Return of the Interfacers: The Descendants Basic Collection, #7

By Landon Porter

Old foes are turning up all over the place in the seventh volume of The Descendants! Whether it involves an attempt to break Freaque out, James Richter hooking up with a dangerous and powerful group of religious fanatics, or the Interfacers finding themselves on the run after discovering the identity of the real Master of the Mayfield Underworld, Our Heroes are going to have a very bumpy ride down memory lane.

And if their own pasts weren't enough, Alloy must face a shadow from The Whitecoat's: Metal X.

They are heroes. They are people. This is their story.

Styled after works from the Bronze Age of Comic Books, The Descendants is presented in a unique manner: as an all-prose comic book complete with issues, specials and annuals, each telling a complete story that ties into the overall tale of the titular superheroes.

It is also written as a throwback and love letter to an earlier age of superheroes, to a time before everything was grim and gritty and when comic books were fun.

Collects Issues #38-42, and Descendants Giant-Sized #1 from the web serial The Descendants by Landon Porter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paradox-Omni Entertainment
• Release date: Dec 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519916709

Landon Porter

Landon Porter is a billionaire industrialist who fights crime with the aid of his magic sword and faithful companion, Distraction Lad whenever he's not dating supermodels or fighting evil robot bears from the future. On a completely unrelated note, he makes up fanciful stories for a living. An avid fan of superhero comics and roleplaying games, he blends tropes from both into his works along with themes of family, hope and redemption alongside a fervent rejection of cynicism and darkness.

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Return of the Interfacers

(The Descendants, #7)

by Landon Porter

Return of the Interfacers (The Descendants, #7)

© 2015 Landon Porter

A compilation reprinting:

The Descendants #37-42 and Descendants Giant-Sized #1 from www.descendantsserial.com

Copyright © 2009 by Landon Porter

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission of the Author. Your support of author’s rights is appreciated.

All characters in this compilation are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

About This Book

As you read this book, please keep in mind that it is not a single, contiguous story. Rather, it is an anthology of stories set in the same universe and following the same characters. One issue will not necessarily follow up on the events in the last. In true comic book fashion, these stories form a story arc where events in Issue one may be revisited many issues down the road.

Descendants #37 – Of a Feather

Part 1

Thanks again for coming with me. Warrick said to Tink as they got out of his car in the ConquesTech underground parking garage. He couldn’t help but notice what a seamless repair job the contractors had done following the damage done to it in June when Morganna and a group of demons from Faerie had attacked it. Remembering he wasn’t alone, he offered a fond smile to Tink as he came around the car to her. I know you don’t like this, so it means a lot to have you here.

Tink shook her head as she took his hand. It isn’t that I don’t like this… it’s just that I don’t understand it. Elizabeth did a horrible thing to you, starting that rumor about you abandoning her at the LoA concert. No matter what she’s been through since then doesn’t change that. The pair started walking toward the elevator. That fact that they’ve pushed back the visit you were supposed to make in August to now – October – isn’t helping.

I guess it might sound silly or even stupid to you… Warrick said, but I kind of feel like what happened to her is kind of my fault. He shook his head to stop Tink from protesting. "I know it’s not all my fault. But I can’t help but think she wouldn’t have tried that treatment if she hadn’t thought I abandoned her."

It’s not silly or stupid, but I do think it’s wrong. Elizabeth had issues long before you even came to Mayfield. Lily and her crew picked on her constantly and she wasn’t the type to make friends in the first place. She would have done this with or without you.

Maybe she would have. Warrick hit the up button on the elevator, And maybe she wouldn’t. In the end, maybe it doesn’t even matter. But what would it do to her to go through all this and still not have anyone but her brother in her corner?

Tink looked at him in silence for a long time as they waited for the elevator. As the doors opened, she spoke again, Sometimes I forget that you really are just this… good. She smiled at him warmly. I’m sorry.

Warrick looked confused and worried at this. Huh? Why?

You don’t know? She smiled more at this. Of course he wouldn’t know; it wasn’t how he thought. When he shook his head, she explained. I’ve been so bothered about this because you’re basically taking me to see your ex-girlfriend. But that isn’t what you see at all is it? You’re just worried about some girl that doesn’t have any friends.

Still not knowing if he should be defending himself or not, Warrick erred on the side of caution. We never even finished that first date. He chose the fifth floor on the control panel for the elevator. "And she asked me out, ya know?"

Suppressing a laugh, Tink leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I know.

***

Juniper squeezed her eyes tightly and tried to ignore the pain in her arms as the wind tore at the cloak that was a signature part of her Zero costume. It took a lot to rattle her and this was definitely a lot. We could have taken my bike. She mewled.

Facsimile scoffed at the very idea. And make me ride on the back? Fat chance. Besides, you know you can’t be Zero and ride around on Juniper’s very recognizable flying motorcycle with Juniper’s plates on it. She was flying while carrying Zero under the arms like a small child carrying a cat.

But Ms… I mean Codex is working on that. Zero replied. We could have walked in the meantime.

You know we can’t cover nearly as much ground on foot. Facsimile dropped into a long glide, We wouldn’t need to do this if you just learned how to make ice slides.

Ice – at least the ice she made – didn’t work that way. Zero knew this and she was pretty sure Facsimile knew too, or at least would if she wasn't such a devout worshiper of television.. Nonetheless, she took the path of least resistance. I’m sorry. She said, I just can’t. I don’t think my powers do that.

No sweat, Z. Facsimile said happily. That’s why you’ve got me to fly ya places, no?

Zero managed a nervous laugh. C-could we land for a little bit, please? We’ve been flying for a long time now and my arms are getting tired.

Snerking at what she thought was a joke on Zero’s part; Facsimile took them down to the roof of a strip mall. Nothing like a brisk patrol in the a.m. to start the weekend, huh? She stretched her arms, back and wings before taking a seat on the edge of the roof.

A nod was all Zero could manage as she tried to work the cramp out of her shoulders.

If Facsimile noticed the other girl’s discomfort, she didn’t show it. So, plans for tonight: Adel?

Zero shook her head. No, he’s going to one of his brother’s away games again and I wasn’t really up for going this time.

Trouble in bored-adise? Facsimile turned on her perch and raised a golden eyebrow sympathetically.

N-no! Zero said all too quickly. No. Everything’s fine, really. And he’s not boring. He’s just… not like other boys is all. He doesn’t need to be loud or outgoing, he’s just… nice. Zero stammered her way out of Facsimile’s question. She really didn’t know how to explain why she liked Adel, she just did. But that would never be enough to satisfy her friend and she knew it.

Glad you can tell. Facsimile shrugged. So if you’re not going out with Adel, you wanna go bowling with me and Kay tonight? We’re working on a new song for Snackrifice.

A song about bowling? That sounds nice. Zero smiled.

Uh… no. Facsimile gave her friend and incredulous look. Why would anyone write a song about bowling?

I would. Zero said shyly, If I knew how to write songs. It’s never been done before and that’s a shame.

You can’t possibly be serious.

Oh, I am though. Zero nodded tentatively. There’s songs about football and baseball and basketball – it doesn’t seem fair that bowling doesn’t get a song when all the other sports have a bunch.

Facsimile fixed Zero with a long gaze. We’re not writing a bowling song.

I’m going to bring it up with Kay. Zero seemed not to hear her declaration. I’m sure she’ll think it’s a good idea. She got starry eyed beneath her half mask. Imagine how famous Snackrifice would be if you guys do the world’s first popular bowling song!

They’re a rock band! Facsimile protested.

What does that have to do with anything? The question was utterly innocent coming from Zero.

Because… Facsimile started, and then stopped. Adjusting her auditory nerve and ear shape, she listened more carefully. There it was again, squealing tires and car horns, ten blocks away. Never mind, we’ve got to fly – there’s trouble.

Fly? Zero asked in a small voice.

***

At that moment, ten blocks away, hands covered in slick, black chitin gripped the wheel of a stolen humvee. The owner of those hands was similarly covered in the same black bug-armor with the joints exposing sickly pale flesh. Spikes over his shoulder blades steadily chewed up the seat back as he steered the car.

The roof in back of the truck had been ripped off to allow a nine-foot tall giant of a man with blue skin tattooed with darker blue swirls to sit semi-comfortably with his knees drawn up to his chest and a hand on his chin. He was dressed in long jeans and no shirt.

The middle seat was taken up by a woman in her early twenties with an olive complexion and long black hair. One would scarcely notice those attributes for the patches of dark green scales sprouting at random on her face, neck and all four of her arms or the eight foot serpentine coil that took the place of her legs. She was in the process of fumbling with the clasps of a bulletproof vest, fouled largely due to the knuckle dusters she wore on each hand.

Can you help us with this, Anura? she asked the final member of the group, a blond pony-tailed woman in the passenger seat who, like the giant, was forced to fold her legs up to her chest. Even though the rest of her body was of a normal height.

The blond, Anura, turned in her seat and pegged the other woman with a frustrated look. Kali, you could do it yourself if you didn’t put the stupid brass knuckles on first. Her voice was thick and clumsy sounding. The snake woman gave her a wide eyed, pathetic look. Fine. Anura sighed, reaching out with long, flattened fingers to help close up the vest.

Thank, Anura. Kali said sweetly.

I could have helped. The blue giant said.

You just want to cop a feel, Kronos. Kali grinned at him.

I still would have helped in the process. He sniffed, putting a hand in from of his face to shield him from the wind. Or I would have if I wasn’t blinded by the wind. Geiger, can we please slow down? Just because I’m invulnerable doesn’t mean this wind is necessarily comfortable.

The bug-armored man weaved in and out of traffic, causing the wheels to scream again and causing the car he cut off to slam on their brakes. No can do, big man. We’re on a schedule. Well, we were on a schedule before Mari couldn’t find her vest.

Kali. Kali protested. We’re on a mission, so you call me Kali, Geiger. You don’t hear me calling you Jordan, do you?

Fine. Geiger steered past a truck, which blared its horn in response to his dangerous driving. The point is that we’re trying to get there before the guard change. We get there past eleven and we’re going to have fresh and sharp eyed guards to deal with instead of night shift zombies.

And that could lead to all kinds of problems. Kronos added. People could be killed.

Except you. Kali pointed out.

Yes, but I’d miss any one of you dearly. The giant of a man finally just closed his eyes against the wind. And I don’t really want any guards getting killed either.

I hope bruising is still okay. Kali said, cracking four sets of knuckles.

You and me both, sis. Anura said, still turned around in her seat.

***

So how are we going to stop them? Zero asked, once more being carried under her arms high over the light morning traffic.

Facsimile frowned down at the mutilated humvee recklessly dodging through traffic. I don’t even know if we should. She says, They’re really just driving like jerks – we’re super heroes, not traffic cops.

But they could hurt someone… or themselves. Zero reasoned.

I know. Facsimile said, locking her wings into a glide. That’s why we’re going to follow them in case there's an accident. And we’re going to tell them exactly what the Descendants think of their driving when they stop.

Zero nodded her agreement of the idea. I wonder where they’re going in such a hurry anyway.

***

Thank you for coming. An older man in a button down shirt and khakis said as Warrick and Tink cleared the security office in the main research building at ConquesTech. My name is Dr. Cedric Linus, Miss von Stoker’s personal care consultant.

Thanks for letting us come. Warrick replied, taking Tink’s hand as they followed Dr. Linus.

Don’t thank me, thank the Descendants. They’re the ones that lobbied us to allow Miss von Stoker visitors outside her immediate family. My professional opinion was against it. Dr. Linus replied flatly.

Why’s that? Tink looked around the corridor he was leading them down, trying to commit the path to memory in case she decided to leave early.

Patient, doctor privilege. Dr. Linus replied. If she wishes for you to know, I’m certain that Miss von Stoker will tell you… or you may see for yourself regardless. I have some ground rules for this visit that I expect both of you to adhere to. If you don’t I will terminate this, celebrity endorsement or no.

Okay. Warrick said nervously. We can play by the rules. What are they?

Under no circumstances will you relate any news of the outside world that may shock or otherwise upset Miss von Stoker, nor are you allowed under any circumstances to antagonize or arouse her.

Arouse? Warrick and Tink queried as one. When they realized that the other had said the same thing, they blushed in unison as well.

What kind of visit do you think this is, doc? Warrick asked.

It’s better to state the rule rather than simply assume it won’t come up. Dr. Linus spared them a glance back as he submitted his hand to a biometrics scan at an elevator. He clearly regarded them as nothing more than two stupid teenagers.

The elevator opened and all three got in.

Okay, got it. Warrick said, What else?

If Miss von Stoker begins exhibiting any unusual behavior, you are expected to terminate the meeting and leave the room immediately. This is for your own safety.

Warrick already knew why these precautions were in place from intel Laurel had recovered about Elizabeth von Stoker’s condition; the mood swings and superhuman ability she had gained from the botched treatment for her protomorphism were becoming more rare, but still persisted. They emerged when she was extremely stressed, physically or emotionally.

Still, he had to keep up appearances. Shouldn’t we know what we’re getting into here, doc?

Dr. Linus gave him a disapproving glance as they exited the elevator and stepped into what looked like a high-security lab facility. The hallway was lined with recessed, reinforced doors protected by biometric scanners and blast doors ready to seal any section of the hall at a moment’s notice.

Right. Tink said for Warrick. Patient doctor privilege.

Without confirming this, Dr. Linus bought them before one of the doors and submitted to yet another hand and retina scan. The reinforced, titanium door hissed as its pneumatic seals depressurized and slid open. In here. He instructed.

Beyond the door was a semicircular room, furnished with two hard plastic chairs, a large clear window, and a metal desk built into the wall below the window. The window itself opened up onto what looked like a small, but comfortable bedroom, sporting a bed, desk, vanity, and a television. It was a lived in space that seemed to perfectly contrast with the stark observation room.

Sitting in a computer chair, expectantly watching the door leading into the observation room was a young woman with crimson skin, wings that at the moment haphazardly draped over the back of her chair and a long, thick tail that twitched uncontrollably in her impatience – Elizabeth von Stoker.

Part 2

Warrick. Elizabeth said pleasantly as she saw him come in. And… Tina. She couldn’t keep her voice from betraying her surprise. Recovering quickly she added, I didn’t expect to see you here. She knew Tink from a few classes, but the two had never been closer than that.

Tink made sure she had Warrick’s hand in hers. I’m here for moral support. She reported.

Elizabeth nodded. As she did, she noticed the tension on both their faces. You’ve talked with Dr. Linus, I guess?

They both nodded.

You really don’t have to worry; he’s just cautious. They’ve got my powers nearly stable. Really. She tried to give them a smile, realized that this meant baring her fangs, and stopped herself. It’s okay, have a seat. I’m not dangerous.

Warrick insisted on not letting anything unnerve him and did so, coaxing Tink into the chair beside him. Yeah, sorry about that, what with what he said, and this… cell… thing… We didn’t know what to expect.

Elizabeth’s wings twitched. I understand, but most of this was my idea. They don’t think I’m strong enough to break out of the regular containment, but I’m… kind of cautious. I don’t want to hurt anyone if I become the Freaque again.

Giving Warrick a nervous, sidelong glance, Tink voiced her concern. So you still…

Well, Dr. Linus told you. If I get really angry, or… uh… If she wasn’t already red, she would have blushed, Excited. Things sort of go weird with my body chemistry. I’m really not myself when that happens and it really scares me. That’s why I haven’t come back to school.

Lily. Warrick and Tink said in stereo.

She really does completely lack self preservation skills. Warrick agreed.

Right. Elizabeth relaxed as she sensed less tension in the two. But enough about me – I heard the Descendants swung this for you. Have you met them again since… you know… She meant the concert. Alloy had informed her he asked Warrick to make sure everyone got to safety, inadvertently making it look as if Warrick had abandoned her in a time of crisis.

Seems like all the time. Tink stepped in, not wanting the conversation to even brush against the concert. This spring, Warrick got mind controlled along with a bunch of other guys, including Alloy. I actually had to help stop Alloy from doing some things he would have regretted.

True to his past dabbling in acting, Warrick nodded in agreement. Makes me sad I didn’t get to see it. Seriously, what's cooler than my girlfriend taking down the toughest prelate in the world. He allowed himself that little bit of narcissism. And that’s not even the last time Tink’s run into Alloy. Tell him about the time the Descendants were fighting monsters at Dayspring and Alloy swung you home.

That’s… pretty much all there is to tell, Warrick. Tink laughed awkwardly.

I wonder how many people have been saved twice by the same prelate. Elizabeth wondered aloud. It felt like ages since she’d gotten to talk to people her own age and despite the subject being extraordinary, the act of discussing it made her feel almost normal. Think you have some competition, Warrick?

Now there was an idea, Warrick thought; his girlfriend and his alter ego ‘sneaking’ around behind his back. There were so many sly comments he just couldn’t make without blowing his cover. Not at all. He replied, realizing that he was taking too long to respond, I mean the guy keeps his visor down for a reason, right? I’m thinking serious handsomeness deficiency. He combed his fingers through his hair and made eyes at Tink.

Right. Tink giggled, No one beats you in that department.

Still, it’s not like I can compete in the ‘has super powers’ category/ Warrick pointed out.

Trust me, not all super powers are all they’re cracked up to be. Elizabeth said, in better humor about her situation than she’d ever been when she was just the girl with bone spurs growing from her arms.

Tink was about to agree when she was cut off by a klaxon horn and red lights coming on along the ceiling of the conjoined rooms. What’s going on? She asked instead.

I don’t know; this hasn’t happened before. Elizabeth got to her feet and looked around nervously.

A male voice came from a speaker concealed in the room. Attention all personnel. There is a Code 12 security situation. The campus is not in—There was a thud and a groan.

A new voice took over for the previous one. He was going to say that you’re on lockdown. But I think we all knew that. In the background, there was gunfire and what sounded like explosions. The plans have changed though. Listen up, ConquesTech; the name’s Geiger and we’re the Outliers. We make it our business to protect out fellow freaks from exploiters like you pricks. We’ve got good intel that you’ve got our girl, the original Freaque held against her will in your labs.

There were more sounds of battle as he continued.

So it’s up to you. One minute to think, two minutes to respond, Mr. Mendel. Free the Freaque or we come in and get her. And no one wants that, ‘cause it won’t be pretty. Geiger out.

Both Warrick and Tink glanced at Elizabeth, who shrank form their stares. I have no idea who they are. She said, I don’t want to leave here… I’m not ready.

Tink pursed her lips. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe the other girl; she just wasn’t sure if they should get involved. Of course, she knew what her boyfriend would say, and knew that, if only for that fact, it was the right thing to do. So she beat him to the punch. Don’t worry, Elizabeth. We’ll think of something.

***

Some time earlier, Zero and Facsimile alighted upon the top of an office building and watched the vehicle filled with odd looking psionics roll up to the main gate of the ConquesTech business campus.

Oh man, I was hoping not to even get near this place today. Facsimile groaned.

How come? Zero asked, once more trying to work the cramps out of her arms. Warrick and Tink are visiting Elizabeth von Stoker today.

Because Warrick and Tink are visiting Elizabeth von Stoker today, duh. Facsimile replied. Zero gave her a blank look. She really shouldn’t have expected Zero to get it with such a simple explanation. She decided to explain in better detail.

Every time Warrick tries to do his romance thing, I somehow end up nearby and looking like a freaky stalker.

Oooooh, like the time we got Ladies of Armageddon tickets so you could stalk him and Elizabeth? Zero asked with complete innocence.

The innocent act was becoming increasingly grating on Facsimile as it was becoming less and less certain to her that it was an act at all. I was not stalking. I was just worried is all.

And the time we followed him and the other guys to that dojo because you thought they were being taken over by something? Zero added.

Okay, that so doesn’t count because they really were under mind control. Facsimile snapped.

And that time at the beach? Zero asked, still without a hint of accusation in her voice.

That was a coincidence!

Uh-oh… this looks like it could be bad. Zero was looking down at the security gate where the car full of psionics had stopped. I don’t think they’re here for that Become More treatment.

Facsimile looked down just in time to see the snake-girl surge out of the vehicle to deliver a double left cross to the face of the security officer.

***

One moment, Geiger had been leaning over to find the forged guest placard he needed to give to the security officer. The next, Mariposa, or Kali as she had chosen to be called, had screamed that the guard was on to them and used every muscle in her scaly tail to throw herself into punching range of him.

The dual left crosses connected just as Geiger’s hand found the placard under the seat. Nothing ever went smoothly. Why couldn’t one thing go smoothly just once?

He knew the answer to that. It was because Mari was part of the plan and Mari’s involvement could keep peanut butter from being smooth. Not that he could cut her out of any of his plans; he and Mariposa had grown up on the same street before they’d developed their powers, had gained their powers in the same year, and had been the best of friends the entire time.

As far back as when they were seven, Mari was a bruiser, tried and true, answering every problem with her fists instead of her head. Growing two more fists and a snake tail