Power Pack

Issue #35 – Home Sweet Home

Power Residence – or what's left of it

"I can't believe my eyes," James Power said as he pulled into their driveway.

"No," Margaret cried as she saw what was left of her home and covered her face with her hands and finally gave in to her emotions.

Margaret and her family had been through a lot over the years, ever since her children had come in contact with an alien that had infused them with great power. Over the years, behind her back, her children were out learning how to use their powers to fight crime and villains that were out there. It was tough on her knowing something was up with her children and not truly knowing what is was or why she was being shut out. She should have picked up on it faster, especially after suddenly her kids had become friends with Franklin and then the Fantastic Four becoming a part of their lives as good friends. What made it even tougher, was when she and her husband learned the truth and then had to deal with their kids having powers, being out there fighting for their lives and even dragging them on the occasional trip into space.

Margaret knew she would be lying if she said she wasn't glad that Alex had originally moved away and went to school in California. She was sad and knew something was really bothering her eldest and wanted to hold him so but a result of all this, her children had stopped fighting crime and actually focused on the real world and normal lives. Margaret even found it great being able to hang out with Sue, Reed, Franklin and the newest addition, Valeria without it having to be connected to an Earth saving mission. Margaret had come to accept and move on with her life as being truly normal again in a nice home when things changed a little over a year ago with the death of the kid's grandfather.

She had been sad with his death but it had also brought her family back together. Alex returned home, and upon another brief adventure in space, had re-bonded with his siblings, chose to move back home and came out to them. She had always known and had suspected that was what drove him to find himself in California, but was glad that he accepted as much as the rest of his family had. Despite having her family back together, her kids once again decided to continue to go out and fight crime. Margaret handled it better since they were all older and better at their powers now. She always thought things would get dull once she hit her fifties but the last year had been nothing but that.

There had been battles with demons and the return of the dreaded Boogey-Man on top of the kids losing a dear friend, but there had been some good moments too. They had finally found and been introduced to Jesse, Alex's partner as well as Julie finally becoming happy and confident and gaining a best friend, Samantha Jackson, who had gone missing after the Demon Storm. On top of all this, she and Jim both, along with Jesse had been granted powers themselves as well as celebrating their youngest son finally graduating from high school and watching her eldest get married. All truly seemed blessed, until a man with gold skin appeared in her living room, putting a huge hole in her roof and then whisking them off into space to fight for the universe and her family's lives.

It seemed that her children and the Richard's children had all been possessed by some kind of power gems and a very bad man was after them and the universe. Most of it still confused her but in the end they had a final showdown with not only this bad man but her husband's ex-boss, the Boogey-Man, as he was now called. She doesn't remember anything more than going into that battle. Supposedly, she and her children had been killed along with almost every hero in that room. In the end, the altered daughter of Reed and Sue with help of the Avenger known as Sersi who had sacrificed her life, had put a stop to the bad man and the gems. Not only had that great woman died to save the universe, but she had brought all of them back to life, including her children. And as awful a thought it was to believe she and her family had died, the power of the sacrifice had also erased the memories and feelings of the moment of their deaths. It was a grateful feeling to not have to live with those moments and she thanked God and Sersi for her family's second chance at life.

Thankful for it all to be over and to have her family back with her, her dream came to a quick end. Right before they left, her son Alex and his husband Jesse had decided not to return with them. She about blew a casket along with her husband James. They were not about to let their son be so far from home, especially when that meant traveling the galaxy. According to her son, Boogey-Man was still out there with that bad man and he had to help the others track them down and put a stop to them once and for all. She couldn't let him go after finally getting him back, but she realized he was now a grown adult and a super heroes and she would have to trust he could handle himself and return back to her. So she and the rest of the family had wished them well and let them go. Thankfully she had Sue Richards to help cope with on their long journey back to Earth.

Their daughter, Valeria had also stayed behind. Margaret didn't know the full details, but it would appear that Valeria was actually their daughter from an alternate future who had come back, died and was granted a second chance at life by being reborn as an infant again. After the sacrifice of Sersi, she had been reverted back to her true older self and had left Sue to lose her baby girl once again. Margaret could never understand the kind of stuff that the Fantastic Four experience and go through and was glad. What she has gone through was more than she could handle now. With the two mothers talking, they had arrived at a much better place when they arrived back at the Baxter Building.

Reed had given them a minivan, with some added features and plug-in port for Friday for them to travel back home in, normally. They had said good-byes to the Richard's and knowing their sadness over Valeria, Margaret had assured Sue that Franklin was welcomed over to hang with Kat and the others anytime. Sue thanked her, for they knew losing his sister was taking a toll on him. As they got into the minivan Margaret took notice of the two that had come back with them. A boy about Julie's age calling himself Ricochet and a girl calling herself Spider-Girl had hitched a ride back and not staying with Alex and the other New Warriors. The girl took off immediately but the boy seemed to linger a little talking with Julie. Margaret wasn't sure about him but she almost felt guilty for wishing he had stayed behind.

Margaret quickly ushered Julie into the minivan along with Kat, Jack, Friday and Jack's best friend Steve Sands. They headed back home and drove in silence. It was a bit of a drive form the Baxter Building to their house but that was okay. The peaceful drive was refreshing and peaceful till they arrived at their home. Margaret had totally forgotten about the hole Adam Warlock had put in their house until they had pulled into the driveway. It wasn't the hole that made things so bad but the fact that they had quite the seasonal storms while they were gone. Margaret didn't need to be Reed Richards to know that their home, along with the inside was ruined.

"Oh, mom," Julie said as she got out of the minivan and stepped up next to her mom.

"The entire upstairs is ruined," Jack said as his smoke form came out of the hole and landed by them.

"Jack, not in front of the neighbors," James Power said as he glanced around real quick and was thankful no one was watching.

"We don't have that kind of money to repair all this. I knew we should have taken out that extra policy in case of superhuman disaster," Margaret tried to say with a chuckle in her voice.

"We could ask Franklin and his family. I bet they would loan us the money," Kat said as she joined her mom and sister.

"No, I could never impose on our friendship like that. Don't worry. We have some insurance and money in savings. We'll get her fixed," James said with a soft smile.

"But, where will we live?" Kat asked softly.

"I don't know. I suppose we can get a hotel room or something?" Margaret asked looking at her husband.

"How about you all come and stay with us? There's plenty of room," a voice said from behind them.

"Alex!" Julie screamed as they all turned around to see Alex and Jesse standing there with huge smiles.

"I thought you were staying in space?" Margaret asked with tears as they all moved toward the two boys.

"We were, but changed our minds," Jesse said as he looked over at Alex.

"What about Carmedy?" Jack asked excited that his brother was back but bummed he had just lost his bachelor's pad.

"After seeing you all leave we headed back in with Valeria but stopped as we entered the hall where everyone was gathered. I realized that hunting down the Boogey-Man wasn't important. You guys are," Alex said with teary eyes.

"We figured he's stuck clear up there somewhere and there are plenty of Warriors to hunt him down and we'd rather be here with our family. So Alex talked to Kofi and he arraigned for a ship to bring us home and drop us off. We took off not too long after you guys did," Jesse smiled.

"It could take awhile for this place is up to snuff. We have more than enough room for everyone, what do you say?" Alex said as they all formed a group hug.

"I say we go home. I can even make some of my famous lentil soup," James said everyone laughed but Jesse who was a tad confused.

Margaret cried with joy. She didn't care that their house was destroyed along with the things inside. Those were all material things. What mattered was that she had her family and that's what counts. Margaret smiled as they all piled into the minivan and headed to the Pack Pad.

New Warriors

Warriors of the Galaxy – Part One

Hala – Kree Home World

Night Thrasher looked in the mirror after he got out of his shower. He couldn't believe there wasn't a mark on him. When Sersi had sacrificed her life to bring them all back to life, all of their wounds had been erased as well as any memories of the battle or being killed. One minute they were jumping into battle and the next it was over. It was like it never happened. The thought of him or his dear Silhouette being killed made his heart ache, but without remembering any of it there was a still a distance between them filling the void of where a new emotional bond should have been. Dwayne was just confused about the whole situation. Should he be grateful the gems gave him Sil back or hate them for taking away what they could of and were starting to have again? At least he had another chance to try again.

Not only was he grateful for the chance to clean up and recoup after their galactic war but also that all of the New Warriors had come together and survived the war. He also couldn't believe that all of them had agreed to remain in space for now to help in the efforts to clean up after the war. Actually, a few hadn't stayed but he couldn't hold that against them. Ricochet and Spider-Girl were not New Warriors and he really didn't know who they were. So that was fine that they headed back with the Fantastic Four and Power Pack. Alex, he was glad to see he was staying at first but couldn't blame the guy for changing his mind and heading out after his family. Unlike the rest of them, he had something solid waiting for him back on Earth, a family that actually loved him.

After they had left, Night Thrasher and his New Warriors joined the others for a post war meeting in Lilandra's throne room to see where they could help with the efforts. Adam Warlock and his band had immediately declared a search and find mission to bring in Thanatos, Boogey-Man and Skreet whom had vanished from the scene with the Infinity Gauntlet but his shouts were equally matched by the demands of finding the escaped Skrull leader Veranke, dealing with the remaining forces of the Skrulls, Negative Zone escapees and the relief efforts for the invaded and damaged planets throughout the affected war areas. It seemed like there was a lot to do and no one knew were to begin or who's demands were the most important. It didn't matter once Lilandra spoke.

Her main and only concern was unifying and reestablishing her hold on the Shi'ar Imperium. For now, she was not concerned about anyone or anything outside her empire and she didn't need any help as long as she had Gladiator, her Imperial Guard and the Shi'ar forces. Out of respect for their help in the war she gave everyone one hour to vacate Shi'ar space. Black Bolt and his Inhumans, feeling their part was done headed back to their home on Earth's moon while the rest of them all agreed, upon the request of Ronan and Ultra Girl to regroup on Hala. Once they arrived here they had been setup with their own quarters and a chance to clean up before they decided their next course of action. Night Thrasher wasn't sure what his teammates would want or where fate would lead them but they were about to find out. Dwayne took on final look in the mirror and then went to put on his armor and head to the designated meeting room.

Dwayne held his helmet in his hands as he entered the room. It was clear he was almost the last to arrive. Sitting on one side of the table was Adam Warlock, Gamora, Pip the troll, Drax the Destroyer, Moondragon, Phyla-Vell, Quasar, Tana Nile, Valeria Richards, Cardinal and Nova. On the other side was Namorita, Speedball, Debrii, Silhouette, Firestar, Justice, Rage, Slapstick, Turbo, Darkhawk, Green Goblin and an empty chair for him. Once he sat a Kree guard came out and ushered their attention.

"All rise for his lordship, Ronan the Ruler and the great Tsu-Zana the Unifier," the guard said as the two entered the room.

Ronan took his chair at the head of the table while Tsu-Zana took her chair at the opposite end of the table. Dwayne had to take a second look as the woman walked into the room in her extravagant outfit. Dwayne noted that she no longer looked like Ultra Girl from the New Warriors but more like a princess or royal member of the Kree. After a few seconds Ronan gave a command and everyone sat in silence while the food was immediately brought out and placed in front of each of them. Night Thrasher wasn't so sure about the food. It smelled and looked gross, but he didn't care. At this point he would eat anything. Once Ronan took the first bite they all dug in and Dwayne found it easy to force the interesting but edible food down. When the meal was half over, Ronan nodded to Ultra Girl and she put down her eating utensils and looked at each and every one of them.

"The Kree, like the Shi'ar will be taking care of our own. Our only priority will be rebuilding the Kree Empire and ridding ourselves of any remaining Skrulls, trolls or Dire Wraiths still remaining within our boarders," Ronan said bluntly.

"We just can't let Thanatos roam free out there. I think," Adam warlock began to say.

"Right now we do not care what you think," Ronan interrupted the golden man.

"Why you," Gamora said as she started to get up from her chair and the Kree guards drew their weapons.

"That's enough, all of you. Please sit down," Tsu-Zana said as every found themselves following her orders by her tone of voice.

"Suzy?" Turbo started say when her fellow Warrior raised her hand.

"I think what Ronan is trying to say is that the Kree have taken a large blow with this attack and we need to focus on and dedicate all our resources in helping our people. If any of you need ships or supplies we will gladly provide them for you," Tsu-Zana explained.

"What do you mean our people? Am I missing something?" Night Thrasher decided to speak up and ask.

"Sounds like you're not going with us," Speedball added as he felt his heart dropping.

"I'm not. For the first time I feel like I am where I belong. I never believe it till now that I truly am the Unifier and I plan on staying here with Ronan and helping him bring the Kree back together as one unified strong empire," Tsu-Zana said as they all felt the sense of sadness in her voice.

"We'll miss you," Namorita said.

"If this is what you want then I will trust you are in good hands and you can come back anytime," Night Thrasher said as he looked at Ronan.

"Yes, she will be in great hands. I vow to keep her safe," Ronan said as Dwayne could have sworn he saw something pass between the two.

"Then we have wasted your time here. We need to get moving before the trail goes cold," Gamora huffed.

"We don't have to worry. With my part of the Infinity Sword we will have no trouble finding them and the fractals. We will be just fine," Valeria said with a smile.

"You're right, but we must be going though. Since our ship was destroyed, may we trouble you with a craft?" Adam Warlock asked.

"Of course, we'll have one of our best equipped and ready for you," Ronan said with a pause and look from Tsu-Zana.

"What about the Warriors. You need a flight home?" Tsu-Zana asked.

"Or you are welcomed to join us," Valeria said with a nod from Adam and a glare from Gamora.

"I for one will be remaining here in space. Now that I am Nova Prime and holder of the World Mind and the Nova Force I must work on rebuilding the Corps," Richard Rider said with a smile.

"I wouldn't mind staying and helping the cause," Darkhawk said feeling that maybe if he stayed in space he might get answers to his amulet and his new armor transformation.

"I can't speak for everyone, but what ever anyone decides I will support. I myself am unsure what to do but I am feeling I am needed here," Night Thrasher added as he looked over at Sil wondering what she was thinking.

"How about we enjoy the rest of the night, revel in our victory and you can decide tomorrow?" Tsu-Zana offered.

"It is late and we will need time to get things ready for your departures," Ronan added.

"Then it's agreed. We will discuss our decisions in the morning," Night Thrasher said as they all nodded.

"My ship will leave at dawn for those wishing to go with us," Adam said as he got up and excused himself for the night with Gamora following right behind.

"I still have no idea why we must still stay together when the gems are destroyed and we don't have to babysit munchkins anymore," Phyla-Vell said rolling her eyes at their departing leaders.

"Go then, there's nothing holding you here," Moondragon said suddenly as she jumped to her feet.

"Fine, I just might," Phyla-Vell snapped back.

"Fine!" Moondragon shouted.

"Fine!" Phyla-Vell yelled back as both women stormed out of the room going in opposite directions.

"Looks like tomorrow could be interesting," Night Thrasher said as the rest of them finished the food and conversations and pondered what would be their next moves.

Next: Issue #36 – Elemental Storm – Part One & New Warriors: Warriors of the Galaxy – Part Two