Mayhem in the Museum

"The Smithsonian," Hank looked around. "I must confess I have long wanted to wander these halls. To gaze at ancient artifacts, to peruse through half forgotten lore, to see the wonders of natural history…Hey! That's Archie Bunker's chair!"

"We're not here just to sightsee," Xavier said. "We've been invited to a special gathering."

"More PR huh?" Hank fidgeted with his tie. "Another potential investor?"

"We need all the allies we can get," Xavier told him. "Ah here's our host."

"Hello Professor Xavier," A tall man with dark hair walked up to him. "Sebastian Shaw of Shaw Enterprises."

"Pleased to meet you," Xavier said shaking his hand.

"Mr. McCoy," Shaw shook his hand. "I'm especially pleased to meet you. I've read your latest paper on genetic mutations in Scientific Americana."

"Well then you're the only one I'm afraid," Hank shrugged. "It's not exactly well publicized material."

"Well if you're comparing it to the National Enquirer no," Shaw smiled. "But it has many interesting theories."

"I'm glad you invited us to your affair," Xavier said. "Although I admit I am a bit surprised."

"Why? Because you are a mutant?" Shaw asked him. "I am a great believer in progress and innovation. We make advances in technology all the time with relatively little fuss, why should our physiological advances be treated any differently? People who are afraid that mutants are going to replace the human population are not looking at the bigger picture. They see it as an end, I see it as a beginning."

"I can see that we are going to get along well Mr. Shaw," Hank smiled. "We have quite a lot in common."

"You'd be surprised how much in common we have," Shaw grinned.

"Yahoo!" General Whithalf laughed as he juggled some small antique vases. "This is such fun!"

"That man is a lunatic," Xavier groaned at the gray haired general's antics.

"Yes but you have to admit he's great at parties," Shaw grinned. "Which is why I made a point of inviting him and not Senator Kelly. Excuse me one of my associates needs to be calmed down a bit." He pointed to a portly red haired man drinking heavily and went on his way.

"Well it's an interesting crowd," Xavier looked around.

"A bit more interesting than you think. Look over there. Isn't that the Blind Master?" Hank pointed. "What's he doing here?"

"I don't know," Xavier blinked as he saw the Misfit teacher. "I wonder…"

Just then a commotion rang from down the hall. Two figures completely covered in blue rode through on a motorcycle. Behind them on motorcycles rode the Dreadnoks. "STOP THEM!" Zartan shouted. "WE'RE SUPPOSED TO STEAL THAT TABLET! NOT THEM!"

"Some people are so rude!" Torch snapped as he used his flame-thrower to set fire to some nearby drapes.

"I couldn't agree more!" Hank grabbed the nearby punch and threw it at him. "This is a private party!"

The punch drenched all over Torch, however it seemed to make his flames rise even higher. "Oh great the punch was spiked wasn't it?" Shaw snapped as the flames grew higher.

"Sorry!" General Whithalf ran by.

Hank did several acrobatics and knocked a few Dreadnoks off the motorcycles. "FORGET THEM!" Shaw shouted as he pointed to the first two thieves. "THEY HAVE MUSEUM PROPERTY!"

"Then I shall retrieve it for you," Hank hopped on one of the motorcycles from the downed Dreadnoks and rode after them.

"I can stop them with a psychic…" Xavier began to use his powers, but then felt something cold on the back of his neck.

"Forgive me Xavier but I cannot allow you to do that just yet," The Blind Master said calmly. He had a small dagger hidden in his arm sleeve. "I do not want to resort to violence. And don't try using your powers on me. Let's just say I'm prepared for that possibility. If you give me your word not to interfere all shall be revealed later."

Xavier felt startled. "It seems I have no choice."

"Very well," The Blind Master withdrew his dagger and took the handlebars of the wheelchair. "Let's go find someplace much quieter to talk shall we?"

Meanwhile Hank was chasing the motorists all over the museum. "Sorry!" He shouted as he wrecked another exhibit. He followed the thieves. He followed them as they crashed out the window. The motorcycle in front wove through traffic and Hank followed.

"MY PARTY IS RUINED!" Shaw groaned as he went outside to look at the damage. "That is it! I am getting some better security!"

Just then a pigeon pooped on Shaw's head. "Note to self," He grumbled. "Invest in some anti-pigeon technology while I am at it."

For half an hour Hank chased the thieves. He even sideswiped a limo. "CRAZY MUTANT DRIVERS!" Senator Kelly shouted. "YOU SCRATCHED THE PAINT!"

"Why aren't the police responding by now?" Hank muttered. "There they go!" He followed them into an empty parking garage. "Now I have…" He stopped the motorcycle when he saw who was waiting for them. "You?"

There were several soldiers aiming their rifles at him. "It's all right," The first thief in blue waved. "I think we can trust him." He removed his mask.

"SPIRIT?" Hank gasped. He looked around and saw a black van. Out of it came General Hawk, the Blind Master and Professor Xavier.

"Don't forget yours truly," The second thief revealed herself as Scarlet.

"Now I am confused," Hank scratched his head.

"All right what's going on here?" Xavier asked. "Hawk why did your men steal that tablet?"

"Because I ordered them to," General Whithalf appeared. "We need to talk."

Next, what's going on? Why did GI Joe steal that tablet? Who will they meet to decipher it? And what has Xavier gotten himself into now? More raucous fun coming up!