Tempus Fugit, Part One |
What Has Come Before: Longtime lovers Joey Chapman and Jacqueline Falsworth Crichton are only days away from marriage and their wedding has become fodder for the English tabloids. A hungry public eager for something to tear their attentions away from the magical and economic crisis that surrounds them have latched onto the ceremony, claiming it as their own. Meanwhile, team leader Captain Britain has discovered that history itself may be warping around her....
Union Jack ignored the ache in his side, but he knew that he'd broken at least two -- maybe three -- ribs so far. They hurt like hell, scraping at his insides and making it hard to breathe. But this was no time to step back and properly assess the damage, not with three vampires eager to end his natural existence. Brandishing his silver dagger, Union Jack said "All right, mates... Let's get down to proper business, shall we?"
The vampire closest to the alley's entrance struck first. She was tall and thin, with a nice figure that Joey would have admired had it been different circumstances. Her leather pants made a soft crinkling sound as she ran towards him.
Union Jack ducked under her, letting her pass overhead. He thrust up with the dagger, catching her just below her breastbone. Her own momentum cut her torso open and spilled her insides all over Joey's costume.
The next two attacked as one, taking different sides in hopes of overwhelming him. Union Jack jumped into the air, showing off his amazing athleticism, and kicked out with his feet. He hit each vampire square on in the jaw, staggering them. Dropping into a crouch, he hurled his dagger into one of the attacker's throats, causing blood to spurt thickly into the air. The second vampire was felled when Union Jack grabbed hold of his hair and smashed his head into a brick wall.
Joey Chapman, son of a dockworker and a sometime artist, stood amongst the living dead, panting. He was late for his own bachelor party, but that was hardly the foremost thing on his mind right now. Neither, for that matter, were the vampires. Tomorrow afternoon, he would be a married man. A wife. A child. Back at the restaurant, all his friends -- and even his old father -- would be waiting to congratulate him. They'd drink a few pints and tip a few girls to show them their charms... and then tomorrow...
"I'm going to become right respectable," he whispered.
"You're going to be right dead if you don't get your move on."
Union Jack looked up with a grin on his face. The woman standing before him was one of England's shining champions, a hero to millions. Her name was Breeze James, though most of the country knew her solely by her first name. "Breeze! I thought you'd be with Jackie at her party...."
"When the boys reported you missing, I went looking about at super speed." Breeze stepped over to her old friend, clasping his shoulder tightly. "Can't believe we're losing you to marriage. What are we single lasses going to do with ourselves now?"
Joey chuckled, feeling embarrassed. He'd missed Breeze a lot since she'd left the Pendragons all those years ago. It had been just after the whole Ultron affair that she'd decided to move to the country and-- "You're dead," he whispered, his eyes going wide and his smile freezing on his face. He saw, clear as day, Breeze's mummified corpse, rotting in an alleyway. He looked around quickly. This alleyway. "You died here."
Breeze looked startled... and more than a bit afraid. "That's not funny...."
"I'm not joking." Union Jack stepped away from her, staring skyward. There was something subtly different in the air, something he couldn't quite place. "I've lost the plot, haven't I?"
"You're just worried. Stressed out." Breeze's touch on his shoulder was very, very real. "Everybody gets cold feet, y'know."
Union Jack ran a hand up and over his mask, tugging it away from his face. His features were drawn tight with worry, but did little to detract from his handsomeness. "Maybe you're right." He smiled wanly. "The guys are waiting for me... They probably think I've bolted town."
Breeze stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. "It'll be all right, Joey. You and Jackie are perfect for one another." She backed away, already building up speed. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
In a red and yellow blur, she was gone. Joey stood where he was for a moment longer, pausing before he staked the vampires and made sure they would cause no more trouble for the citizens of London. Despite his words, he knew damned well that Breeze was dead. She'd died before Mordred's assault on Avalon* and her memory still left a gaping wound in the hearts of all who knew her. "Something's not right here. And that's a hell of a lot more important than seeing some bird shake her tits for me."
(*She died in Black Knight: Destiny Walk # 2)
Ten minutes later, Union Jack was off and running again. He wouldn't be attending the party being held in his honor after all. He wouldn't be listening to stories of his impending doom or having awkward reunions with family members.
I like this better, he realized. Tomorrow he would be Jackie's... but for tonight, he was his own man. One last time.
Boomtown Pub, London
"How in the world did they find out we were going to be here?" Jacqueline Crichton whispered, the anger in her voice rising.
All around her sat her closest friends. Most of them were Pendragons, but some of them were socialites or old -- very old -- friends. It wasn't lost on her how divided the table seemed to be. Some of these people were in their seventies, having known Jackie during her days alongside the Invaders. Still others, like Ginny and Molly, were young enough to be her grandchildren. Great-grandchildren, even.
Betsy Braddock placed a hand over Jackie's. "I'll deal with it, love. You just enjoy yourself." Captain Britain, dressed in a sassy skirt and knit top, rose from the table and moved over to the front of the pub. A couple of burly men were there, trying to keep some members of the paparazzi from entering. "Can I help you gentlemen with something?"
A small flurry of flashing lightbulbs answered her. A lifetime spent in front of the camera had made her immune to such things, however, and she merely smiled politely in return. One of the men in front held out a microphone to her. "Will Smalley, with the Mirror. Any chance of talking to the bride-to-be?"
"None," Betsy replied. "This is a private party and we've booked the entire club. So you gents will be kind enough to leave--"
"Is Mr. Chapman going to be on hand?"
Betsy paused, surprised by the question. Union Jack's secret identity was hardly public knowledge. "I'm afraid I don't know who you mean."
The man who'd spoken up smiled coldly, sensing her lie. "That would Joseph Chapman, ma'am. Better known to you and I as Union Jack."
Betsy's own smiled turned brittle and harsh. A brief flash of butterfly-shaped color fluttered across her face, disappearing as quickly as it had come. "Go home. All of you. And feel remarkably guilty for having disturbed our evening."
The man blinked and looked somewhat abashed. Without speaking to her or each other, they began shuffling away in guilt-laden despair.
"Trouble?"
Betsy looked over at Francesca Grace, a former Pendragon and current member of the Dark Guard. "I sent them away, but they've found out Joey's secret identity. It's going to be all over the tabloids by morning."
Grace muttered an obscenity under her breath. "They're a bunch of jackals, aren't they?"
"Some of them." Betsy brushed a lock of purple hair behind her ear and looked sideways at Grace, ignoring the sounds of music that were now blaring from the speakers. The lights were dimming, too, and Betsy knew that the two male strippers Shevaun had hired -- dressed as Captain America and the Sub-Mariner -- were coming out on stage. "Can I ask you something, Grace? It might sound a bit crazy."
Grace was smiling now, having turned back to the stage. It had taken many long months for her to begin looking at other men following Peter's death, but she had finally reached that state... and "Namor" was quite handsome. "Go ahead, Bets. I'm listening."
"As part of the Dark Guard... have you come across any odd time anomalies centered around this reality lately?"
"Not that I can think of. Why?"
Betsy chewed her bottom lip before speaking. "Do you remember... Psylocke?"
"Can't say that I do."
"That was my codename for years. I used it when I was a member of the X-Men."
"Those mutant yanks? When were you a part of that group?" Grace was looking at her intently now, a bit annoyed to be distracted from the strippers.
"That's just it, Grace. Nobody but me seems to remember it. Jackie, Ginny, Suzi... I asked all three of them about it and none of them were aware of my time as Psylocke. They didn't even remember that I'd been blinded by Slaymaster."
"Blinded?!" Grace reached out and touched her friend's cheek. "Are you going daft on me? After Brian disappeared all those years ago, you became Captain Britain. You became our foremost champion... No one since Miracleman's hey-day in the fifties has come close to accomplishing what you did. And when the Bane began their incursions, it was you who founded the original Knights of Pendragon. And after that group broke up, you and the Black Knight founded the current Pendragons. That's who you are, Betsy. Not some mutant terrorist."
Betsy's eyes had narrowed considerably as Grace was talking. "Brian... disappeared?"
"Yes. It was right after Merlyn died and Roma took over in Otherworld." Betsy began walking towards the door. "Bets! Where are you going?"
Without sparing a backwards glance, she replied "To find out what the hell's happening to me. If you need me, I'll be in Otherworld."
Union Jack turned the yellowed pages with great care, not wanting to cause them to crumble. They were so brittle, however, that even his best efforts were not able to save some of them. He was seated in the basement of the Pendragons Castle, located on the mystic isle of Lyonesse. The pages before him were bound into large, leather-bound volumes containing entire years of London newspapers. These in particular were from years ago, during the founding of the original Knights of Pendragon. They told of mighty heroes and heroines coming together to aid Great Britain through dark days....
They were completely and totally wrong, however.
Joey found himself coming back to a front page photograph of the team's "original" lineup: Albion, Captain Britain, Union Jack, Kate McClellan (inexplicably calling herself Sparks, of all things) and Big Ben.
"Bugger me," he whispered. The Captain Britain in the picture was Betsy Braddock... Kate had never worn a gaudy costume like the one in the picture, nor called herself by any codename... and Big Ben was a bloody comic book character. Wasn't he?
The sounds of footsteps in the hall brought him around. Though he was in a place he thought of as home, he felt a chill go through him and he drew his pistol. "Who's there?"
The man who stepped inside the room was totally unfamiliar to him, though there was a sense of... deja vu? Joey had the feeling that he should know this man somehow, that he should be able to identify why he was of frightening. It certainly had nothing to do with his appearance, for the man was nothing if not pedestrian. He wore a smart suit, with a bowler hat and a pencil-thin moustache. His smile was broad and somewhat mocking, as if he knew a secret that others did not... and a gap between his two front teeth whistled as he breathed.
Joey stepped in front of him, making the man jump a bit. "I said... Who's there?"
The man smiled broader, looking a bit more sympathetic. "Poor lad. I knew I'd find you here. The wedding's making you nostalgic for old times, isn't it?"
Union Jack felt another chill pass over him and he felt a sudden sense of recognition, though that, too, was confusing. He remembered seeing this man standing over him, dressed in somber black. Jackie was there... along with others, all bearing looks of sadness. Joey pointed the pistol at the man's forehead. "How did you get into the castle?"
"I walked in, of course. I do live here, after all."
"You live here?" Joey cursed. "This is something else that's all screwed up, isn't it? Another piece of history that's all screwed up...."
The man laughed softly. "Nothing is screwed up... You've just lost the plot, is all."
Joey took a step back, remembering when he himself had voiced those words. In the alley with Breeze. Dead Breeze. "You were at a funeral. I saw you...."
"Yes. We were there together, you and I. When we had to bury poor Joseph."
"No. I'm Joseph...."
"Yes. And you've been haunting the castle ever since you were killed by Nekros. Such a pity. Not even Wynter can seem to reach you. You come and you go, sometimes not evening realizing the truth."
Joey's finger twitched on the pistol's trigger. "This isn't truth! I don't know who or what you are, but this is NOT truth! I'm getting married tomorrow."
"Are you now?" the man asked.
"Yes... and Breeze... was with me earlier. She knew that. She knew about the wedding...."
"Ah. Well, that's my fault, I admit. These things take time, you know. It's like causing a ripple in a pond... the ripples grow larger and spread out farther as they go... but it takes time." The stranger spread his arms out wide. "Joseph Chapman, you are dead. The wedding tomorrow is not for you. Lovely Spitfire is to wed a prominent member of Parliament and she is going to retire from adventuring, to become the biggest pop culture figure since Di."
Joey felt a tremor pass through him... and he realized that his own arm was growing more insubstantial. He looked down at himself in alarm. "No... Stop it!" He pointed his gun and fired, but nothing came forth save for a small white flag with the word "BANG" printed on it.
"You're dead. You still haunt us sometimes, like a nagging memory. But you're nothing more than that. And I... I am the the leader and director of the Pendragons, serving under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. But we both know who really calls the shots, don't we?"
As Joey Chapman faded from reality, he blurted out "Who are you? Are you Jamie Braddock?"
"That amateur? No, No. He only started my work... I am God. I am Jim Jaspers."
And then Union Jack was dead.
Otherworld
The dimension of Otherworld has always held a charming quality for Betsy Braddock. Its lush greenery and magical in habitants were both wondrous to behold and the very air itself was charge with a sort of fairy-tale energy. Coming here in recent years had also meant being reunited with her twin brother, Brian, who ruled over Otherworld as its proper king.
Only it wasn't Brian who now sat on the throne. Betsy, dressed in her Captain Britain uniform, could scarcely contain her fury at the sight of Roma there, smiling back at her. Merlyn's sister rose upon Betsy's entrance, moving to greet her. "Betsy. This is a surprise. I thought you would be busy at your friend's wedding."
"Give it a rest, you silly whore."
Roma's surprise was tame compared to those in the court around them. Many of them began chattering immediately, muttering at the audacity of one of the Captain Britain Corps insulting the ruler of Otherworld. "Pardon me?" Roma replied, her own eyes flashing with anger.
"Helping kill Jamie wasn't enough for you, was it*? Now you have to re-make history yourself? Is that what this was all about -- you were jealous that it wasn't you pulling the strings?"
(*See Pendragons # 25)
"I have no idea what you're talking about. But perhaps we should continue this in private...."
"No!" Betsy swatted away Roma's attempt to touch her arm. "What I have to say can be heard by everyone. You're a fraud. My brother is the rightful ruler of Otherworld... and if you don't cease your attempts to harm my family, I'll do you in myself!"
Roma composed herself, glancing at the red-skinned guard named Sir Benedict. She waved him away and turned back to Captain Britain. "Please. Explain."
"Someone is manipulating history. My brother, who should be here on the throne, was lost years ago. I served alongside the X-Men under the name Psylocke. Suddenly, that's not true any more. It goes on and on... and I want it resolved before Jackie and Joey are married."
"Jackie and... Joey? You mean Union Jack?" Roma paused, as if something new was occurring to her. "He's dead, Betsy. Going on two years now. He died right after the new Pendragons were formed and Jaspers was named team liaison."
"Jaspers," Captain Britain whispered, her eyes going wide. "Jim... Jaspers?"
"Yes." Roma studied her carefully. "You're thinking about what happened on Earth-238, aren't you?"
Betsy was. On that world, Jim Jaspers had used his mutant powers to seize power in Parliament. He'd eventually outlawed all superhumans, creating horrible internment camps for his enemies. With the aid of his pawns, the Crazy Gang and a powerful cybernetic robot called the Fury, he'd literally ruled the world. His universe had become so tainted that it had finally been marked for annihilation. Another version of him had popped up on Betsy's world soon after, but Brian had opposed his rise to power and in the end it had been the horrible Fury that had destroyed Jaspers. "You're telling me that Jim Jaspers is the government liaison to the Pendragons. That's it, then. Somehow he's come back and he's mucking things up. You've cleared things considerably, Roma."
"He's not the same being on your world, Betsy. He's a good man... A bit strange, yes, but--"
"You're just a pawn to him. I just wonder why he's left me with my memories at all. His mistake." Captain Britain jumped into the air, flying towards the door. "This is going to stop now."
"...I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The words were almost lost in a tumult of applause and cheers. Jim Jaspers, standing near the rear of the cathedral, led the move. He grinned as broadly as if his own daughter had just been married. "Jolly good, isn't it?"
Shevaun Haldane nodded beside him. "I hope Jackie's going to be happy. She still blames herself for the deaths of Joey and Kenneth, I think."
"Roger will be good for her, don't fear." James winked at her. "What about your own love life, dearie?"
Shevaun blushed slightly and looked over at Miracleman, standing a small distance away. The blond man was so painful it almost hurt to look at him. "I am going to take a little time off. Now that Gully's been taken care, I think it's high time Micky and I worked out our problems."
"Good show. And I have good news on that front, I think... I've asked Miraclewoman to take your place on the team. That should keep her out of your hair for a bit."
"Good luck with that," Shevaun murmured. "I'll be in touch about getting my things out of the castle. And call me if you need me -- I don't mind helping out at all, especially with the Red Lord in Darkmoor."
"I'll remember that. I think the new squad will be a good one. We still have Captain Britain, Rathoon and Adam -- add in Breeze, Miraclewoman, Big Ben and Shamrock and we've got an amazing group."
Shevaun looked past Jim's shoulder, watching as Betsy Braddock -- in full Captain Britain regalia -- burst into the church. She pushed her way past shocked members of the wedding party and closed in on Jaspers. "Looks like Betsy's in an uproar."
Jaspers nodded, his eyes narrowing. The smile, however, never left his face. Betsy's footsteps slowed as she neared him and the tell-tale flash of butterfly-effect around her eyes appeared and then quickly was snuffed out. "Betsy, dear... Whatever's the matter?"
Captain Britain paused before answering. Her eyes took in the interested faces of those around her -- including Spitfire's, who despite her shock looked radiant in white. "I... I just wanted to apologize for missing things. I had to go to Otherworld." She smiled tentatively. "But I'm looking forward to getting the team back on track."
Jaspers clasped her hand. "So am I, luv. So am I."
Next Issue: "Tempus Fugit" continues. Can anyone stand against the madness of Jim Jaspers or is the world of the Pendragons lost forever? Plus: Chanda's role becomes clearer.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
We've got some letters this month, so let's start with our old friend Gary Halpin:
Interesting. My favorite part of the issue is probably the idea of history being changed around Betsy. I've no idea where you're going with it, which is always good.
Is Chandra the one who was pregnant by Death Metal?
I loved Shevaun being twisted drunk, and Ginny wondering how long its been since Suzi got a shag. I'm glad Union Jack and Jackie are leaving for a while. I like them, but the team needs a shake-up.
Something about the Cam scene didn't work for me. I realise the point that was being made, but it all seems too sudden?
The Gully thing was good as I thought he would definitely die. I'm glad he's not leaving. I prefer him with powers as I think he adds something new to the team, and would rather have him stay this way than leave altogether.
Glad you're enjoying the little mystery surrounding Betsy. It will be played out over the next couple of issues, with some surprising results, I think (and hope!). Chandra has no connection whatsoever to Death Metal, sorry. And as for the Cam scene... well, I can see where you're coming from. But I wanted to show that Cam is now operating without the kind of morals that he once had. The feelings of lust that he'd felt for Shamrock, for instance, are now being unleashed in a most disturbing way. Hopefully I'll win you over to the plot as we progress!
Next up is Bob Gansler, who is going to be doing our upcoming Blade series:
Another wonderful issue. I should have known that Doom would have put Death's Head II to good use.
Heh. Yeah, Doom isn't known for squandering such opportunities, is he? :-)
Stay in touch everyone!
You can reach me at aric_dacia@yahoo.com
