Issue 4
Panel 1
Michael is sitting in his apartment. He is reading a script and has headphones in. The panel is darkly lit. Michael is sitting in shorts and a T-shirt.
Panel 2
Michael is taking the headphones off and running his hands through his hair.
Panel 3
He is looking at a piece of paper that says ‘work people’
Evelyn-555-9876
Jeffery-555-7999
Aurora-555-7899
Annie-555-7998
Aiden-888-5401
Panel 4
He is reaching for the phone.
Panel 5
He puts the receiver down.
Panel 6
Picking up the script again, he is shaking his head.
Michael: What am I doing?Panel 2
It is the script he is reading. There should be various passages highlighted and hand written notes in the margin.
PHILLIP
(WALKING CENTER STAGE, HE SHOULD BE HOLDING THE CANDLESTICK IN HIS HAND)
IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED? FOR ME TO MURDER YOU? I HAVE TRIED, TO RESIST DELIA, BUT SO HELP ME…..(RAISES THE CANDLESTICK, HE SHOULD HOLD IT HIGH, THEN AFTER MUCH EFFORT, DROP IT )…..I CANNOT DO IT. DESPITE EVERYTHING…..I STILL LOVE YOU!
DELIA
(SHE IS LAUGHING.)
I KNEW IT PHILLIP! YOU DO NOT HAVE THE GUTS! AND NOW I KNOW WHAT A WEAK SNIVILING TOAD THAT I HAVE MARRIED, I NEVER LOVED YOU,AND YET YOU STILL ATTEMPT TO RECAP THE EVENTS OF LAST ISSUE TO ME?
PHILLIP
(RUSHING TOWARDS HER, HE GRABS BOTH OF HER ARMS, SHAKING HER)
IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK I AM? LESS THAN A MAN? ALL I EVER WANTED YOU TO KNOW, DELIA, IS THAT PREVIOUSLY, NEOPHYTE HEROES(AIDEN, AURORA, EVELYN, AND JEFFERY) JOINED MICHAEL AND ESCAPEE ANNIE TO STOP AN ASSEMBLAGE OF ESCAPED PRISON INMATES. IN THE WAKE OF THEIR VICTORY, THEY WERE OFFERED A POSITION IN THE NEW AX TEAM, MUCH TO THE DISMAY OF CAPTAIN REGAL, LASOMBRA, AND ORCHID, THE OLDER TEAM. THIS WAS PENDING THE RELEASE OF ANNIE FROM PRISON, WHICH AFTER MUCH BLACKMAIL, BACKSTABBING, AND BRIBES BY BOTH SALVATION MAYOR RICH RYAN AND AX FOUNDER, HAROLD KELLER, SHE WAS RELEASED. LATER, MAYOR RYAN WAS APPROACHED BY AN ENIGMATIC FIGURE WHO RESEMBLED A CURRENT AX MEMBER WHO HAS OFFERED ASSISTANCE IN RIDDING THE CITY OF ITS PARAHUMAN POPULATION….
DELIA
(SLAPPING PHILLIP)
YOU DARE! AND NOW WHAT? AM I, TO BELIEVE THAT THIS PLOT, THIS “BEGINNING” WAS CONCIEVED BY JESSIE ROBLES? THAT HE HAD HELP BY BLOTNER, MARSHALL,CLARK AND FLOYD?
PHILLIP
(THROWING DELIA TO THE GROUND)
I TOLD YOU NEVER TO MENTION THAT INSULT TO ME, MY BROTHER, FLOYD TO ME AGAIN! EVER! DO YOU THINK I COULD FORGET WHAT YOU AND HE DID TO ME?
Page 3
Panel 1
Michael is tossing the script.
Michael: This is so stupid, I should just call. Well, but Chris….maybe I should just do it.
Panel 2
Michael is now walking to his fridge.
Michael: I need to study lines….play opens in a few weeks…great, now I’m talking to myself.
Panel 3
Chris is walking in with groceries.
Chris: Morning sweetie, I thought that you would be studying lines, so I was going to try and sneak in. Who were you talking to?
Michael: I was…going over lines. Remember I have that work thing later, so I may be home for dinner later, and…
Chris: Don’t worry, Rachel and I are going to see a movie and then maybe take dinner if you and Aiden run late. I think it’s great to have met her.
Panel 4
Michael is opening a soda and looking at him. Chris is looking at newspaper that is on top of the bag.
Michael: Yeah, it’s great. Look, uhm, I’ve been meaning to tell you something and it’s hard for me to say…
Chris: Can you believe this? Ax Corporations is going to announce their latest line up at a press conference this Friday. So what? I mean parahumans are people too, but if they want to dress up in silly spandex and cause major property damage with their irresponsible patrolling, I do not need to see them shown as some sort of celebrities or public servants. Personally, once you and I finish our master degrees and move the happier, I’ll be.
Panel 5
Michael is staring at Chris with a blank expression on his face.
Chris: I’m sorry, I interrupted you, what were you going to say?SOUND EFFECT: RING
Panel 6
Michael is rushing out of the room.
Michael: Nothing, hey the phone!
Page 4
Michael is holding the receiver to his ear. He is looking back at the kitchen.
Michael: Hello………..O, hey……….Hell yeah!....when…..OK, I’ll meet you there. K, bye.
Panel 2
Michael is scrambling around.
Chris (Off Panel)-Michael! Who was that?
Michael: Uh, it was the director, Rick, he wants to have a fitting in an hour, the uh seamstress will be there and ready to take measurements.
Chris: O, I was going to make breakfast burritos…
Panel 3
Michael already has stuffed his backpack with the script and is grabbing his mp3 player.
Michael: Aw….Sorry hon, I gotta get going pretty quickly, why don’t you ask Aiden and Rachel to come down?
Panel 4
Aiden is lying on his back on the bed, with Rachel holding him close. They are both naked.
Aiden: Don’t go to class today, stay with me and we can do that again.
Rachel: You mean until your meeting later?Aiden: Yeah, but we can do it again afterwards!
Rachel: I knew as soon as we moved in together….
(phone ringing)
Panel 5
Aiden is covering one hand over his face, and grabbing Rachel with the other.
Aiden: NO……..don’t answer it, I was comfortable.
Rachel: It’s probably my mom wanting to know why I haven’t called her in 2 hours, I’ll be right back and then we can…..
Aiden: Really?Rachel: Maybe……
Panel 6
Rachel, with a sheet covering herself, is holding the receiver to her ear.
Rachel: Hello?......O hey, Chris. Uh huh, awwww that stinks…..uh-huh…..o that sounds good….yeah haven’t been shopping yet…..no, you’re not interrupting anything. Ok, see you in a bit.
Panel 7
Rachel is staring down at Aiden who has the pillow over his head.
Rachel: Ok, come on, I promised Chris we’d go downstairs for breakfast.
Aiden: Can’t tired.
Rachel: Come on…..Ill share the tub with you…
Panel 8
Aiden is getting lifting the pillow slightly over his head.
Aiden: Really?Rachel: yes, really really.
Aiden: Can I do the octopus?Rachel: How about you get in the tub and will talk about it.
Panel 9
Rachel is walking out of the bedroom, but she is tossing the sheet behind her. Aiden is jumping out of bed following her; his arms are switching into tentacles.
Rachel : Don’t keep me waiting!
Aiden: I am on the way!
Page 5
The scene is set at Monument Park. The background of the park should memorial statues of various super heroes through the years.Annie is stretching in the park, she is wearing a green tank and grey shorts. The piercings are back over her face, and she has a tattoo of an ‘A’ on her navel.
Annie: Hey nice for you to meet me!
Panel 2
Michael is walking up, he has his backpack in one hand and is dressed as he was in the apartment, only this time he has socks and running shoes on.
Michael: I would have done anything to get out of the house, even go on a run.
Annie: Well, I asked the guys if they wanted to come too, Evelyn is sleeping in and Aurora has some magic to memorize or something.
Michael: O, really? I bet Jeffery would have come if he wasn’t injured.
Panel 3
Annie is smiling at him.
Annie: Yeah but that detective, the hot guy, James, picked him up this morning for their week of observation, I think he is going to sit in with him while he and his partner work on a case.
Michael: Yeah, I heard.
Annie: You don’t sound too happy about it.
Panel 4
Michael is talking not looking at Annie. Annie is still smiling.
Michael: Eh, not too crazy about that guy James, he seems like an ass and Jeff seems like the kind of guy you want to take care of.
Annie: Good to hear you say that, I have a confession to make; I didn’t ask the others on this run. I wanted to have some one on one time with you. From what I hear, while I was dealing with Psy-Anyde, you were calling the shots, I’m normally used to be a leader, but if Regal is placed as leader I just wanted to talk to another experienced person. Just not him.
Michael: Yeah, so? I mean the guys been a super hero since amoebas were the dominant species.
Panel 5
Annie is beginning to run, Michael is keeping pace.
Annie: Yeah, true, but I get very close to the people around me, and if you are going to be on my team, I want to know that if you are ever in a leadership position that you put the welfare of the team first. I mean like you know, like Jeffery’s leg and if someone is hurt…I just don’t think Regal is as committed to that.
Michael: Annie, I know I haven’t known you guys very long, but …I lost someone dear to me. I used to run with X-Generation, years ago, and I had a…boyfriend on the team. During a case we were on, Quiver didn’t make it out…that’s always haunted me. I…think that if I am ever a leader on the team, then I wouldn’t be reckless, I wouldn’t want what happened to Quiver or the aftermath on anyone, friend or foe.
Panel 6
Annie is grinning at him.
Annie: Good, that’s what I want to hear, it’s kind of my leadership style. After Trish had those bystanders killed at the bank robbery, I was….well there were a lot of sleepless nights. That is something that still keeps me from falling asleep right away. I just wanted to make sure that if it came down to it, you would do anything you could to prevent that from happening.
Michael: I would, trust me on that….wow, that was a little heavy for a run.
Annie: Yeah, hey, let’s race to the end of the park!
Michael: That’s like 2 miles.
Panel 7
Same as six
Annie: Yeah, your right, we should…
Michael: GO!
Panel 8
Annie is running after him, she appears to be laughing.
Annie: CHEATER! I hope you got stamina, cause I am pure energy-
Panel 9
There is a man who is running across her, Annie is tripping over him, he is falling forward/
Annie: OW!
Page 6
6 panels
Annie is getting up from the ground, the man is also getting up, he is holding his knee.
Man: Are you ok? I am so sorry, I can’t believe I did that, I am so sorry.
Annie: I think so….my knee’s kinda scrapped, but overall, I’ll live.
The man: Here let me help you up.
Panel 2
It is scene drawn from Annie’s perspective; she is on the ground and looking up at him. He has sandy brown hair, green eyes, and full lips. He is smiling at her, showing off perfect teeth. He has one hand extended.
Annie: No, I think I can…..wow(in a whisper)
Paul: Well, your knee looks pretty bad, let me take a look at it. I’m Paul, by the way.
Panel 3
Annie is still on the ground, however now sitting; Paul is looking at her knee. Michael is running back towards the duo.
Paul: It doesn’t look too bad, just a scrape. You’ll need a bandage though; lucky for you I happen to have one in my pocket.
Annie: You carry bandages in your pocket?Michael: Hey, Annie, are you OK? I heard a smack and turned and you were gone.
Paul: That was my fault, sorry, I’ll have your girlfriend…
Annie: He isn’t my boyfriend, he is a friend of mine.
Panel 5
Paul is grinning while putting a bandage on her knee. Michael is crossing his arms and looking at her.
Michael: Yeah, don’t answer too fast.
Annie: So, uh, Paul, where was the fire, I didn’t even see you…
Paul: My dog, had him since as far as I can remember, he got off the leash and took off, I thought I had saw him and took off running and then BAM! Ran right into you.
Michael: What’s the dog look like? I can look for him while you and Annie…deal with her knee.
Page 7
Annie is now sitting on a bench with Paul examining her leg.
Paul: You know, I don’t have to keep doing this, it was just a scrape.
Annie: Yeah, I was just thinking, that but you know if you want to keep at it….
Paul: HAHA, well hey at least I’m keeping my attention below your knees.
Panel 2
Annie and Paul are starting at each other.
Panel 3
They are both laughing.
Panel 4
Paul is still laughing holding Annie’s knee.
Paul: So…can I get your phone number?
Annie: You work fast, Mr. Paul. But right now, with my life….
Panel 5
Paul is looking a little disappointed.
Paul: Ahhh..yes, the classic, I just don’t have room or time to date at the moment rejection…
Annie: HAHA, that is so not what this is. I just have had a very stressful couple of da-years, and would like to get into a routine about things before, I jump into dating.
Panel 6
Paul is smiling again at her.
Paul: Well, what makes you think a man like me can’t handle it? Look, I was checking out before Cosmos got off the leash and it was only through chance that I ran into you, but I think that it was meant to happen. I mean look, I ran into you and now we are on a park bench with me holding your leg!
Page 8
Michael is in the park, looking both ways.
Panel 2
He is reaching into his bag and pulling out what looks like a dog whistle.
Panel 3
Blowing into the whistle, should have a special effect showing that the distance of the whistle has been amplified.
Panel 4
Michael is smirking as a crowd of dogs begin to run towards him. A lot of them are on leashes.
Panel 5
There is one that has a spot on his side that resembles a crescent moon.
Michael: And that is how you locate a dog!
Page 9
Annie is looking at Michael walking back with the dog on the leash.
Annie: Well, looks like Mike found your dog, so we’ll get going…
Paul: Nope! Not till you tell me the reason that we can’t date.
Annie: Well, let’s see, I’ve never been on a real date, I was just released from prison, and now I’m a member of Ax.
Panel 2
Paul is laughing.
Panel 3
Paul is looking at the expression on Annie’s face.
Paul: You-Your not kidding.
Panel 4
Annie is shaking her head..
Panel 5
Paul is half grinning.
Paul: Doesn’t change a thing, really, makes a little worried that I’ll be blown up, but….I still think you’re smart, funny, and have sexy ankles.
Panel 6
Annie is laughing.
Annie: OK, Ok, here do you have a pen?
Panel 7
Michael and Annie are walking away from the park.
Michael: So what were you and he talking about…
Annie: Like you don’t know!
Michael: I don’t, actually, I learned how to NOT listen in on peoples conversations, besides, we don’t know each other well enough for me to eavesdrop.
Annie: Touche! Well, I gotta shower and eat something before the meeting, want us to send the limo for you?Panel 8
Michael is squinting.
Michael: A limo? Actually, about that, I haven’t told my boyfriend that I have joined the team, he doesn’t even know about my powers.
Annie: What!? Michael, you have to tell him! I mean I just told Paul and I don’t even know…him…that..well.
Michael: Hehe, we might not be the two brightest members on the team.
Panel 9
Annie is laughing and looking at Michael:
Annie: Come on, I’ll have the limo take you home and we can make fun of the lack of fun Jeffery is having!
Page 10
Jeffery and James are sitting next to each other at the police station. Jeffery is looking at the ground and James is looking at a file folder.
Panel 2
Same as before.
Panel 3
Jeffery is now looking at James.
Jeffery: So….
James: Hmmm? I’m sorry, I was reading this dossier. Look, I have a case that I am working on and I have to interview a possible witness, do you want to go with me or….
Jeffery: Yeah…I mean I thought that’s what I was supposed to be doing.
James: Uhm, right….
Panel 4
Same as panel 3
Panel 4
James is speaking.
James: So…shall we go?Jeffery: O God yes!
Page 11
Aurora is walking into the Ax building with Annie, Michael and Evelyn. They are wearing street clothes. There is a receptionist who is walking towards them.
Sally: Hello? Excuse me? Are you Aurora, Annie LeDuex, Michael Floyd and Evelyn Davis?Evelyn: Really, I get asked this all the time, but I honestly don’t think you know who I am.
Sally: I do apologize, but you do need security clearance before you can head up to the top floor. Come with me, please.
Panel 2
Sally is walking ahead of the group, The group are talking amongst themselves.
Annie: Well, isn’t this snazzy, we get special clearance….
Evelyn: Yes, it is fancy, when I stay at the Isabella Royal in Salvation, they do the exact same thing.
Aurora: What kind of security measures do you think they will have?Michael: When I was here as a child, I used to just walk in. But that was with X-Generation.
Panel 3
Annie is glancing at him.
Annie: You were with X-Generation?Michael: A while back, yeah.
Annie: Hmmmm, that’s interesting…
Michael: I thought you knew that.
Annie: Well I couldn’t place your face earlier, but yeah, that’s why I know you, we fought, I was leader of the Crazy Gang…
Panel 4
Sally is looking at them, she is standing in front of a large door.
Sally: OK, guys, through this door is the scan room and that costumer and Richard will see your shortly.
Page 12
Michael is looking angry, the others are looking at him as they walk into a room with large electronic equipment.
Michael: RICHARD?! As in Richard Keller!?
Sally: Yes, that is correct. Now, please wait here, thank you.
Panel 2
Annie is glancing over at Michael.
Annie: Who is Richard Keller?Michael: Some douche bag who I had a fling with a looong time ago. I thought he was going to Mexico, Ireland or hell I don’t know, but he was supposed to be moving out of the country. He the bosses’ son, and he’s an arrogant, spoiled, selfish little di-
Panel 3
There is a man in a wheelchair who is wheeling himself into the room. He has a wide, condescending smile on his face.
Richard: Mikey! So good to see you, I’m surprised that you couldn’t hear my wheels coming closer.
Michael: No, I heard ‘em. I just didn’t care.
Richard: And who says that exes can’t be cordial? Hello, to those of you, who aren’t bitter or inadequate, I am Richard Keller, I am the company’s telemechanic, meaning that I “talk” to machines and can make them do what I want. I will be here to gather some information about your powers and to also to set up the security system.
Panel 4
He is wheeling closer to Evelyn . He bypassed Annie, Michael and Aurora.
Richard: Ex-con, Ex-“lover”, not interested, Evelyn Davis! I must say I don’t impress very easy, but I am very impressed to have you join our little team.
Evelyn: Well, isn’t that special, look Richard, I do have to ask….
Richard: Not yet, many times to ask me about my powers and whirlwind life, later, for now I want you to get prepared for the costumer.
Page 13
Annie is walking up behind Richard, she is putting her hands on the handles of his wheelchair.
Annie: Richard? Can I talk to you for a minute?Richard: Look, Patty Piercings, no, we have a lot of work to do and did you not hear me cut off Evelyn Davis? If you…
Panel 2
Annie is giving the chair a light charge. Richard is pulling his hands back from the metal.
Annie: Let me properly introduce you to us. Hello, I’m Annie LeDuex, electrical generation. This is my friend Aurora, who is a magician, next to her is Michael Floyd, who controls sound, and finally you know Evelyn Davis. Look, I’m coming from prison, so what you do, what you’ve done and who you are doesn’t mean sh!t to me. You will treat us with respect. Job or no job. Got it?Panel 3
Richard is looking at her.
Richard: How dare you? NEVER touch my chair again or assault me in…
Annie: You gonna tell Daddy? Or your sister? Listen up, if we are going to be working with you, I’m all willing to start over, but let me tell you this, how are they going to feel is five of us walk out of here, right now? How are you going to explain that?
Panel 3
Richard is glaring at Annie.
Panel 4
It is Annie’s face, glaring back.
Panel 5
Same as Panel 3.
Richard: Let’s get started….
Panel 6
Richard is in the foreground. Annie, Michael, Evelyn, and Aurora are following closer.
Annie: Sometimes it’s about talking to people…..
Page14
James and Jeffery are driving up to a house.
James: Ok, Jeff, we’ll walk up to the door and interview the guy, then well be out. Should be ten minutes tops…
Jeffery: It’s Ok, James, really, it’s not like I have to be here and the leg is doing fine. It’s funny because it’s not normally what you see in movies or television. I’m actually enjoying seeing your process.
Panel 2
James is out of the car and opening the door for Jeffery.
James: Here, let me help you…my family are all officers, so I would watch movies and say to my self ‘this is not how it is!’ hehe, Really annoyed my friends.
Jeffery: Well, I’m glad, once I’m back on the job, I’ll be chasing perps and fighting bad guys the exact way you see in the movies, and I’m a little scared.
Panel 3
Jeffery and James are walking toward the door.
James: You shouldn’t be, I saw you in action, and I..liked what I saw, you were very careful to be there for your teammates and you seemed to really know how to use your powers. You’ll be great.
Jeffery: Thanks! That actually means a lot, especially from you. I mean you being a police officer and all.
Panel 4
James is knocking on the door, he is staring at Jeffery.
James: You know, I know this is a little awkward, but I wanted to know…
Page 15
The door is opened ajar, there is a glimpse of an older gentlemen.
Gentlemen: yes?James: Yes, this is Sgt. James Huber from the Salvation Police Department. I’m here to ask some questions about your friend, Jes-
Gentleman: Go away.
Panel 2
The door is being slammed shut. There should be a sound effect of the locks being applied.
James: Well that was uncalled for.
Jeffery: What was that about?
James: I don’t know but I’m itching to find out….
Panel 3
James is knocking on the door again, the look on his face is one of annoyance.
James: Hello? Look, I just want to ask you a few questions about your friends….
Panel 4
The door is being opened quickly and there is a hand grabbing James.
Panel 5
The hand is pulling James in.
James: ULP!
Panel 6
Jeffery is vibrating his hand through the door lock.
Jeffery: HEY! What the hell is wrong with you? We were just going to ask some….
Page 16
It is a splash page of Jeffery stepping into a dark living room. The focus should be on Jeffery’s face, which is one of shock.
Jeffery: What the hell is going on here?!
Page 17
The team, now in costumes, except for Aurora, who is still in magical armor, are seated at a large table. Aiden is walking in, looking a little rushed. Orchid, Lasombra, Deborah, Captain Regal, and Harold Keller are also at the table.
Aiden: Sorry, I’m late guys, Rachel was feeling a little sick, so I thought I would wait until she was feeling better before I left. That guy downstairs is a d-
Harold: Yes, my son does come off a little rough, please be seated Aiden.
Panel 2
Aiden is sitting next to Michael, Harold is speaking.
Harold: Today is the beginning of a new day for not only Ax Corporations but indeed the team itself. This is the first time in the history of the team that a member of a junior team, X-Generation has joined. The first time an almost all rookie team is ready to assume the mantle. This team has a grand history. We formed in the fourties. We came to age in the sixties and felt horrible crushing defeat in the nineties. Now almost ten years later, we are poised to rise again. And not a moment too soon.
Panel 3
Harold’s face is closeup.
Harold: Parahuman crime is on the rise, corruption runs rampant across all levels of government in this city, and “normal” citizens are now opting to move out of Salvation. I have been thinking of resurrecting this team for a long while and have given this a lot of thought. You were chosen because you embodied what I am looking for: You all want to do the right thing, you acted when no one else would or could, and you thought about ordinary people. The majority of you work well as a team.
Panel 4
Harold is still speaking. He has a smile on his face.
Harold: Never since I first took the mantle of Bomblast Boy in those days, fighting Nazis, have I been this excited to attach my name to this legacy. The team has a proud legacy, and I trust that you will be more than capable of carrying that torch. Now, I’m sure it comes to no surprise to anyone here, that I have selected Captain Regal as team leader. Now he has assured me that this team will be lead with the upmost fairness and equal opportunity for all members to shine. Now, I will turn the floor over to Regal.
Page 18
Splash Page
The page is Regal standing and the bottom of the page is his monologue.
Captain Regal: First and foremost. I lead this team. Not Glitch, Not Rukus. Me. My orders are absolute and I will not be questioned. Now, As we have wasted enough time today, let us meet in the upper levels of the building for training. I want to test us on sparring. Unless anyone here has any objections. None? Good. See you on floor 68.
Page 19
Jeffery is standing in a living room of a small house. There is a man who is tied to a chair and gagged. James is one the ground, appearing as if he is attempting to stand. There is an elderly woman in a miniskirt, wearing a mask and and purple tights. Her costume is outlined with a bright purple light. There is a frail looking old man next to her.
Jeffery: What the hell is going on here?
Fruit Fly(the woman): Your cute. Stay out of this and you and your boyfriend can leave.
Nancy Boy: Y-Yes, young man, we are just going to take this man and…
Fruit Fly: Enough! Listen to me, Nancy don’t tell them what we are here for! Remember, that young man said he was a police officer.
Panel 2
Jeffery is looking at them with a strange look on his face.
Jeffery: Wait, hold on…are you guys going to a comic book convention? You’re dressed like K-Girl and Kid Alpha?
Nancy Boy: How dare you?! We are the originals!
Fruit Fly: We are the inspiration behind this comic, but this writer made us jokes! We were the premier super heroes of the 1930s! Until Ax came, we were all Salvation had! They ruined us!Panel 3
Jeffery looks like he is about to laugh.
Jeffery: Wait, he made you look like idiots? He immortalized you! Who remembers who the hell you were? You should be thanking him.
Nancy Boy: It’s logic like that that makes this generation so utterly moronic.
Fruit Fly: Look, the plan doesn’t change, Queerbait, we kill the writer, then the cop, and then this….
Panel 4
Jeffery’s image should be a blur.
Jeffery: Kill? OK, you costumed freaks, this just got serious. You think Ax ruined your careers? I hope your ready for another professional setback!
Page 20
Annie, Michael, Orchid, Lasombra, Evelyn, Aiden, and Aurora are in costume and looking at Regal. Regal is pacing talking.
Regal: I expect total and absolute obedience. This is not a game, this is not just a job. We were assembled to protect, to defend, to become warriors and that is what I expect you to mold yourselves into.
Annie: T’sari, I…
Regal: You were not given permission to address me, nor will you have the luxury to address me by my real name.
Panel 2
Regal has stopped now, he is focused on Annie now.
Regal: Now for today’s exercise, I am going to spar with each of you. I want to see what you can do, combat wise, I want to be able to get in you and ..
Off Panel Voice: snort!
Panel 3
Regal is now at Aiden’s face. Aiden looks as though he wants to stifle a laugh.
Regal: Was there something funny, Switch?Aiden: hehe, Uhm, no Regal, not really.
Regal: It’s Captain Regal to you, and why are you laughing.
Aiden: It’s really not that funny…
Regal: Enlighten me.
Panel 4
Aiden is talking.
Aiden: Well, you sound like this big right and proper guy and all, and then you were going on and on saying we were going to be molded, you wanted to see what you could do, just to get in us and it just struck me as funny is all.
Regal: Nothing I said was funny, I..
Aiden: I beg to differ, and for the record, although Jeffery and Michael are gay, I’m a straight man, so there is no way you are getting inside of me, big fella!
Panel 5
Everyone in line is laughing except for Lasombra and Orchid. Orchid has the beginnings of a smile on her face. Regal is furious.
Regal: I…Switch, you must count your blessings that you and I are on the same time or I would tear your insolent head from your shoulders and ram it down your throat.
Panel 6
Regal is now facing the group.
Regal: Now, I want you to attack me.
Panel 21
Panel 1
The entire group isn’t moving. Annie and Michael are looking at one another.
Panel 2
Annie: CAPTAIN Regal, I don’t think this is a good idea. I mean shouldn’t we first…
Regal: Did I ask you for your opinion? If you are going to be on this team, you must first realize that my authority is absolute.
Michael: But…we don’t know exactly what your limits are and …
Panel 3
Captain Regal is smiling darkly, Orchid is in the background with a puzzled look on her face.
Captain Regal: Then I suggest you start right now before I begin my counter offensive.
Orchid: T’sari! I do not approve of this! These are inexperienced parahumans! We can’t just..
Captain Regal: Orchid, do as I say! I am the leader of this team and I….
Panel 4
Captain Regal is being slapped by a large tail, he is sent flying into the wall, cracking his impact point.
Panel 5
Aiden is shifting back from an allosauras form. The rest of the team is looking at him with mixed shock and anger.
Aiden: What? O, like you weren’t thinking of doing it anyway. He practically begged for it!
Panel 6
Regal is punching Aiden down into the ground. The foundation of the floor is flying up and and the ground is shacking.
Regal: You arrogant little punch how dare you hit a Captain of the Queen’s Special Guard! I am not one to be trifled with!!
Page 22
Panel 1
Annie and Michael are at Aiden’s side, Evelyn is standing before them, in Regal’s face, pointing. Orchid and Lasombra are with Aurora at her side.
Evelyn: Not very sporting, you pompous prick!
Annie: Regal, you could have hurt him!
Michael: He’s out cold.
Lasombra: Hombre, you need to relax, you can kill anyone of us from a hit like that.
Michael: The only reason he didn’t was because he was in between forms…
Panel 2
Orchid is now standing with Evelyn.
Orchid: T’sari! End this! This is ludicrous, just step back and ….
Panel 3(panel takes up rest of page)
Captain Regal is the focus as he stares at the remaining characters.
Captain Regal: You do not order me around. If you’re thinking that arrogance will serve you well, I will beat mentality out of you. Those that survive may learn this lesson.
Page 23
Jeffery is punching Nancy Boy at superspeed.
Jeffery: Look, I don’t know who you freaks are or what you want with this guy but….
Panel 2
Jeffery is staring at Fruit Fly who is holding her wrist to James’s head.
Fruit Fly: Stop! If you even so much as endeavor to hit the fagelah again, I’ll release a poison dart into his head.
Panel 3
Jeffery is frozen, he is in mid punch.
Panel 4
Same as three.
Jeffery: ….What do you want…?
Panel 5
Fruit Fly is launching the dart at Jeffery.
Fruit Fly: For you to go!
Panel 6
Jeffery is running towards her at Superspeed. Behind him should be a blur of Nancy Boy.
Jeffery: I had surrendered you old bat! What the hell is wrong with you?
Page 23
Panel 1
Nancy boy is hitting Jeffery from behind knocking him down.
Nancy Boy: You…you brute!
Panel 2
Fruit Fly is smirking over Jeffery and James, the writer, Stephen, is tied to a chair.
Fruit Fly: Good, I have a portable damper….now grab the writer, and we’ll do what we set out to do….
Panel 3
Nancy Boy is looking at her with a puzzled look.
Nancy Boy: What was that again.
Panel 4
Fruit Fly is giving him an angry expression.
Fruit Fly: Don’t ask questions just do it.
Page 24
Trish is sitting alone in a cell. She seems to be talking to herself. Her collar light is green.
Trish: Hmmmm…very interesting but what if I don’t want to atone……Yes, I never did think of it that way….let me place you on hold for a second, I’m about to be broken out….
Panel 2
There is a large smash through the side of the cell, Trish is covering her face and torso.
Panel 3
There are a pair of boots with a star pattern on them.
Trish is looking unimpressed.
Trish: Ok to save us some time, Yes, I’m going with you. So take me into your arms and let’s get the hell out of here.
Off Panel Voice: And your motivation?
Panel 1
Michael is sitting in his apartment. He is reading a script and has headphones in. The panel is darkly lit. Michael is sitting in shorts and a T-shirt.
Panel 2
Michael is taking the headphones off and running his hands through his hair.
Panel 3
He is looking at a piece of paper that says ‘work people’
Evelyn-555-9876
Jeffery-555-7999
Aurora-555-7899
Annie-555-7998
Aiden-888-5401
Panel 4
He is reaching for the phone.
Panel 5
He puts the receiver down.
Panel 6
Picking up the script again, he is shaking his head.
Michael: What am I doing?Panel 2
It is the script he is reading. There should be various passages highlighted and hand written notes in the margin.
PHILLIP
(WALKING CENTER STAGE, HE SHOULD BE HOLDING THE CANDLESTICK IN HIS HAND)
IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED? FOR ME TO MURDER YOU? I HAVE TRIED, TO RESIST DELIA, BUT SO HELP ME…..(RAISES THE CANDLESTICK, HE SHOULD HOLD IT HIGH, THEN AFTER MUCH EFFORT, DROP IT )…..I CANNOT DO IT. DESPITE EVERYTHING…..I STILL LOVE YOU!
DELIA
(SHE IS LAUGHING.)
I KNEW IT PHILLIP! YOU DO NOT HAVE THE GUTS! AND NOW I KNOW WHAT A WEAK SNIVILING TOAD THAT I HAVE MARRIED, I NEVER LOVED YOU,AND YET YOU STILL ATTEMPT TO RECAP THE EVENTS OF LAST ISSUE TO ME?
PHILLIP
(RUSHING TOWARDS HER, HE GRABS BOTH OF HER ARMS, SHAKING HER)
IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK I AM? LESS THAN A MAN? ALL I EVER WANTED YOU TO KNOW, DELIA, IS THAT PREVIOUSLY, NEOPHYTE HEROES(AIDEN, AURORA, EVELYN, AND JEFFERY) JOINED MICHAEL AND ESCAPEE ANNIE TO STOP AN ASSEMBLAGE OF ESCAPED PRISON INMATES. IN THE WAKE OF THEIR VICTORY, THEY WERE OFFERED A POSITION IN THE NEW AX TEAM, MUCH TO THE DISMAY OF CAPTAIN REGAL, LASOMBRA, AND ORCHID, THE OLDER TEAM. THIS WAS PENDING THE RELEASE OF ANNIE FROM PRISON, WHICH AFTER MUCH BLACKMAIL, BACKSTABBING, AND BRIBES BY BOTH SALVATION MAYOR RICH RYAN AND AX FOUNDER, HAROLD KELLER, SHE WAS RELEASED. LATER, MAYOR RYAN WAS APPROACHED BY AN ENIGMATIC FIGURE WHO RESEMBLED A CURRENT AX MEMBER WHO HAS OFFERED ASSISTANCE IN RIDDING THE CITY OF ITS PARAHUMAN POPULATION….
DELIA
(SLAPPING PHILLIP)
YOU DARE! AND NOW WHAT? AM I, TO BELIEVE THAT THIS PLOT, THIS “BEGINNING” WAS CONCIEVED BY JESSIE ROBLES? THAT HE HAD HELP BY BLOTNER, MARSHALL,CLARK AND FLOYD?
PHILLIP
(THROWING DELIA TO THE GROUND)
I TOLD YOU NEVER TO MENTION THAT INSULT TO ME, MY BROTHER, FLOYD TO ME AGAIN! EVER! DO YOU THINK I COULD FORGET WHAT YOU AND HE DID TO ME?
Page 3
Panel 1
Michael is tossing the script.
Michael: This is so stupid, I should just call. Well, but Chris….maybe I should just do it.
Panel 2
Michael is now walking to his fridge.
Michael: I need to study lines….play opens in a few weeks…great, now I’m talking to myself.
Panel 3
Chris is walking in with groceries.
Chris: Morning sweetie, I thought that you would be studying lines, so I was going to try and sneak in. Who were you talking to?
Michael: I was…going over lines. Remember I have that work thing later, so I may be home for dinner later, and…
Chris: Don’t worry, Rachel and I are going to see a movie and then maybe take dinner if you and Aiden run late. I think it’s great to have met her.
Panel 4
Michael is opening a soda and looking at him. Chris is looking at newspaper that is on top of the bag.
Michael: Yeah, it’s great. Look, uhm, I’ve been meaning to tell you something and it’s hard for me to say…
Chris: Can you believe this? Ax Corporations is going to announce their latest line up at a press conference this Friday. So what? I mean parahumans are people too, but if they want to dress up in silly spandex and cause major property damage with their irresponsible patrolling, I do not need to see them shown as some sort of celebrities or public servants. Personally, once you and I finish our master degrees and move the happier, I’ll be.
Panel 5
Michael is staring at Chris with a blank expression on his face.
Chris: I’m sorry, I interrupted you, what were you going to say?SOUND EFFECT: RING
Panel 6
Michael is rushing out of the room.
Michael: Nothing, hey the phone!
Page 4
Michael is holding the receiver to his ear. He is looking back at the kitchen.
Michael: Hello………..O, hey……….Hell yeah!....when…..OK, I’ll meet you there. K, bye.
Panel 2
Michael is scrambling around.
Chris (Off Panel)-Michael! Who was that?
Michael: Uh, it was the director, Rick, he wants to have a fitting in an hour, the uh seamstress will be there and ready to take measurements.
Chris: O, I was going to make breakfast burritos…
Panel 3
Michael already has stuffed his backpack with the script and is grabbing his mp3 player.
Michael: Aw….Sorry hon, I gotta get going pretty quickly, why don’t you ask Aiden and Rachel to come down?
Panel 4
Aiden is lying on his back on the bed, with Rachel holding him close. They are both naked.
Aiden: Don’t go to class today, stay with me and we can do that again.
Rachel: You mean until your meeting later?Aiden: Yeah, but we can do it again afterwards!
Rachel: I knew as soon as we moved in together….
(phone ringing)
Panel 5
Aiden is covering one hand over his face, and grabbing Rachel with the other.
Aiden: NO……..don’t answer it, I was comfortable.
Rachel: It’s probably my mom wanting to know why I haven’t called her in 2 hours, I’ll be right back and then we can…..
Aiden: Really?Rachel: Maybe……
Panel 6
Rachel, with a sheet covering herself, is holding the receiver to her ear.
Rachel: Hello?......O hey, Chris. Uh huh, awwww that stinks…..uh-huh…..o that sounds good….yeah haven’t been shopping yet…..no, you’re not interrupting anything. Ok, see you in a bit.
Panel 7
Rachel is staring down at Aiden who has the pillow over his head.
Rachel: Ok, come on, I promised Chris we’d go downstairs for breakfast.
Aiden: Can’t tired.
Rachel: Come on…..Ill share the tub with you…
Panel 8
Aiden is getting lifting the pillow slightly over his head.
Aiden: Really?Rachel: yes, really really.
Aiden: Can I do the octopus?Rachel: How about you get in the tub and will talk about it.
Panel 9
Rachel is walking out of the bedroom, but she is tossing the sheet behind her. Aiden is jumping out of bed following her; his arms are switching into tentacles.
Rachel : Don’t keep me waiting!
Aiden: I am on the way!
Page 5
The scene is set at Monument Park. The background of the park should memorial statues of various super heroes through the years.Annie is stretching in the park, she is wearing a green tank and grey shorts. The piercings are back over her face, and she has a tattoo of an ‘A’ on her navel.
Annie: Hey nice for you to meet me!
Panel 2
Michael is walking up, he has his backpack in one hand and is dressed as he was in the apartment, only this time he has socks and running shoes on.
Michael: I would have done anything to get out of the house, even go on a run.
Annie: Well, I asked the guys if they wanted to come too, Evelyn is sleeping in and Aurora has some magic to memorize or something.
Michael: O, really? I bet Jeffery would have come if he wasn’t injured.
Panel 3
Annie is smiling at him.
Annie: Yeah but that detective, the hot guy, James, picked him up this morning for their week of observation, I think he is going to sit in with him while he and his partner work on a case.
Michael: Yeah, I heard.
Annie: You don’t sound too happy about it.
Panel 4
Michael is talking not looking at Annie. Annie is still smiling.
Michael: Eh, not too crazy about that guy James, he seems like an ass and Jeff seems like the kind of guy you want to take care of.
Annie: Good to hear you say that, I have a confession to make; I didn’t ask the others on this run. I wanted to have some one on one time with you. From what I hear, while I was dealing with Psy-Anyde, you were calling the shots, I’m normally used to be a leader, but if Regal is placed as leader I just wanted to talk to another experienced person. Just not him.
Michael: Yeah, so? I mean the guys been a super hero since amoebas were the dominant species.
Panel 5
Annie is beginning to run, Michael is keeping pace.
Annie: Yeah, true, but I get very close to the people around me, and if you are going to be on my team, I want to know that if you are ever in a leadership position that you put the welfare of the team first. I mean like you know, like Jeffery’s leg and if someone is hurt…I just don’t think Regal is as committed to that.
Michael: Annie, I know I haven’t known you guys very long, but …I lost someone dear to me. I used to run with X-Generation, years ago, and I had a…boyfriend on the team. During a case we were on, Quiver didn’t make it out…that’s always haunted me. I…think that if I am ever a leader on the team, then I wouldn’t be reckless, I wouldn’t want what happened to Quiver or the aftermath on anyone, friend or foe.
Panel 6
Annie is grinning at him.
Annie: Good, that’s what I want to hear, it’s kind of my leadership style. After Trish had those bystanders killed at the bank robbery, I was….well there were a lot of sleepless nights. That is something that still keeps me from falling asleep right away. I just wanted to make sure that if it came down to it, you would do anything you could to prevent that from happening.
Michael: I would, trust me on that….wow, that was a little heavy for a run.
Annie: Yeah, hey, let’s race to the end of the park!
Michael: That’s like 2 miles.
Panel 7
Same as six
Annie: Yeah, your right, we should…
Michael: GO!
Panel 8
Annie is running after him, she appears to be laughing.
Annie: CHEATER! I hope you got stamina, cause I am pure energy-
Panel 9
There is a man who is running across her, Annie is tripping over him, he is falling forward/
Annie: OW!
Page 6
6 panels
Annie is getting up from the ground, the man is also getting up, he is holding his knee.
Man: Are you ok? I am so sorry, I can’t believe I did that, I am so sorry.
Annie: I think so….my knee’s kinda scrapped, but overall, I’ll live.
The man: Here let me help you up.
Panel 2
It is scene drawn from Annie’s perspective; she is on the ground and looking up at him. He has sandy brown hair, green eyes, and full lips. He is smiling at her, showing off perfect teeth. He has one hand extended.
Annie: No, I think I can…..wow(in a whisper)
Paul: Well, your knee looks pretty bad, let me take a look at it. I’m Paul, by the way.
Panel 3
Annie is still on the ground, however now sitting; Paul is looking at her knee. Michael is running back towards the duo.
Paul: It doesn’t look too bad, just a scrape. You’ll need a bandage though; lucky for you I happen to have one in my pocket.
Annie: You carry bandages in your pocket?Michael: Hey, Annie, are you OK? I heard a smack and turned and you were gone.
Paul: That was my fault, sorry, I’ll have your girlfriend…
Annie: He isn’t my boyfriend, he is a friend of mine.
Panel 5
Paul is grinning while putting a bandage on her knee. Michael is crossing his arms and looking at her.
Michael: Yeah, don’t answer too fast.
Annie: So, uh, Paul, where was the fire, I didn’t even see you…
Paul: My dog, had him since as far as I can remember, he got off the leash and took off, I thought I had saw him and took off running and then BAM! Ran right into you.
Michael: What’s the dog look like? I can look for him while you and Annie…deal with her knee.
Page 7
Annie is now sitting on a bench with Paul examining her leg.
Paul: You know, I don’t have to keep doing this, it was just a scrape.
Annie: Yeah, I was just thinking, that but you know if you want to keep at it….
Paul: HAHA, well hey at least I’m keeping my attention below your knees.
Panel 2
Annie and Paul are starting at each other.
Panel 3
They are both laughing.
Panel 4
Paul is still laughing holding Annie’s knee.
Paul: So…can I get your phone number?
Annie: You work fast, Mr. Paul. But right now, with my life….
Panel 5
Paul is looking a little disappointed.
Paul: Ahhh..yes, the classic, I just don’t have room or time to date at the moment rejection…
Annie: HAHA, that is so not what this is. I just have had a very stressful couple of da-years, and would like to get into a routine about things before, I jump into dating.
Panel 6
Paul is smiling again at her.
Paul: Well, what makes you think a man like me can’t handle it? Look, I was checking out before Cosmos got off the leash and it was only through chance that I ran into you, but I think that it was meant to happen. I mean look, I ran into you and now we are on a park bench with me holding your leg!
Page 8
Michael is in the park, looking both ways.
Panel 2
He is reaching into his bag and pulling out what looks like a dog whistle.
Panel 3
Blowing into the whistle, should have a special effect showing that the distance of the whistle has been amplified.
Panel 4
Michael is smirking as a crowd of dogs begin to run towards him. A lot of them are on leashes.
Panel 5
There is one that has a spot on his side that resembles a crescent moon.
Michael: And that is how you locate a dog!
Page 9
Annie is looking at Michael walking back with the dog on the leash.
Annie: Well, looks like Mike found your dog, so we’ll get going…
Paul: Nope! Not till you tell me the reason that we can’t date.
Annie: Well, let’s see, I’ve never been on a real date, I was just released from prison, and now I’m a member of Ax.
Panel 2
Paul is laughing.
Panel 3
Paul is looking at the expression on Annie’s face.
Paul: You-Your not kidding.
Panel 4
Annie is shaking her head..
Panel 5
Paul is half grinning.
Paul: Doesn’t change a thing, really, makes a little worried that I’ll be blown up, but….I still think you’re smart, funny, and have sexy ankles.
Panel 6
Annie is laughing.
Annie: OK, Ok, here do you have a pen?
Panel 7
Michael and Annie are walking away from the park.
Michael: So what were you and he talking about…
Annie: Like you don’t know!
Michael: I don’t, actually, I learned how to NOT listen in on peoples conversations, besides, we don’t know each other well enough for me to eavesdrop.
Annie: Touche! Well, I gotta shower and eat something before the meeting, want us to send the limo for you?Panel 8
Michael is squinting.
Michael: A limo? Actually, about that, I haven’t told my boyfriend that I have joined the team, he doesn’t even know about my powers.
Annie: What!? Michael, you have to tell him! I mean I just told Paul and I don’t even know…him…that..well.
Michael: Hehe, we might not be the two brightest members on the team.
Panel 9
Annie is laughing and looking at Michael:
Annie: Come on, I’ll have the limo take you home and we can make fun of the lack of fun Jeffery is having!
Page 10
Jeffery and James are sitting next to each other at the police station. Jeffery is looking at the ground and James is looking at a file folder.
Panel 2
Same as before.
Panel 3
Jeffery is now looking at James.
Jeffery: So….
James: Hmmm? I’m sorry, I was reading this dossier. Look, I have a case that I am working on and I have to interview a possible witness, do you want to go with me or….
Jeffery: Yeah…I mean I thought that’s what I was supposed to be doing.
James: Uhm, right….
Panel 4
Same as panel 3
Panel 4
James is speaking.
James: So…shall we go?Jeffery: O God yes!
Page 11
Aurora is walking into the Ax building with Annie, Michael and Evelyn. They are wearing street clothes. There is a receptionist who is walking towards them.
Sally: Hello? Excuse me? Are you Aurora, Annie LeDuex, Michael Floyd and Evelyn Davis?Evelyn: Really, I get asked this all the time, but I honestly don’t think you know who I am.
Sally: I do apologize, but you do need security clearance before you can head up to the top floor. Come with me, please.
Panel 2
Sally is walking ahead of the group, The group are talking amongst themselves.
Annie: Well, isn’t this snazzy, we get special clearance….
Evelyn: Yes, it is fancy, when I stay at the Isabella Royal in Salvation, they do the exact same thing.
Aurora: What kind of security measures do you think they will have?Michael: When I was here as a child, I used to just walk in. But that was with X-Generation.
Panel 3
Annie is glancing at him.
Annie: You were with X-Generation?Michael: A while back, yeah.
Annie: Hmmmm, that’s interesting…
Michael: I thought you knew that.
Annie: Well I couldn’t place your face earlier, but yeah, that’s why I know you, we fought, I was leader of the Crazy Gang…
Panel 4
Sally is looking at them, she is standing in front of a large door.
Sally: OK, guys, through this door is the scan room and that costumer and Richard will see your shortly.
Page 12
Michael is looking angry, the others are looking at him as they walk into a room with large electronic equipment.
Michael: RICHARD?! As in Richard Keller!?
Sally: Yes, that is correct. Now, please wait here, thank you.
Panel 2
Annie is glancing over at Michael.
Annie: Who is Richard Keller?Michael: Some douche bag who I had a fling with a looong time ago. I thought he was going to Mexico, Ireland or hell I don’t know, but he was supposed to be moving out of the country. He the bosses’ son, and he’s an arrogant, spoiled, selfish little di-
Panel 3
There is a man in a wheelchair who is wheeling himself into the room. He has a wide, condescending smile on his face.
Richard: Mikey! So good to see you, I’m surprised that you couldn’t hear my wheels coming closer.
Michael: No, I heard ‘em. I just didn’t care.
Richard: And who says that exes can’t be cordial? Hello, to those of you, who aren’t bitter or inadequate, I am Richard Keller, I am the company’s telemechanic, meaning that I “talk” to machines and can make them do what I want. I will be here to gather some information about your powers and to also to set up the security system.
Panel 4
He is wheeling closer to Evelyn . He bypassed Annie, Michael and Aurora.
Richard: Ex-con, Ex-“lover”, not interested, Evelyn Davis! I must say I don’t impress very easy, but I am very impressed to have you join our little team.
Evelyn: Well, isn’t that special, look Richard, I do have to ask….
Richard: Not yet, many times to ask me about my powers and whirlwind life, later, for now I want you to get prepared for the costumer.
Page 13
Annie is walking up behind Richard, she is putting her hands on the handles of his wheelchair.
Annie: Richard? Can I talk to you for a minute?Richard: Look, Patty Piercings, no, we have a lot of work to do and did you not hear me cut off Evelyn Davis? If you…
Panel 2
Annie is giving the chair a light charge. Richard is pulling his hands back from the metal.
Annie: Let me properly introduce you to us. Hello, I’m Annie LeDuex, electrical generation. This is my friend Aurora, who is a magician, next to her is Michael Floyd, who controls sound, and finally you know Evelyn Davis. Look, I’m coming from prison, so what you do, what you’ve done and who you are doesn’t mean sh!t to me. You will treat us with respect. Job or no job. Got it?Panel 3
Richard is looking at her.
Richard: How dare you? NEVER touch my chair again or assault me in…
Annie: You gonna tell Daddy? Or your sister? Listen up, if we are going to be working with you, I’m all willing to start over, but let me tell you this, how are they going to feel is five of us walk out of here, right now? How are you going to explain that?
Panel 3
Richard is glaring at Annie.
Panel 4
It is Annie’s face, glaring back.
Panel 5
Same as Panel 3.
Richard: Let’s get started….
Panel 6
Richard is in the foreground. Annie, Michael, Evelyn, and Aurora are following closer.
Annie: Sometimes it’s about talking to people…..
Page14
James and Jeffery are driving up to a house.
James: Ok, Jeff, we’ll walk up to the door and interview the guy, then well be out. Should be ten minutes tops…
Jeffery: It’s Ok, James, really, it’s not like I have to be here and the leg is doing fine. It’s funny because it’s not normally what you see in movies or television. I’m actually enjoying seeing your process.
Panel 2
James is out of the car and opening the door for Jeffery.
James: Here, let me help you…my family are all officers, so I would watch movies and say to my self ‘this is not how it is!’ hehe, Really annoyed my friends.
Jeffery: Well, I’m glad, once I’m back on the job, I’ll be chasing perps and fighting bad guys the exact way you see in the movies, and I’m a little scared.
Panel 3
Jeffery and James are walking toward the door.
James: You shouldn’t be, I saw you in action, and I..liked what I saw, you were very careful to be there for your teammates and you seemed to really know how to use your powers. You’ll be great.
Jeffery: Thanks! That actually means a lot, especially from you. I mean you being a police officer and all.
Panel 4
James is knocking on the door, he is staring at Jeffery.
James: You know, I know this is a little awkward, but I wanted to know…
Page 15
The door is opened ajar, there is a glimpse of an older gentlemen.
Gentlemen: yes?James: Yes, this is Sgt. James Huber from the Salvation Police Department. I’m here to ask some questions about your friend, Jes-
Gentleman: Go away.
Panel 2
The door is being slammed shut. There should be a sound effect of the locks being applied.
James: Well that was uncalled for.
Jeffery: What was that about?
James: I don’t know but I’m itching to find out….
Panel 3
James is knocking on the door again, the look on his face is one of annoyance.
James: Hello? Look, I just want to ask you a few questions about your friends….
Panel 4
The door is being opened quickly and there is a hand grabbing James.
Panel 5
The hand is pulling James in.
James: ULP!
Panel 6
Jeffery is vibrating his hand through the door lock.
Jeffery: HEY! What the hell is wrong with you? We were just going to ask some….
Page 16
It is a splash page of Jeffery stepping into a dark living room. The focus should be on Jeffery’s face, which is one of shock.
Jeffery: What the hell is going on here?!
Page 17
The team, now in costumes, except for Aurora, who is still in magical armor, are seated at a large table. Aiden is walking in, looking a little rushed. Orchid, Lasombra, Deborah, Captain Regal, and Harold Keller are also at the table.
Aiden: Sorry, I’m late guys, Rachel was feeling a little sick, so I thought I would wait until she was feeling better before I left. That guy downstairs is a d-
Harold: Yes, my son does come off a little rough, please be seated Aiden.
Panel 2
Aiden is sitting next to Michael, Harold is speaking.
Harold: Today is the beginning of a new day for not only Ax Corporations but indeed the team itself. This is the first time in the history of the team that a member of a junior team, X-Generation has joined. The first time an almost all rookie team is ready to assume the mantle. This team has a grand history. We formed in the fourties. We came to age in the sixties and felt horrible crushing defeat in the nineties. Now almost ten years later, we are poised to rise again. And not a moment too soon.
Panel 3
Harold’s face is closeup.
Harold: Parahuman crime is on the rise, corruption runs rampant across all levels of government in this city, and “normal” citizens are now opting to move out of Salvation. I have been thinking of resurrecting this team for a long while and have given this a lot of thought. You were chosen because you embodied what I am looking for: You all want to do the right thing, you acted when no one else would or could, and you thought about ordinary people. The majority of you work well as a team.
Panel 4
Harold is still speaking. He has a smile on his face.
Harold: Never since I first took the mantle of Bomblast Boy in those days, fighting Nazis, have I been this excited to attach my name to this legacy. The team has a proud legacy, and I trust that you will be more than capable of carrying that torch. Now, I’m sure it comes to no surprise to anyone here, that I have selected Captain Regal as team leader. Now he has assured me that this team will be lead with the upmost fairness and equal opportunity for all members to shine. Now, I will turn the floor over to Regal.
Page 18
Splash Page
The page is Regal standing and the bottom of the page is his monologue.
Captain Regal: First and foremost. I lead this team. Not Glitch, Not Rukus. Me. My orders are absolute and I will not be questioned. Now, As we have wasted enough time today, let us meet in the upper levels of the building for training. I want to test us on sparring. Unless anyone here has any objections. None? Good. See you on floor 68.
Page 19
Jeffery is standing in a living room of a small house. There is a man who is tied to a chair and gagged. James is one the ground, appearing as if he is attempting to stand. There is an elderly woman in a miniskirt, wearing a mask and and purple tights. Her costume is outlined with a bright purple light. There is a frail looking old man next to her.
Jeffery: What the hell is going on here?
Fruit Fly(the woman): Your cute. Stay out of this and you and your boyfriend can leave.
Nancy Boy: Y-Yes, young man, we are just going to take this man and…
Fruit Fly: Enough! Listen to me, Nancy don’t tell them what we are here for! Remember, that young man said he was a police officer.
Panel 2
Jeffery is looking at them with a strange look on his face.
Jeffery: Wait, hold on…are you guys going to a comic book convention? You’re dressed like K-Girl and Kid Alpha?
Nancy Boy: How dare you?! We are the originals!
Fruit Fly: We are the inspiration behind this comic, but this writer made us jokes! We were the premier super heroes of the 1930s! Until Ax came, we were all Salvation had! They ruined us!Panel 3
Jeffery looks like he is about to laugh.
Jeffery: Wait, he made you look like idiots? He immortalized you! Who remembers who the hell you were? You should be thanking him.
Nancy Boy: It’s logic like that that makes this generation so utterly moronic.
Fruit Fly: Look, the plan doesn’t change, Queerbait, we kill the writer, then the cop, and then this….
Panel 4
Jeffery’s image should be a blur.
Jeffery: Kill? OK, you costumed freaks, this just got serious. You think Ax ruined your careers? I hope your ready for another professional setback!
Page 20
Annie, Michael, Orchid, Lasombra, Evelyn, Aiden, and Aurora are in costume and looking at Regal. Regal is pacing talking.
Regal: I expect total and absolute obedience. This is not a game, this is not just a job. We were assembled to protect, to defend, to become warriors and that is what I expect you to mold yourselves into.
Annie: T’sari, I…
Regal: You were not given permission to address me, nor will you have the luxury to address me by my real name.
Panel 2
Regal has stopped now, he is focused on Annie now.
Regal: Now for today’s exercise, I am going to spar with each of you. I want to see what you can do, combat wise, I want to be able to get in you and ..
Off Panel Voice: snort!
Panel 3
Regal is now at Aiden’s face. Aiden looks as though he wants to stifle a laugh.
Regal: Was there something funny, Switch?Aiden: hehe, Uhm, no Regal, not really.
Regal: It’s Captain Regal to you, and why are you laughing.
Aiden: It’s really not that funny…
Regal: Enlighten me.
Panel 4
Aiden is talking.
Aiden: Well, you sound like this big right and proper guy and all, and then you were going on and on saying we were going to be molded, you wanted to see what you could do, just to get in us and it just struck me as funny is all.
Regal: Nothing I said was funny, I..
Aiden: I beg to differ, and for the record, although Jeffery and Michael are gay, I’m a straight man, so there is no way you are getting inside of me, big fella!
Panel 5
Everyone in line is laughing except for Lasombra and Orchid. Orchid has the beginnings of a smile on her face. Regal is furious.
Regal: I…Switch, you must count your blessings that you and I are on the same time or I would tear your insolent head from your shoulders and ram it down your throat.
Panel 6
Regal is now facing the group.
Regal: Now, I want you to attack me.
Panel 21
Panel 1
The entire group isn’t moving. Annie and Michael are looking at one another.
Panel 2
Annie: CAPTAIN Regal, I don’t think this is a good idea. I mean shouldn’t we first…
Regal: Did I ask you for your opinion? If you are going to be on this team, you must first realize that my authority is absolute.
Michael: But…we don’t know exactly what your limits are and …
Panel 3
Captain Regal is smiling darkly, Orchid is in the background with a puzzled look on her face.
Captain Regal: Then I suggest you start right now before I begin my counter offensive.
Orchid: T’sari! I do not approve of this! These are inexperienced parahumans! We can’t just..
Captain Regal: Orchid, do as I say! I am the leader of this team and I….
Panel 4
Captain Regal is being slapped by a large tail, he is sent flying into the wall, cracking his impact point.
Panel 5
Aiden is shifting back from an allosauras form. The rest of the team is looking at him with mixed shock and anger.
Aiden: What? O, like you weren’t thinking of doing it anyway. He practically begged for it!
Panel 6
Regal is punching Aiden down into the ground. The foundation of the floor is flying up and and the ground is shacking.
Regal: You arrogant little punch how dare you hit a Captain of the Queen’s Special Guard! I am not one to be trifled with!!
Page 22
Panel 1
Annie and Michael are at Aiden’s side, Evelyn is standing before them, in Regal’s face, pointing. Orchid and Lasombra are with Aurora at her side.
Evelyn: Not very sporting, you pompous prick!
Annie: Regal, you could have hurt him!
Michael: He’s out cold.
Lasombra: Hombre, you need to relax, you can kill anyone of us from a hit like that.
Michael: The only reason he didn’t was because he was in between forms…
Panel 2
Orchid is now standing with Evelyn.
Orchid: T’sari! End this! This is ludicrous, just step back and ….
Panel 3(panel takes up rest of page)
Captain Regal is the focus as he stares at the remaining characters.
Captain Regal: You do not order me around. If you’re thinking that arrogance will serve you well, I will beat mentality out of you. Those that survive may learn this lesson.
Page 23
Jeffery is punching Nancy Boy at superspeed.
Jeffery: Look, I don’t know who you freaks are or what you want with this guy but….
Panel 2
Jeffery is staring at Fruit Fly who is holding her wrist to James’s head.
Fruit Fly: Stop! If you even so much as endeavor to hit the fagelah again, I’ll release a poison dart into his head.
Panel 3
Jeffery is frozen, he is in mid punch.
Panel 4
Same as three.
Jeffery: ….What do you want…?
Panel 5
Fruit Fly is launching the dart at Jeffery.
Fruit Fly: For you to go!
Panel 6
Jeffery is running towards her at Superspeed. Behind him should be a blur of Nancy Boy.
Jeffery: I had surrendered you old bat! What the hell is wrong with you?
Page 23
Panel 1
Nancy boy is hitting Jeffery from behind knocking him down.
Nancy Boy: You…you brute!
Panel 2
Fruit Fly is smirking over Jeffery and James, the writer, Stephen, is tied to a chair.
Fruit Fly: Good, I have a portable damper….now grab the writer, and we’ll do what we set out to do….
Panel 3
Nancy Boy is looking at her with a puzzled look.
Nancy Boy: What was that again.
Panel 4
Fruit Fly is giving him an angry expression.
Fruit Fly: Don’t ask questions just do it.
Page 24
Trish is sitting alone in a cell. She seems to be talking to herself. Her collar light is green.
Trish: Hmmmm…very interesting but what if I don’t want to atone……Yes, I never did think of it that way….let me place you on hold for a second, I’m about to be broken out….
Panel 2
There is a large smash through the side of the cell, Trish is covering her face and torso.
Panel 3
There are a pair of boots with a star pattern on them.
Trish is looking unimpressed.
Trish: Ok to save us some time, Yes, I’m going with you. So take me into your arms and let’s get the hell out of here.
Off Panel Voice: And your motivation?
Panel 4
The focus is Trish’s face, it should be shadowed and focus should be given to her dark smile.
Trish: Revenge of course…..
The focus is Trish’s face, it should be shadowed and focus should be given to her dark smile.
Trish: Revenge of course…..
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