Chapter 2.

The downfall of Earth-9151 had been partially achieved through the contamination of that world's drinking water by viruses that had been genetically engineered from the DNA of a snake-like mutant called Slither. Consequently, ninety-nine percent of the world's population were turned into veritable clones of that mutant! One of whom was an Englishman named James Jasper McTaggerrt. The illegitimate half-brother of Joseph McTaggert.

Proteus' biological father.

It was this genetic relationship, combined with the mutagenic metamorphosis, that inadvertently led to J.J. McTaggert becoming a replacement host for his nephew's psionic essence. And it was shortly after the Seventh had devoured the former (along with hundreds of millions of other so-called "Serpent Men") that Proteus chose to make himself known to his new host. Thereby leading to the aforementioned alliance!

Unfortunately, for them, their initial effort on Earth-21117 met with only limited success. As there, they only managed to fully reptilianize the western coast of the United States, using a mind-controlled Curt "The Lizard" Connors. They enjoyed slightly greater success, however, on Earth-81999. For the universe of that parallel world was basically a divergent reality that they had created from the universe of Earth-20476! Said divergence resulting from their use of a time machine, invented by a mind-controlled Kerwin Kronus, for a journey back to the Mesozoic Era.

There, on the primeval super-continent of Pangea, they discovered an experimental colony that had been established by the extra-terrestrial Kree. The entire population of which they subsequently transformed into subservient Serpent Men known as "The Hyssta!"

Yet, for every success thereafter, they suffered twice as many setbacks. For example: on Earth-28918, they had telepathically guided the Red Skull (disguised as Capt. America) to those individuals who posed the biggest potential threat to his post-World War Two rule. Costing that world the first generation of modern superheroes now so taken for granted by yours! When he had outlived his usefulness in that regard, however, Proteus and the Seventh secretly arranged for the Red Skull's overthrow by the real Captain America and a short-lived version of the Avengers. Tragically, that victory was a Pyrrhic one. One that made Proteus and the Seventh confident they could easily move in and fill the power vacuum.

Only to be prevented from doing so by David "Sundown" Lowell and the Capt. Universe Corps (a Uni-powered Madrox the Multiple Man).

Likewise, when they secretly inspired Thanos of Titan into making all of Earth-989112 a duplicate of the Antarctic Savage Land (using an ancient terraforming device of the mysterious Beyonders), their subsequent take-over bid was thwarted, at the last moment, by the cosmic-powered horticulturist known only as "The Gardener of the Universe." Thus began the formulation of their most convoluted plan, yet. One involving an individual who would be the first to quip that my people have too much time on their hands! And, yet, who partially uses that droll sense of humor to ease the never-ending burden that comes with knowing that great power is always accompanied by great responsibility. This is the story of how the Amazing Spider-Man. . .

. . .became the only male member of FemForce.

tbc

Earth-81727: parallel world on which the Phoenix Force (still disguised as the real Jean Grey) did not commit altruistic suicide. But, instead, eventually went completely emo! Depicted in WHAT IF...? vol. 1 #27, July 1981.

Earth-82432: parallel world on which Korvac not only killed off all the Avengers and Silver Age GOTG. But, also, turned them into totally obedient slaves! Depicted in WHAT IF...? vol. 1 #32, April 1982.

Earth-83234: parallel world to which Howard the Duck was never brought as he was never "ab-duck-ted" from his home world in the first place. Thereby causing all the resident counterparts of those who met him, on Earth-616, to inadvertently _benefit_ from his absence! Depicted (as a "Xmas Carol" parody) in Marvel's BIZARRE ADVENTURES #34, Feb. 1983.