Alpha Squads
Issue #12 – Secrets
Unknown Laboratory – Ground Flight
Radius stood there trying to get his bearings. A lot has happened in a short amount of time. It all started with him heading out to help his brother, Adrian to find his apartment trashed and him missing. He did find his old Alpha Flight teammate Murmur there responding to a distress call from Adrian. From there they discovered a note and a conspiracy of Flight members vanishing. This lead them to cross paths with Nemessis, who had also been part of the Flight program and was also investigating after the death of her lover, Yukon Jack.
After teaming up and a run in at where Whitman Knapp worked, Nemessis and Radius found themselves alone and Murmur and Manikin having been taken. They found a device and headed to Ground Flight Industries for help from Jodi and Sean Bernard. Not only were the Bernard's like god parents to Nemessis, but they had been part of Department H's pilot team, Fist Flight as Groundhog and Stitch. Sean had found a way to use the device to teleport them to the signals origin. To Nemessis and Radius' surprise, the Bernard's joined them donning costumes again after all this time.
After teleporting the Ground Flight team found themselves in a dark laboratory. On one side of the room were twelve glass tubes holding figures within them. Before they could get a better look, a dark and viscous creature had jumped out of nowhere, placing itself between them and the tubes. His look and threats made it clear that he was going to do severe harm to them. Ground Flight knew that they had to defeat this creature, see who was in those tubes and find out exactly where they were. Only then would they know who was behind the kidnappings and where they were being held.
"Who are you and what have you done with our friends?" Nemessis asked she swung her sword at the creature.
"Not sure who you're referring to but I assure you that you are trespassing and will be punished," the creature said leaping out of the way and swatting her into the wall.
"You will pay for that fowl creature," Groundhog said as he fired off a few blasts form his suit's gauntlets.
The creature dodges with ease and picked up a large chair and threw it at Groundhog. Sean barely moved in time to avoid the chair but was unable to avoid the fast moving creature. The creature landed right in front of him and picked him up by the collar glaring straight into his eyes. Sean now had a good look at the monster. It had sharp teeth and claws and its fur was blue with a very black tint to it. If he knew any better he would have sworn it was Beast of the X-Men if not for the discoloring fur.
"You can call me Doc, and it will be you who pays," the Dark Beast snarled.
Stitch gasped at the sight of her husband in danger. She looked around and saw a pile of small knives on a table across the room. She called forth her powers and yanked on the knives with all her might. The knives flew across the room and implanted themselves in the Dark Beast's back causing him to howl and drop her husband. The beast jumped up into the air and grabbed onto the ceiling as he tried to pull the knives out. Stitch ran up to Sean and helped him up.
"Not only am I out of practice but severely out of shape for this," Sean laughed trying to catch his breath.
"We need to get out of here," Stitch said with worry in her voice.
Radius made his way to the tubes. He noticed that the tubes had labels on each of them. The one in front of him said Cancer. He glanced into the tube and could almost make out the face of the person inside. He got closer and peered inside. He stepped back and stumbled. He couldn't find his voice or his composure.
"That's my," Jared began to say when he was suddenly pushed into the wall with great force. If it weren't for his personal shield, it might have killed him.
The Dark Beast snarled at Jared and then looked over at the other three invaders approaching him. He laughed and jumped over to a table near the twelve tubes. He picked up a devise and pressed a button. The tubes began to open up as smoked swirled out from them. In a matter of seconds the twelve figures came to life and stepped out from their glass gages. Dark Beast snarled and then pointed his fingers at the four Ground Flight members.
"Zodiac, attack!" Dark Beast shouted as the twelve figures ignited with power and overwhelmed the four Flight members.
Headquarters Training Room – Team Alpha
Protector watched as his team went trough training exercises. They were working well despite their team's roster shake up. They had lost Earthmover and Ghost Girl to Department H and the Auric persona had been killed leaving Silver without one of their powers. Despite that, Silver has gained from the experience. Without the heat powers hindering the other powers, Silver's cold powers are stronger and Hedison's intellect comes through more giving them better ideas of how to use their powers. They had also gained a member, Commander.
Commander was actually Kara Killgrave, the Alphan known as Persuasion. During the battle with Weapon Superior she had been injected with nanites that had merged with her system rendering her powerless. Not trusting Department H, Kara had quit and Puck had helped her get out and secretly join Team Alpha. She wore a purple battle suit that not only made her look male, but gave her powers similar to her old ones. By joining her team, James with the input of old friends of his, had been trying to study a way to get rid of the nanites and get her old powers back. Until then, she battled as Commander never revealing to anyone who was under the suit.
Protector didn't know how long that secret would last but he knew the moment it did, Department H may not like it. James watched as his team battled the training robots. Kara had fallen easily into her new persona and was showing signs of naturally being a leader. James wasn't sure if it was her or if the team was respecting a guy named Commander, either way they were coming together great as a team.
Sliver hovered in the air as a robot approached them. They were about to use their freezing powers when they paused, as if receiving a sudden thought about something. Silver held out their hands and you could see a little but for frost come out. Suddenly the robot stood in place and then hit the ground breaking open. Silver had caused the robot to freeze from the inside out. James thought it was a very impressive move.
Commander shot a blast form her suit and hit a robot. She shouted at it to power down and it did. She then flew near it and knocked it over with a swift punch. She then landed near Switch who had taken down two robots with ease with her swords. Switch then moved closer to the Commander.
"Your armor seems similar in design to that of Protector's battle suit," Swift said eyeing Commander carefully.
"It should. Like Protectors, your father built then one too," Commander said.
"He is not my father," Swift glared at the Commander.
"True, but your mom did may Sean so that makes him your step-father," Commander said teasingly.
Swift didn't like this man. He seemed to know stuff that she didn't want him knowing. Swift also had a feeling there was something Commander was hiding. She knew his powers came from the suit but her instincts told her to test her theory out. Switch made eye contact with Commander and then called forth her powers.
"Look at Switch," Rebound said as everyone stopped to stare.
Switch glanced at her reflection in her sword. Her skin had turned purple. That was odd. She looked back at her teammates and shouted at them to quit staring. A sudden pulse of power went out and she noticed her teammates had all turned purple and had been facing different directions. That clinched it, Commander was not powerless. Switch jumped quickly and great precision knocked the Commander down and ripper of his helmet with her swords.
"Kara?" Snowbird asked.
"Commander's a girl?" Rebound swore feeling suddenly weird.
"What's going on here?" Switch demanded as James ran into the room.
"Guess the secrets out," Kara said looking at James.
"I guess so," James said as he began to explain to the team what was going on.
Department H – Team Alpha
"Thank you all for coming," Director X said as the members of Alpha Flight entered the room and took their seats opposite the Director and Madam Q.
Puck made eye contact with the Director as he helped Heather take her seat. Puck knew that there was something behind those eyes but he couldn't place it. He finally agreed with Mac that the Director was up to something, but what he didn't know. He knew that there was a spy placed in Team Alpha but he had yet to figure it out. Looking into those eyes he almost felt that the Director knew he knew and that he was also a spy for Mac. He would have to play it safe for awhile.
"Glad you are feeling better, Heather," Director X said taking his eyes from Puck to Heather.
"Yes, ribs are a tad sore but pretty much all healed up," Heather said as she looked at the others around the table.
"We all know we suffered a huge hit from Weapon Superior. Nothing we can do now but move on," Madam Q said.
"Are we just going to let him get away?" Diamond Lil asked.
"No, but we will get him in due time. We have some pressing matters we need to cover today," Madam Q said.
"Madam Q is right; I've some things we need to cover. First, Lou Sadler and his state of health," Director X said.
"Doc Brown is tending to him but he's not sure he'll be able to reverse his bran damage. We thought about bringing in the mystics to give it a try," Madam Q said.
"I'm sure Shaman or Dr. Strange might be of help," Puck said.
"No, I don't want to bother them. Let's try our in house team first and then beg for outside help," Direct X said with a tone that dismissed any more talk.
"On a positive note, our two knew members are fitting in quite well. Lilli has joined Beta Flight and has made great progress in her training and working with the other students," Diamond Lil said as Aurora nodded.
"That's great to hear, and how about our other newest member?" Director X asked looking over at Earthmover.
"Doing great, sir. Beatrice has helped me get familiar with Gamma Flight. I really enjoy working with all those little kids. Feels better than what I used to do," Chuck said trying to sound too happy at taking over Major Mapleleaf's position as leader of Gamma Flight.
"Great to hear, Chuck. I know you'll be a great asset to the children. As you all know some changes have occurred with Omega Flight," Director X said.
"I still think it's unfair to pull Eugene from the team," Heather said.
"Unfair? How many times can we allow his bad decisions to cause failure to his team not to mention his getting injured all the time? How many more lives must be lost?" Madam Q shouted.
"I didn't mean for all that to happen," Puck said growing angry with Madam Q.
"We didn't do it, Weapon Superior did," Heather shouted.
"That's enough!" Director X shouted cutting off Madam Q before she could respond.
"Sorry," Madam Q said glaring at the others across from her.
"Now Madam Q will be leading all team missions while Puck will monitor and give tactical from a desk here at Department H. Ms Mass has been equipped with an exoskeleton to use her legs and will join the other four members of Omega Flight. We will keep the team small and see if that works better," Director X said.
"Yes, and soon we will be going on a covert mission to track down Weapon Superior," Madam Q said.
"What leads do we have?" Puck asked, taken by surprise at the announcement.
"That is classified. You will be filled in when the time is right," Director X said.
"We know he'll come after us eventually. Any plans for Epsilon Flight or added security?" Feedback asked.
"We'll be ready," Guardian spoke up for the first time.
"What are you talking about? Does this have something to do with Northstar's absence?" Heather asked.
"Guardian, would you like to bring in our newest team and last line of defense," Director X smiled.
"May a present to you, Z Flight," Guardian said as a door opened and twelve figures walked in.
Heather and the rest of Alpha Flight stared in amazement. Each of the twelve members of Z Flight wore black suits with a white "Z" on their chest. Each member's boots and gloves matched the color of a stone in their forehead. Heather and Puck recognized every member and were surprised by who they were. First was Northstar who had a black onyx in his forehead. It was clear that he was not only a co-leader of Z Flight but an active member. They glanced down the rest of the team, identifying them.
Plato wore a turquoise turquoise. Windshear had a red diamond. Flex had a silver peril. Double Trouble both wore green moss agate. Wild Child had a gold ruby. Highbrow had a blue sapphire. Marrina wore a sea green moonstone. Killspree had a purple topaz. Wyre had a maroon opal. Apeman had a pink emerald while the last member, Murmur had a green and dark brown sardonyx. It was an amazing sight and Heather was at a loss for words.
"Flex, what made you join this team? I thought you quit this business?" Puck asked the new Z Flight member.
"He doesn't answer to you," Guardian said quickly.
"Guardian, take Z flight out for a training session. The rest of you can watch if you like but I need to take this call," Director X said as a phone buzzed next to him, "We'll finish the rest later."
"Something doesn't seem right with them," Puck said to Heather as they all cleared the room.
"Eugene, you're starting to sound like Mac. Better watch yourself," Heather said.
"I know, sorry. Hey you go along with the others. I need to check on something. I'll catch up with you all later," Eugene said as he doubled back around to the Director's office.
"So, Persuasion has actually joined Team Alpha. I had a feeling about that and I'm not surprised Puck had a part in that," Director X's voice came from behind the door.
Puck was shocked by what he heard and knew that the traitor must be on the phone. Puck cracked the door and peered in to see a face on the monitor. Puck bit his tongue, stopping from giving himself away. The person on the monitor was the last person he thought would betray him or Team Alpha. Puck's face swarmed with tears and anger as he saw his daughter's face upon the monitor talking to the Director.
"Yes, and I believe they are getting ready to make a move on Department H again," Rebound said.
"It doesn't matter. The time has come, carry out your mission now," Director X said as he disconnected the phone line.
Puck ran at top speed and made it to his room. He had to call Mac and fast. Puck tapped his foot as the phone rang. How could Zuzah do that to him? Telling James what was about to happen was hard on him, but it was going to be harder telling him that it was his daughter who was doing it. Finally the phone picked up and a man's voice said hello.
"James, thank God you're there," Puck said gasping for air.
"What's going on?" James asked.
"I know who the traitor is. It's hard to believe but its Rebound. Saw proof with my own eyes. She has been instructed to do something; you need to find her fast. I'm on my way," Puck said as they quickly ended their call.
"Going somewhere?" Director X asked walking into Puck's room.
"I," Puck began to say as a force of gravity pinned him to the wall cutting off his air.
"I think we need to discuss your future here at Department H," Director X said as he entered Puck's room shutting the door behind him.
Elsewhere in Department H
Heather was almost to the training room when she heard a noise. She turned to see a young girl running down the hall. Heather recognized her as Ghost Girl and she had three other students behind her. Heather recognized their outfits as members of Beta Flight. Heather shouted at them and flew at them blocking off their escape plan.
"What is going on?" Heather asked.
"Heather, we have to get out of here. Something bad is in the basement," Ghost Girl said.
"What are you talking about? Why are you guys not with the rest of Beta Flight?" Heather asked.
"We don't have time," a girl known as Spark said.
"You better make time," Heather glared at the four members of Beta Flight.
"There are rumors of a monster in a secret basement lab. So we went to check it out and we found a secret door. We were almost there when we heard a weird noise and saw a hairy creature. It started to slaughter the other members of Beta Flight that were with us. We were the only ones to get out of there alive," Ghost Girl cried.
"I can't believe Tom, Sally and Monique are dead," the boy Heather knew as Spitfire said.
"Okay, show me where this basement is and I'll check it out. Then I want you all to go to your rooms," Heather said as Lilli began to lead the way.
"We're staying with you. I want payback," the real thin boy known as Mastodon said.
Heather was getting tired of arguing with the kids when they finally came to a hidden door. Heather powered up her suit as she made her way down. She knew the kids were right behind her but she didn't have time to argue. She could hear something below the steps and she had to check it out. Soon she found herself in a hallway that leads towards a door. Along the hallway she could see blood spots. Her stomached turned as Spark's whimpers confirmed who those spots belonged to.
"I want you all to stay right here. You hear anything you run for help," Heather instructed as Ghost Girl nodded.
Heather entered the room and found herself in a large laboratory. She had a feeling some bad things were going on down here. She noticed twelve empty tubes and wondered what had been in them. Her thoughts ended when she saw five figures bound in cages. They were obviously drugged and unconscious. What shocked Heather was that she knew them. Major Mapleleaf, Groundhog, Stitch, Nemessis and Radius were being held prisoner, but to whom?
"Heather, I wish you would never have seen this," a voice said from behind her.
"Doc Brown, how could you? Wait till the Director hears about this," Heather asked as she saw the man walk out of the shadows, blood on his hands and face.
"Oh, you're not going anywhere," Doc Brown growled as his image faded and his true form was revealed.
"Dark Beast!" Heather screamed as the creature leapt at her with great speed.
Team Alpha Headquarters
"Zuzha, how could you do this to me and your father?" Mac said stepping into the room.
Rebound jumped with a start. She could have sworn that she had been alone. Now, standing in the doorway was Protector and Commander. She looked around and saw no way out but through them. She looked at Protector and then at the device in her hand. She knew what she had to do, but hated it just the same.
"I'm sorry, James, but I have to do this," Rebound said.
"Why? Is the Director blackmailing you?" James asked
"Does it matter? She's a traitor and should be dealt with," Commander said.
"Wait, Kara. Zuzha, is Director X blackmailing you? We can help you, you don't have to do this," Protector said moving slowly towards Rebound.
"Stop where you are. It doesn't matter what you think, but I have to do this," Rebound said thinking of her father. The Director had made promises that if she did as he asked her father would remain safe and he would bring her mother back.
"Zuzha, please," Protector said and then made his move. A powerful blast destroyed the devise and Commander quickly had Rebound pinned down.
"It's over," Commander laughed.
"Yes, for you," Rebound said as she muttered a few words they recognized as magical.
In a burst of flame Rebound vanished as the ground began to shake. Through his visor he could see great heat signatures forming and preparing to burst through the ground. Protector hit a few buttons setting off the emergency evacuation alarm.
"Team Alpha, get out now," Protector screamed into his com as his vision went red as his headquarters and the surrounding ten mile radius exploded in flames as a red beam of fire projected up into the heavens.
Next: Read Demon Storm #1 – Demon Storm – Part One
Then be back here for Issue #13 – Demon Storm – Part Six