heart of the disco era, it only makes sense that we’ll see signs of that time. I remember it was a big thing (for good or bad, depending on who you asked) in 1978.
Dazzler was actually conceptualized early in the disco era (mid-70’s), although her debut happened later in that decade. Her first visual, with the flowing long hair, was definitely my favorite, and that’s what you should be visualizing her in her appearance.
Her appearance this issue will also be a foreshadowing of some things you’ll be seeing in upcoming issues, as well as prominent guest-stars. I plan on tying into a very specific storyline that was going on in the late 70s soon, and tying up a couple of my own storylines as well. I hope you enjoy the ride. Be here next issue for more on Dazzler, and the beginning of the next big story arc.
- Jeff Melton