Evolution, Part Two |
What Has Come Before: The Pendragons journeyed to Muir Island, where they encountered a human/whale hybrid named Beluga. Moira McTaggert was kidnapped by agents of the High Evolutionary and taken to Mount Wundagore, where the Evolutionary hopes she can turn back the rising tide of mutation amongst the New Men. Meanwhile, Harrison Halpin has ascended to the position of Prime Minister... but he harbors deep resentments against the Pendragons for failing to prevent the death of his wife and for Adam Crown's treatment of his niece, Ginny.
Darkmoor, the Realm of the Red Lord
The demonic entity known as Blackheart sat atop one of the small living structures, surveying the wonders of the Red Lord's domain. It was a veritable Hell on Earth, akin to the fiery realm that Blackheart had been birthed into. As the son and primary heir to Mephisto's power, Blackheart had been trained in the fine arts of degradation and despair from an early age... but he had to hand it to the Bane: they had nearly perfected this sort of thing.
The flow of humanity had nearly ceased in recent weeks, as those who felt the Bane's summoning in their souls became fewer. But the ones who had felt it most strongly had been among the first of the Red Lord's new devotees and they had embraced his philosophy of life through death and pleasure through pain. In fact, they reveled in it. Daily orgies that included the cutting and breaking of flesh were increasingly common... and humans were frequently choosing their magical neighbors -- elves, fairies and ogres, most frequently -- as their chosen partners. All ready the stench of half-breed pregnancies was filling the air and Blackheart shuddered at the thought of some of the progeny to come.
Down below, a group of sorcerers in training were attempting to magically flay a young woman alive. Her screams were lost in the steady drum-beat of the Red Lord's chorus, who sang all hours of the day, exhorting their master's graces. Many of them had been surgically and magically altered to hit specific notes, which they could hold for far longer than a normal human.
"It's all so perfect, isn't it?" he mused aloud. "Doom's attempts to pierce the shield that surrounds us failed utterly... and no one else -- including the Pendragons -- dares move against us as yet."
The figure who stood at his side did not answer at first, but Blackheart knew that his words were having the desired effect. Cam McClellan was the son of one Pendragon and a former pupil of yet another. He had even claimed the identity and armor of Albion, following that fellow's sacrifice against Blackheart himself... and yet now he stood at the side of the Pendragons' greatest enemy. Young Cam had already developed quite a taste for young female flesh, willing or not... and his own body was shifting and changing, growing ever more reptilian. He was a study in evolution, but one aspect of his former self remained unaltered... he was impatient. "The Red Lord is too strong for them. They know that."
"If he's so powerful, young Cam... Why does he wait here, biding his time? If he is so powerful, should he not rise up against them and smite them down before they mass their forces?"
"What are you playing at?" Dark Albion asked, sounding angry and petulant. He wore his full armor, including helmet, as he always seemed to these days. It was almost as if he feared accidentally catching a glimpse of himself. "The Red Lord's going to spread his power soon enough."
"I never pictured you as someone willing to trust so blindly," Blackheart chided. "I thought you would have outgrown such things."
"You're saying you don't believe in him?"
"No, no. I didn't say that." Blackheart turned to face the youth, his dark features drawn tight in mock conspiracy. "It's just that I'm always thinking... and thinking sometimes leads to questioning."
"If you say so. I just don't want to get caught up in your riddles and lies. I haven't forgotten that you killed Peter."
"Peter," Blackheart said, as if tasting the name on his tongue. "Your predecessor as Albion. He died valiantly, though his lies stunted your growth for far too long. That's the thing about hypocrisy, Cam... it hides the true demons. With me, you know what I am... I don't hide it. But people like the Pendragons, they play at being heroes when they actually covet power and control for themselves. They want to keep the children in line, never letting them grow to their full potential... like they did with you."
Cam said nothing.
"By the by, did you know that pretty Molly is back with the Pendragons?"
Dark Albion clenched a fist, looking out over the proceedings below. "Shamrock... I thought she was with the Dark Guard."
"She's apparently switched teams. A pretty lass like that deserves better than those Pendragons, boy. She always teased you, didn't she?"
"No... She wasn't like that."
"Really? Here I thought she was... teasing and playing, but always pulling back because you were nothing more than a boy to her. Isn't that why you torment your little toys*? Why they all look so much like her--"
(*See issue 35 for a good example of this.)
"Shut up!" Cam yelled, striking out with a gauntleted fist. The blow whipped Blackheart's heart clear round and would have killed any living being.
The demon, however, reached up with steady hands and gripped his own head. With a cracking sound, he readjusted it to its proper position. "You have my apologies, Cam. I was just going to suggest that perhaps we could help one another, that's all."
"What do you mean?" Cam asked, his voice still hot with rage.
Blackheart rose to his full height, looking dangerous and feral. "I'll get you the girl, body and soul... And all I ask in return is that you help me get revenge on an old enemy of mine -- Ghost Rider. Fair enough?"
"I... I should ask the Red Lord."
Blackheart laughed coldly. "Poor little thing. Always checking in with your surrogate father for reassurance. I thought you were finally becoming a man...."
Dark Albion pointed a finger in Blackheart's face. "I should kill you! You can't be trusted!"
"Neither can you," the demon retorted. "You're the one who betrayed your teammates."
Cam held his pose for a moment before sighing in resignation. "You can bring her to me unharmed?"
"Not a mark on her... and I won't even bother telling the Red Lord. She'll be yours to do with as you please, completely. No one else will know."
A little voice in Cam's head screamed in disgust, but it's power was almost nonexistent. Cam's heart had grown cold as ice, nurtured by his demonic mentors. Now all he felt were the baser, more primitive desires. And he did desire Molly... "Let's do it, then."
Mount Wundagore, Transia
The small village that lay beneath the towering Mount Wundagore was a sleepy little place. Like Latveria, it seemed trapped in another time, one of simpler days and slower living. The people generally kept to themselves, though they had a fierce loyalty to one another and distrusted outsiders. The strange events that had plagued the community for many generations had become a shared secret amongst them and several of the townspeople were well aware that animal-men lurked in and around the mysterious citadel at the top of the mountain. Even before the Barrier went up and altered Europe forever, these hardy people were already accustomed to the strange.
Even so, these townspeople were still surprised to see the sleek jet that soared overhead on this sunny afternoon, with the proud Pendragons' logo on the side. The craft was a recent addition to the team's arsenal, having been bought and paid for by the Weird Happenings Organization. At the controls was the team's leader and inspiration, Captain Britain. Betsy Braddock had slipped into the role easily enough, having been resurrected from a series of personal upheavals thanks to her brother, the king of Otherworld. She stared out the viewport with her helmet resting on the seat next to her. This allowed her long purple-tinted hair to fall free, and it now curled about her shoulders.
Betsy smiled, sensing the person behind her. Sure enough, Rahne Sinclair leaned over the back of her seat. "Any sign of Moira?"
The red-haired young woman had been a friend of Betsy's during their mutual stay at Charles Xavier's mansion, but they had never bonded to the degree that they should have. Betsy came from a world of high fashion and culture, while Rahne was a shy, sensitive lass with low self-esteeem. "No... Though I have spotted the High Evolutionary's base. No sign of the New Men, though, which is odd. I've made two passes over the citadel so far so he has to know we're here."
Rahne's attractive features scrunched up into a look of dismay. "I'll just die if anythin's happened to her. I dinna do enough to protect her...."
"You did all you could -- and now we're going to get her back." Betsy reached up and turned on the cabin speaker. "I'm about to take us down, folks. Buckle up."
Back in the passenger compartment, the rest of the team halted their private conversations and prepared to follow orders. The team's newest member -- the Incredible Hulk -- had been engaged in a conversation related to quantum physics with Dark Angel, while Shamrock listened on. Breeze James, meanwhile, had been making a futile attempt to bring Adam Crown out of his self-imposed shell. Both of them had been forever altered by the recent Jaspers Warp, with Adam betraying his principles and teammates, while Breeze had discovered that she was, in the words of Ghoul, "a living dead girl." Breeze had hoped that this would bring them together somehow, as she badly needed friends... but Adam had remained sullen and uncommunicative.
Outside the plane, an invisible dragon flew beside them. Rathoon was using spells to cloak his presence from the people below, but he was also aware that if all that the Hulk had said was true, then the High Evolutionary should have no trouble detecting him.
The Pendragons landed just outside the gleaming metal and glass structure that housed the High Evolutionary these days -- it was quite a change from his old home, but after the visit paid to him by the Black Knight and the Heroes for Hire*, he'd elected to make severe alterations. This structure was both imposing and impressive, standing bright and tall in the sunlight. It made Rathoon whistle aloud. "That's one funky crib."
(*See the "Siege of Wundagore" storyline from Heroes for Hire and Quicksilver a few years ago.)
You got that right, Rathoon.
The dragon grinned, showing several sharp fangs. He looked over at Dark Angel as she led the way off the ship. "Should I lead the way inside?" he asked, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
Captain Britain shook her head. "No need. They're coming to meet us." Adam Crown drew his sword, looking more alive than he had for the whole trip. In fact, Betsy could sense his anticipation for battle... More and more, it was there that he allowed himself to live, to feel. "Hopefully that won't be necessary, Adam."
"They attacked Muir Island and kidnapped the doctor. They've made it clear they're enemies." Adam's ever word was tinged with distaste for Betsy. Distaste... and jealousy.
"Keep up that kind of talk and we're gonna take your sword away," Death Angel warned. "I know you've been screwed up inside since the Warp but--"
Adam stunned everyone by whipping about with his sword outstretched. The blade came to rest with the tip pressed tightly against the flesh of her throat. "You don't know anything, you stupid cow."
Shevaun's lip curled in anger and she batted the sword away. "Don't threaten me. Ever."
"I'll do more than that if--"
The Hulk stepped between them. "Let's leave off the whole 'Pendragons smash' riff for today, shall we?" He grinned at them, somehow looking all the more menacing for it. "The High Evolutionary can probably turn us all into apes -- and Rathoon into a salamander -- just by thinking it. So we should be prepared to talk if possible."
Wolfsbane, in her human/animal hybrid form, bared her fangs. "I'm with Crown. I don't trust them."
A door opened before them, revealing a metal walkway that led into the interior of the building. Blocking their path was a man who possessed traits resembling those of a rabbit. Floppy ears on the top of his head gave him a rather cute appearance, though the expression on his bestial features spoke of a deep pain. "Welcome to Mount Wundagore. My master bids you welcome."
"Where's Dr. McTaggert?" Wolfsbane growled, crouching low and looking dangerous.
If the New Man was intimidated, his features gave no clue of it. "She is safe. The High Evolutionary has instructed me to bring you to them." He turned on his heels and began moving inside, obviously intending for the others to follow.
Captain Britain's voice rang out in all of her teammates' heads. Let's follow, guys... but I'm going to keep us all in touch with one another just in case it's a trap.
That's not the Evolutionary's style, the Hulk thought back. Unless he's changed a lot, he's never been big on subtlety.
Before they could take more than a few steps however, the rabbit-man screamed in a high-pitched wail. He convulsed several times before falling to the ground, caught at the last minute by Breeze as she rocketed forward.
"What happened?" Dark Angel asked, peering close. Blood gleamed wetly on the creature's muzzle.
"Just like what happened on Muir Island... to Beluga," Shamrock whispered. "He's dead, isn't he?"
Breeze nodded slowly, lowering the New Man onto his back. "I'm pretty sure... What could be killing them like this?"
"I don't know," the Hulk replied. "But whatever it is... I hope it's not contagious."
Lyonesse
Gulliver Jones floated through the empty corridors of the Pendragons Castle, letting his "senses" expand to their uppermost limit. Since his death and resurrection as hologram, Gully had found himself surprisingly pleased with the results. Gone were the aches and pains normally associated with being old, leaving behind only a strong sense of wonder. He was now tied in to the PLATO computer system created by the team's scientific advisor Suzi Endo, allowing him the ability to "see" over the whole of the island at once. He could see Suzi standing on the beach even now, staring off into the horizon. She looked pensive and angry, both of which are common enough for her.
Gully centered his attentions on the door to Jacqueline Crichton's room, however. The heroine known as Spitfire had defended England since the 1940s and had once been Gully's lover, before he'd foolishly broken her heart and lost the only real chance for happiness that he'd ever have. Tragedy had followed in her wake, though, stealing the men that she cared for -- her father, her brother, her husband, her son... and now her most recent lover, Joey Chapman, was dead as well.
Jackie had rarely stayed at the Castle but she was here today, having arrived at mid-morning and saying that she could not bear going back to her estate at the moment. Baby Kenneth, her grandson, was with her and Gully could hear the infant snuffling within. "Jackie? Are you feeling good enough to talk for a bit?"
The door opened, revealing a haggard face. "Gully?" she asked, staring at him with mixed emotions. She'd found his transformation a bit hard to accept and his own enjoyment of his new condition even more baffling. "What do you need?"
"I heard you mention that you had come from a doctor's appointment and I was wondering if everything was okay."
"I'm fine," she replied, but her eyes and expression made it quite clear that she was anything but. As if sensing his understanding, Jackie let her shoulders slump and she buried her face in her hands. "No. No, I'm not. I had awful news, simply awful."
Gully placed his arms around her, surprising her with how firm and solid he felt. "What happened?"
Her words were almost lost in the wracking sobs that overtook her. "I'm pregnant*."
(*As shown in Union Jack Weekly.)
"Oh my...." Gully stiffened suddenly, from more than mere shock. A data packet had just downloaded itself into his central processor... it contained the latest newsfeeds from the Weird Happenings Organization, intended to help Gully predict future disasters that the Pendragons might have to face. This latest packet contained information about vigilante activity on the East End of London. Activity carried out by a familiar figure. Should I tell her? Or would it seem like cruelty to pile on yet another concern at the moment?
"Gully?"
"It's nothing. I'm just so worried for you. That's all." He held her tighter, trying to be as comforting as possible. For now, he'd hold on to the information he'd just learned, but she'd have to know sometime....
Have to know that someone claiming to be Union Jack was on the loose.
Mount Wundagore
The High Evolutionary watched Moira McTaggert at work, torn between conflicting feelings of appreciation and horror. He'd always considered his intellect to be his greatest gift, but he was so wracked with pain now that he could not think clearly. His every attempt to uncover why his New Men were dying had been blocked and now he had been forced to turn to another for aid.
McTaggert, despite her anger over the Evolutionary's methods in seeking out her help, had quickly lost herself in the conundrum before her. She stared into a microscope now, making shorthand notes to herself on a pad. "I think we've come to some of the same conclusions, just from totally different directions."
The Evolutionary frowned beneath his helmet. He fought to keep his calm, even as the red haze of pain made his vision blur. "Tell me."
Moira turned to face him. "Roughly 8% of the human population apparently possesses a gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of the Black Mass Barrier. We both agree that this somehow allows them to tap into the ambient energy that's been released -- what the layman on the street calls 'magic.' For some reason individuals whose DNA has been re-sequenced in some way -- either through deliberate genetic manipulation or outside influences -- are likewise open to being changed by the Barrier. It's almost like the act of altering the base genetic sequences of humanity inspires the Barrier Gene to form, even in those who weren't born with that. That's why an inordinately high number of metahumans have seen their powers amplified, reduced or altered."
The High Evolutionary nodded. "Yes... and that's why my New Men and myself have been affected. We're all genetically altered. But why are all of the changes so negative? Why are we dying where others are not? Why should someone like the Jack O'Lantern become a minor sorcerer while I am rotting from the inside?!" The Evolutionary paused, shaking in rage. His voice had risen to an almost panicked tenor. "I'm sorry. I...."
"I understand. What you and your people are going through is like what I witnessed with the Legacy Virus. Death is never easy... and I'm afraid that's what you're facing. I might find a cure in time, but not before you're all too ravaged to survive. This thing that's happening to you is causing your internal organs to break down and liquefy. I--"
"Moira!"
Both scientists turned to see the Pendragons and Wolfsbane enter the room. They had taken a winding route through the citadel after their guide's death, but it had not been too hard to find the main laboratory, as it dominated the facility. Moira couldn't resist a smile as the young wolf girl jumped into her arms. "Rahne... How did you find me?"
"The Pendragons. They sorted it all out and brought me 'ere!" Wolfsbane caught sight of the High Evolutionary and growled. "Is he the one who brought you 'ere?"
"Doctor Banner. So good to see you." The High Evolutionary moved forward unsteadily, fighting against the despair he felt. It was washing together with the pain, making every thought a difficult achievement. "And you are Ranulph Haldane's daughter, aren't you? Brilliant man."
Dark Angel frowned at that. She'd battled her father's evil soul not long ago* and the memory still haunted her. "Whatever good he did was far outweighed by his lack of morality."
(*See "Heathen Chemistry" in issues 31-33)
"Yes. That's always a concern." The Evolutionary touched his forehead through the helmet he wore, his vision swirling. "I'm sorry, Doctor McTaggert... Before your friends entered, you were telling me about the deaths of my children?"
"I'm sorry," Moira said. "I wish I could tell you more...."
"You've told me more than enough. What happens next is the duty of a father." The High Evolutionary reached down to his belt and depressed a small button located there. A whining sound briefly filled the air, seconds before howls and screams began to echo from without the building.
Breeze ran to a window at superspeed, watching as the New Men who worked outside the citadel fell to the ground like marionettes whose strings had been unexpectedly cut. Most of them lay silent and still after falling, but a few twitched before dying. "He killed them. He killed them all."
Captain Britain activated her psi-blade. "Rahne... Get Moira out of here."
Moira allowed herself to be led away, but she stared at the High Evolutionary in shock. "Why...?"
"Because this way is quicker and more painless. I won't allow to suffer more for my folly." The High Evolutionary felt his mouth grower wetter by the second and it was beginning to garble his words. Were his saliva glands overreacting to some stimula? No... that taste. Coppery. My mouth is filling with blood.
In panic, the High Evolutionary staggered back, falling against a table and knocking off several beakers of steaming liquid. He saw Adam Warlock come forward, sword raised to strike. He dimly heard Captain Britain ordering him to wait, but Crown would not listen. The sword came down and dug deep into the Evolutionary's gauntlet. It did not reach his flesh, but the steel of the blade was magically strong and would pierce the armor soon enough.
The Evolutionary struck back, backhanding Crown with all his strength. The blow was enough to send the Pendragon flying through the air. Breeze managed to block Adam's body before it struck the wall.
Energy cascaded around the geneticist as Dark Angel unleashed her cosmic powers against him. The pain was intense and he staggered under the onslaught, but still managed to react instinctively. He discharged a blast of his own, one that was absorbed harmlessly by the celestial fabric that made up Shevaun's costume.
"Coward!" Adam Crown hissed, pushing Breeze away from him. "You kill your followers but don't have the guts to do yourself...."
Betsy whirled to face her teammate, the purple-white energy of her psi-blade still humming around her right fist. "Stuff it, you cad! Something's wrong with him!"
"Obviously," Adam murmured.
Breeze whispered to him "Adam, let it go."
"No! I've had enough of this -- Why are you defending him? He's a murderer and a kidnapper!"
"Because striking first isn't always the answer."
Adam saw the accusation in her eyes... saw it in the eyes of all his teammates, save perhaps for Shamrock -- who merely looked at him in a pitying fashion -- and Breeze. "You hate me, don't you? You think I'm a failure and a fraud... that I'll never live up to my potential. Bugger all of you! The spirit of Arthur rests in me! Do you hear me? Me!"
Betsy's face shifted to something more compassionate. Bruce, you and Shevaun... deal with the High Evolutionary. I'll take care of Adam.
The Hulk nodded once, taking a heavy step towards the Evolutionary. He had no desire to get between Captain Britain and Adam Crown... whatever there was between them looked to be a long-simmering feud. "Herbert. Don't fight anymore."
The High Evolutionary staggered, images of his long life flashing through his mind's eye. He saw the abandonment of so much of his humanity in the name of science... the creation of lifeforms that were never in God's plan... the loss of his sanity and its subsequent return. And now he saw Death, looking slender and feminine in purple robes that hid her features. "Bruce, there is something you must know...."
The Hulk blinked in confusion. The Evolutionary's motions were jerky and his words were lost in a wet blubber of agony. "I can't understand you, Herbert...."
Falling to his knees before the Hulk, Herbert Wyndham tried to force his words to be clearer. "Symkaria. Some of my work is being used -- I had no time to investigate before the Barrier. Please--"
The Hulk caught the Evolutionary as he sagged forward. The man felt limp and weak, with bits of blood and melting flesh beginning to ooze from the edges of his armor. The Hulk had barely understood the last message, either... but he had caught the word Symkaria. "Whatever you were trying to say, Herbert... I'll do my best to figure it out."
"Let me help," Dark Angel said, kneeling beside them both. "He's so far gone, I don't think my magic can heal him. But I can place him in stasis until we can find some way of helping him." She placed a hand on the Evolutionary's arm and cast a small spell that slowed internal time within the geneticist. She noted the Hulk's eyes upon her and smiled. "What is it?"
"I've just never trusted or understood sorcery. Doesn't feel right to me."
She laughed in return, despite the horror before them. "Right. You believe in science, which has been soooo good to you, transforming you into a jade giant with the mentality of a three-year old."
"I'm much better now," the Hulk pointed out. "But I see your point."
Shamrock, meanwhile, was standing beside Captain Britain as she confronted Adam Crown. Crown still clutched his sword tightly, looking like he was on the brink of something terrible. "Adam," Molly began, "Please put your sword away. We're your friends."
"You'd like me to think that, wouldn't you?" he sneered. "But you all laugh at me behind my back. There goes pompous old Adam... he'll never be our leader, will he? Well, damn it -- I don't need you! I don't need any of you! I'm good enough to be a servant of the Lady, aren't I? If I'm good enough for her, then I'm--"
"Hush," Betsy said, reaching out with her telepathy, trying to calm him. She felt only fear and intense self-loathing. Whatever madness Jim Jaspers had infected him with, it was obviously very deeply rooted inside him. "Listen to me. We don't hate you. You're our friend and our teammate. Put down the sword and let us help you."
"Help?" Adam barked with laughter. "You make me so sick. Beautiful, pristine little Betsy... It always works out for you doesn't it?"
"No. It doesn't."
Shamrock stepped between them, much to Betsy's surprise. "If you'll forgive me for saying so, Betsy, you're not the one to be talking to him. There's a lot of bad blood between you."
Not on my part, Betsy replied mentally.
Be that as it may, Molly answered, I don't think he's going to listen to you.
Adam backed away, glancing over towards a still silent Breeze. "Come with me, if you want. They don't accept you either. You know it. You're just what they got in return for Jim's killing Joey."
"That's not true, Breeze," Betsy countered.
Shamrock ignored the exchange and instead reached out -- slowly -- for Adam's hand. "I know you're feeling horrid, but it's not Betsy you're mad at. Nor is it anyone else but yourself. You did some bloody awful things and you want to blame someone, anyone, for what happened. But we're all friends here... All of us. So don't turn away from the people who care."
Adam stared into her green eyes and saw the truth behind her words. He did hate himself right now, for what he'd done to the Pendragons -- and to Ginny, most of all. "I don't deserve this blade," he whispered. "Not Excalibur. Not me." He opened his hand and let the weapon clatter to the floor. "I don't think I'm well at all...."
Shamrock smiled in return. "Join the club."
They embraced, even as Betsy's voice whispered in Molly's head. Nice job. You were right to step in.
Molly's reply was a somber one. I just hope we'll be able to help him.
I know a thing or two about self-loathing, believe it or not... Maybe I can assist? Bruce thought, sharing his concern via the psi-link.
Molly smiled at him, gratefully acknowledging his offer. She felt good that Bruce would be helping, because it seemed like he was capable of almost anything. Even making a little lass like me feel special....
Next Issue: "Broken Chains" begins, guest-starring the Spirit of Vengeance! Dark Albion and Blackheart begin their campaign of terror, as Shamrock finds herself the target of a deadly obsession.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Not my best storyline, I'll admit. Something just didn't click here but I'm not quite sure what it was. Still, I have high hopes for "Broken Chains" which begins next issue.
A letter from Daniel Ingram starts things off this time:
The Good= Well, you certainly know how to pull a fast one on readers. I'd never have expected The Hulk of all people to join up, and boy does he seem like an odd choice. But then, some choices are more fun because they're odd, I've found. I look forward to seeing his future in the Pendragons. Adam Crown's going over the edge it seems, which right now keeps the hatred I have for him from boiling over. I'm also impressed with the greater ramications of the Black Mass barrier and recent battle with Jim Jaspers being addressed, easily, in one issue. Boy, the Pendragons have dark times ahead. Best of all, Ginny and Wolfsbane! Yeah! I still vote for Wolfsbane membership in Pendragons, if only to replace Chapman ;) Good pacing, good characterization and good plots. I'm happy
The Bad=Well, I'm hard pressed to find anything at the moment. You can just put whatever you want in here and we'll call it even ;)
Thanks, Daniel! Adam's personality problems will take center stage, alongside the Cam/Molly relationship, in our next arc.
You can reach me at aric_dacia@yahoo.com
