Alpha Flight in…

HOMAGE

By Stuart Fairchild

For as long as young Tommy Anderson can remember, he has enjoyed his home town of Brandon. He refers to it as the B. M. C; short for Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. He has many friends and close relatives that never contemplated moving away. He has grown to be a good striker on his soccer team and has finally gotten the hang of fractions in Mrs. Weis’ class. He has grown much with the town as had previous generations before him. He has not known anything else but Brandon, Canada; well…outside of the time his parents took him to Disney World that one time but for the sake of this story, he knows only Brandon.

A few years ago, he discovered an opening in the forestry overlooking the town. Since that day, he has detoured from school to see the town upon the hidden cliff. In small amounts of time, Tommy created numerous games upon the ledge until the time his parents came home from work. He has invited many classmates to see his discovery, each without the same enthusiasm he displayed when he discovered the view of the town.

The town he knows so well looked so differently this day as he raced toward the ledge with his classmate Jonas Roy. The once proud look that appeared every time Tommy gazed at the town below turned to pure dismay, his eyes opening wide to the complete destruction below.

“…Tommy?” Jonas stuttered as he looked upon the waste of Brandon with his friend.

“I…I …what happened?” Tommy stammered, tears beginning to fill his eyes as he looked upon the debris and rubble.

“I don’t think 9-1-1 covers stuff like this, Tommy. We should call someone…like the Avengers.”

“We live in Canada, Jonas. They don’t leave the states unless some giant monster attacks,” Tommy answered sincerely.

“It sure looks like a giant monster attacked.” Jonas replied innocently as he ran his fingers through his wavy hair.

“It does, doesn’t it?”

“How about the Fantastic Four then? They should come. I always wanted to see the Thing.”

“Not unless Dr. Doom did this.”

“Any ideas then, Tommy?” Jonas asked, turning to Tommy for an answer as they made their way to the streets of the destruction.

Tommy shrugged as the view of a payphone at what used to be Mr. Harrell’s corner store came into view. Tommy quickly made his way to the phone, knowing letting someone know, anyone was the most important thing.

“Hello operator. Yeah, my name is Tommy Anderson and my town of Brandon just got destroyed. I need to get in contact with Damage Control and any super hero team that covers the region.”

Tommy waited while looking at Jonas inspecting the damage to the town. They were two lone kids in a town that they no longer knew.

“Yes, I’m completely serious, sir,” Tommy responded.

An incoming noise caught the attention of Tommy and Jonas, the intensity of the source growing louder by the second. Jonas quickly ran to his friend’s side as Tommy extended the phone cord just enough to look around the corner.

“Hold on, something’s coming,” Tommy informed the operator, giving a detailed account of what was transpiring. A vehicle of a design Tommy knew nothing of stopped in the vicinity of the boys, opening to reveal a figure fully clad in red armor.

“By executive order from the Canadian Ministry of Defense, you boys are to vacate the premises immediately and report to the quarantine area,” the mystifying man in red ordered.

Both Tommy and Jonas nodded yes as both boys were speechless from the site of the man. More men dressed similarly to the one talking to them began to populate the streets with guns in hand. The operator began to talk loudly to inquire the whereabouts of the boy. Tommy quickly collected himself as he tried to figure out what was happening.

“I have to get going,” Tommy said as he hung up the phone while being escorted into a vehicle.

“Do you guys know Iron Man?” Jonas asked as he boarded the vehicle.

“No,” the man replied coldly, shutting the doors to only the loud gulps of the boys.

Hours Later…

“Sir, they’re here.”

The words spilled out of Cory Hames’ mouth with an anticipation which filled the air with a certain electric charge. Heads turned to see the red clad Epsilon guards which guarded the area, part a path as if it were the Red Sea.

“Gangway, folks. This is a job only we can handle,” the large orange brute known as Sasquatch called out.

Holland Gentry stood still with only his hair swaying in the breeze. His exterior showed no emotion yet his heart still was grateful every time Alpha Flight had appeared. As Head of Operations in Department H, he had grown appreciative of even being in the situation overseeing the group.

For all the support Mr. Gentry provided his team, there had been recent opposition to their use much like it had been years before under different regimes. Richard Proctor had been part of those previous regimes, even coordinating a division in Department H until Mr. Gentry arrived. Mr. Gentry had cast away many of the questionable activities within the walls of Department H but before he could turn his attention toward Proctor, another hand was extended to him. A hand Proctor gladly accepted as it proved to be quite beneficial on both parts. Now he stood side by side with Gentry as Gentry’s counterpart within Canada’s clandestine operations, showing only a condescending smirk toward Alpha Flight.

“Sasquatch, meet Coordinator Proctor,” Gentry introduced as the two Department representatives stood directly in front of Alpha Flight. “He is now part of Sub-Division 13.”

The gathered members each displayed a questionable look at the mention of Proctor’s affiliations. Gentry merely shook his head, “I’ll tell you more once I learn more. From what I can gather, it’s much like our Department K. Very hush, hush, even in my circles.”

Puck gave an inquisitive look at the man standing next to Mr. Gentry. “You seem familiar,” he said in an unsure voice.

“He was part of Department H under General Clarke’s tenure,” Gentry informed the diminutive Alphan.

The mere mention of the team’s former liaison gave off an uneasy feeling to the members. The fact that there was a connection to the questionable General made Coordinator Proctor’s introduction less than stellar to Alpha Flight.

“I can assure you that General Clarke’s actions and mine were two separate factions under his regime Puck. Am I to be judged just because we were employed at the same time? If so, then cast the same judgment upon yourselves.”

“The man does have a point, Puck. Even if he were involved with Clarke, it hasn’t been proven. Not everyone that worked under General Clarke was crooked,” Madison Jeffries replied in his metallic Box armor.

“I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, Madison. Let us just hope he doesn’t prove us wrong, eh.”

“Is there any word on the creature?” Guardian asked, trying to get back to the point of the mission.

“Yes, the creature has left quite a destructive trail in its wake,” Coordinator Proctor reported.

“Is it green?” Hames muttered under his breath half heartedly.

The reaction to the idea left the room speechless, all eyes locked on the assistant. Hinting at such a destructive force within Canadian territory was not pleasant to imagine. Hames discovered that the attention had been placed on him and apologized for the remark.

“The H word is not taken too lightly within the Department, Hames.” Gentry advised his loyal subordinate.

“We have a positive video identification on an object moving due east, sir,” an Epsilon shouted.

“Place it on monitor,” Mr. Gentry ordered as all in attendance gathered around the view screen.

“We have things perfectly under control, Gentry.” Proctor suggested as he strolled at a calmer pace than the others. “Just recently we were informed that a creature much like this one was spotted in South America.”

“I like to be proven wrong, Proctor,” Gentry said seriously.

“It sure is leaving quite a path of destruction and mayhem,” Hames muttered as multiple screens began to appear from the creature’s rant.

“What’s it doing now?” Diamond Lil asked as the movements of the monster halted on screen.

“It seems to be looking at us,” Puck replied.

“We lost feed,” one of the Epsilons shouted.

“I want it back,” Gentry barked as black and white spec filled the video monitors. “Contact Lieutenant Oculus and get me some video.”

“Seems kind of odd to be asking Oculus for favors after you deemed his services in Department H as questionable. His division, along with other Department H castaways, have been quite useful in Division 13 operations.” Proctor snickered at what he thought as rambling from Gentry.

The remark was not taken lightly as Gentry stared at Proctor sternly. The fact that actions within Department H were cast off and absorbed into other factions of the government worried Gentry immensely. He had tried so hard to rid any cancers within Department H and now it mocked it him head on.

“Fret not Gentry. We’re getting video feed as we speak,” Proctor said as the momentary static came back into focus. “I have an Epsilon unit near that vicinity anyways. Unit Charlie Echo 4, do you have a visual on target?” Proctor asked loudly.

“Affirmative sir. I can tell you if that thing so much as blinks.” A transmitted voice responded. “Satellite informs us that the area is completely evacuated up to four clicks away, sir.”

Proctor’s decision came suddenly, “Then you have permission to eliminate target on executive order zeta kappa sigma 4-7-2.”

-“Order confirmed. Moving to acquire target.”-

“I want Black to give a positive identification of the target when complete.”

-“Affirmative.”-

“You deployed a sweeper for this thing?” Gentry asked as he knew of the classification of Epsilon Black.

“I actually deployed all of them. It’s a perk with the position.” Proctor callously replied.

The classification of Epsilon Black was known full well to Gentry, “Seems like overkill.”

“Not to me.” Proctor said as he maintained sight on the monitor.

-“Area clear for Hades launch.”-

“This thing has leveled two towns in its wrath since Brandon.”

An evil smile stretched across Proctor’s face, “And it shall burn for its actions.”

-“Hades detonated.”- The Epsilon reported; the once green tree line of the Manitoba area scorched before their very eyes.

“You just incinerated…” Gentry stammered as he couldn’t even fathom the magnitude at which Proctor was acting.

“I know. I did what had to be done. It is why the Director placed me where he did.”

-“Black moving in to confirm kill.”-

“It isn’t always that easy,” Gentry said as he questioned the sanity of Proctor.

“Never said it was, but some people have to make the big decision.”

-“No visual confirmation yet. Dust everywhere and infrared not picking up anything. If that mother is still alive, we will put it…Crap!”- The Epsilon shouted as weapon fire was heard over the intercom.

“Black! Black report!” Proctor commanded, his voice wavering somewhat.

-“We got movement. Image magnifying.”- An Epsilon yelled.

“Is it ours?” Gentry asked.

-“It’s…it’s…it’s the creature.” A disappointed Epsilon replied.

“Damn!” Gentry hollered. “Hames, get me on the phone.”

“What are you doing?” Proctor asked.

“I’m doing what the Director hired me for.” Gentry retorted with a smile. He then looked at the assembled Alpha Flight.

“Hudson, you and your team have a go.”

“You’re recalling Division troops?” Proctor asked in disbelief as he stumbled through the departing Alpha Flight.

“It has to be done to minimize casualties. They are now ordered to serve as perimeter containment and help in any evacuation until Alpha Flight can get there.” Gentry answered.

Proctor’s emotions flared, “On whose authority?”

“His,” Gentry answered, holding the phone in the air, daring his counterpart to speak to the one man that could effect change no matter what Department they claimed: Director X.

Near Winnipeg

“Scans show us nearing the creature’s position,” Mr. Jeffries called out.

“Department K nearly evaporated the countryside trying to destroy that thing.” Diamond Lil uttered, staring out toward the charred countryside from the jet window.

“At least we know it is resilient and will take a little more work to bring down, eh.” Puck replied.

“Whichever way you put it, this thing is nearing Winnipeg and we have to take it down before it reaches the city,” Guardian suggested. “Any ideas?”

The diminutive Puck quickly answered, “I think we should hit it sporadically so we can keep it off balance. Maybe we can even direct it away from the city, eh.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Hope it works because we just got the creature on visual,” Mr. Jeffries replied.

“I’ll strike first while the rest of you follow when the pilot lands the plane,” Guardian said in a confident tone. He adjusted his control helmet as he cracked a smile at the team. “Just don’t keep me waiting too long.”

With a thought, Guardian was soon surrounded by an energy field from his suit that he designed years ago. The amber glow resonating from his body pitched a charge in the air as the leader and creator of Alpha Flight soon left the airborne jet with only a static after-charge signaling his presence.

Guardian’s departure from the jet was pleasant but his descent toward the creature echoed an audible screech as his suit snapped through the air. The creature turned toward the reverberation, the source quickly making his way to his target.

Guardian banked upward harshly, short of the creature, shooting a few plasma displaced charges near the vicinity. The creature roared what sounded like a laugh as he uprooted a sizeable chunk of land, heaving it toward Guardian’s direction.

It was quickly countered by the Alphan with a plasma blast, showering debris down upon the surface. The creature maintained its focus on the still airborne Guardian when the smack of a tree came raking across its face.

“Hello,” Sasquatch said with a snicker, the sound of gunfire from the Box armor quickly following the hairy Alphan’s introduction.

The creature scowled furiously as it made its way toward the newcomers, easily absorbing any damage inflicted by Box.

“Lil, this thing is taking a lot of the damage we throw at it. It probably won’t even flinch if we land a punch,” Puck hollered.

Diamond Lil grinned, “So you want us to make sure it knows we are here long enough for the others to strike again.”

“That a girl.” Puck smiled as he carefully dodged the creature’s punches with an assortment of flips and other maneuvers.

The invulnerable Diamond Lil followed the nimble Puck only to be proved not as fast at dodging the creature’s heavy blows.

“Damn that thing can move fast.” She said, dusting off the debris caused by her landing.

“Isn’t that how all the enormous unstoppable monsters are made these days?” Puck replied, concentrating on distracting the creature while keeping any concern for his fallen team mate concealed.

Sasquatch followed with a firmly placed haymaker on the creature’s back, “Everyone is a comedian now. I don’t find it funny how this thing keeps on dusting of my punches as if I was a light-weight.”

“Sasquatch has a point. We seem to be annoying it more than stopping it. Any other…plans?”” Guardian asked as the creature quickly grabbed the Alphan in mid-air with an unyielding grasp.

The energy field that protected Guardian dampened the force of the attack but even his electromagnetic suit had its limits as Guardian began to scream in pain. The gathered Alphans each tried to provide aide to their friend and team mate when an unexpected strike at the monster’s eyes dislodged the Alphan to the ground causing a horrible scream from the creature.

Guardian gathered himself to see the feet of two people that did not arrive with the team causing him smile. “I was wondering when you two would get here.”

“Sorry James. Riding the northern winds only takes you so fast.” Shaman replied.

Guardian chuckled but the mere gesture caused an immense pain in his rib area. “Better late than never I suppose.”

“Michael…” The northern demi-goddess, Snowbird called out.

“Yes Narya. I too feel it.”

“Care sharing any new information, eh.” Puck asking the question all the Alphans were thinking as they continued to tussle with the monstrosity.

“The creature does not draw its power from magic, Puck. It does carry an ancient aura though,” Shaman said curiously.

“And that helps us how?” Mr. Jeffries asked as the arm of the Box armor morphed into another weapon which was shot at the creature.

“Creatures of such destructive force are usually drawn from mystical forces such as the Juggernaut or our own Sasquatch, making stopping the force easier once you severe the source. It is far more infrequent to find creatures of science that rival that of magic but they do exist, much like the Hulk. When creatures of science do arise in our world of boundaries and laws, exceeding those boundaries to make such a force are on a scale that is infinite,” Shaman explained. “The mere fact that this creature is helped by an ancient science is beyond my reasoning.”

“So if we were to call Reed Richards he would be of no help,” Sasquatch asked

Shaman thought of the question and became concerned. “Not immediately. Reed Richards is probably the most brilliant mind on the planet and even he would have difficulty stopping this creature.”

“Then how do we stop it?” Diamond Lil pondered loudly.

“We don’t,” Snowbird answered as her blue cape flapped in the air.

“Narya is right. If the creature is not spawned from magic then it is not bound to this world.”

“I’m not following,” Guardian questioned his long time friend.

“We fight this thing as if it were some force like the Hulk, James. We cannot win a frontal battle with such a creature. We have to isolate it and remove it from this plane of existence. Though the creature regenerates with each destructive blow we land, it still needs time to recuperate in the process.”

“So we hit it with a destructive force and draw into Shaman’s pouch while it heals?”

“Precisely,” Snowbird said simply.

“I will need time to charge my suit to discharge such an energy outburst,” Guardian advised his friend as which systems to reroute come jolted through his head.

Puck smiled as the others seemed to agree with his sentiment, “That is why we tagged along, eh.”

“I can cast a spell that will contain the energy to the local area and protect Alpha Flight, James,” Shaman proposed as mystical energies began to flow around the area.

“Good, because I really don’t know how much power I’m going to let off. We might only have one shot at this since it might overload some circuits in my suit.”

“I only plan on doing this once my friend.”

“Let’s do it.”

The Alphans quickly raced toward the creature, trying to provide Guardian with the time that he needed. The creature easily parried the attacks but each one knowing what they had to sacrifice continued. The creature returned any attack inflicted back at the Alphans as it moved toward the distant Guardian, as if it were now conscious of what was happening.

As James McDonald Hudson, he created a suit that led to creation of Alpha Flight. As Guardian, he used the suit to the best of his ability to defend his country and planet. Not in all the years in which donned the symbol of his nation had he ever remembered unleashing such an assault. It was a calculation that began to vibrate through his body as the strain of the attempted overload began to affect him physically. Veins began to protrude and quiver as the very color of Guardian’s complexion began to redden. The warmth of blood was felt down his throat as moderate amounts of blood trickled down his nose.

“Now!” He screamed as the unleashed energy wave ripped through the creature almost at point blank range. What was left of the creature dangled aimlessly in wind as the blast dispersed the creature’s chest displaying a massive cavity.

Shaman quickly grabbed his mystical pouch and opened it, causing an immense wind to pull the creature closer until he was absorbed into the pouch.

“James, are you okay?” Shaman asked as he and the rest of Alpha Flight came rushing to his side.

Guardian chuckled as he did not care if it caused him immense pain. He lay there; almost motionless as even the smile he cracked cried for relief. “Is there a doctor in the house?”

Shaman returned the smile as he held his friend’s battered body.

“That thing sure was tough,” Sasquatch said.

“Ugly too, eh.”

“I wonder where it came from,” Mr. Jeffries asked.

“I just hope there aren’t more like it,” Guardian wished.

Epilogue

Dear Enrique,

You never would have guessed what happened where I live. We had a monster trash my town and it took a bunch of super heroes called Alpha Flight to stop it. It made all the news channels and newspapers. Nothing has ever happened like this before where I live.

Thanks for the gift. My sister almost broke the container but I managed to glue it shut and hardly lost any of the sand that filled it. I guess the beaches in South America are very nice.

I will write you again soon.

Your Pen Pal,

Tommy Anderson