ALL-WINNERS SQUAD ISSUE NUMBER TWO
"Do Rubber Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep?"
By Barry Reese
September 16, 1945 - Bob Frank felt a buzzing in his head, an ache that
spread throughout his bones. When he opened his eyes, he groaned as a
bright light struck him. He blinked several times and lifted himself up
on one arm. He looked around the Williams' living room and saw Madeline
Joyce, Miss America, nearby. She was kneeling next to a sobbing woman
that Bob recognized as the wife of Dr. Joel Williams, the man he and
Madeline had failed to protect.
Images flashed through his mind -- of how he'd encountered the former
hero Flexo on the streets of New York the night before, of how he and
his teammates of the All-Winners Squad had split up to investigate
various leads relating to the Flexo mystery, and finally how an army of
Flexos had appeared to kidnap Joel Williams, one of Flexo's creators.
"I feel like Namor's been tap-dancing on my head," he groaned as he
stood up unsteadily. "I suppose Joel was taken, huh?"
Joel's wife looked up, her eyes swollen and red from crying. Beside her,
Madeline rested an arm around the grieving woman's shoulder. "I knew
something was going to happen, ever since Josh called a few months ago
-- he'd lost his money gambling on the World Series last fall and Joel
told him that this time he was on his own." She looked up pleadingly at
the Whizzer. "You have to understand, Joel has bailed him out over and
over again...Josh said that he'd take care of it himself and Joel was
worried that it might involve Flexo."
Madeline looked at her and spoke to her soothingly. "What happened to
Flexo? Why does Josh have the only control?"
"About two years ago, Josh and Joel had a falling out and they split up
their partnership -- part of it was me, I think. Josh was really jealous
of me...Joel felt bad about the whole thing and gave Josh ownership of
Flexo. He hoped that it would placate Josh, so he wouldn't be alone. But
now..."
Bob sighed. "We'll find out what's happened to your husband, I promise.
We better contact the others, Miss America..."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Captain America and Bucky ran through the streets of Boston, drawing
stares from passerby. William Nausland, the second man to wear the
stars-and-stripes uniform glanced over at Fred Davis. "I think we'd
better give it up, Bucky...that blue Flexo is probably long gone by now.
It stole that energy device from the Alternative Energy Research
corporation almost five hours ago."
Bucky slowed down as his mentor came to a halt and he breathed slowly a
few times to catch his breath. "Why do you think he did it, Cap?"
"Who, Bucky?"
"Flexo the Rubber Man. He was a hero, right? Didn't you work with him
back in the Liberators?"
Captain America gave a nod and a smile to a young boy who stood in front
of a soda shop, his eyes wide wonder. He looked back at Fed, his heart
skipping a beat. Back in his Spirit of 76 days, he never got these kind
of reactions...it made him once again realize how lucky he was to be
wearing the costume of Steve Rogers. "Yes, I did, Bucky but I never
really knew him that well. He didn't speak even then and most of his
actions were directed by his creators - Josh and Joel Williams. My guess
is that somebody's gotten hold of that little remote control the
Williams brother had...who knows what havoc they could wreak."
Suddenly a scream cuts through the air and Captain America immediately
springs into action, hurtling over a speeding automobile and heading
down a nearby alley. Bucky moves quickly behind him. Cap comes out onto
a nearby street, finding a badly damaged blue Flexo smoking in the
street. Cap kneels next to it, wondering what could have happened to the
robot - it's rubbery shell is broken and strange reddish-black grease
oozes from the wound. He looks up at a nearby pedestrian. "What happened
here? Did you see what did this?"
The pedestrian, an older gentleman, nods. "Yes, sir, I did. That thing
was flying overhead when it just started decomposing.."
Cap pushed his hand into the slowly spreading slop that was once the
robot and looked over at Bucky. "The whole body is melting, Bucky."
Almost as if to prove the Captain's words correct, the Flexo robot let
out a small hiss and crumbled away into a reddish sludge. "We'd better
find out what's going on here, Bucky..."
"I believe I can help you with that, Captain." The strange, almost
ethereal voice sent a shiver down William Nausland's back. Before he had
become the second Captain America, he had served beside the owner of
that voice in the Liberators. He looked up into the alien visage of
Aarkus, better known to the world as the Vision.
The Vision hung floating in the air above the startled crowd, but he
ignored them all, save for Captain America and Bucky. "This robot has
been decomposing steadily for the last several hours. Superficially, it
resembles our old friend Flexo, but its inner workings are subtly
different. I would guess that these are refinements of the original --
more powerful, but with a shorter lifespan."
Captain America stood tall, his shield glinting in the sunlight. "You
seem to know an awful lot about this, Vision. Mind explaining what
you're doing here?"
The Vision smiled, but it lacked the warmth that a human being would
give it. "There is no duplicity here, Captain. I was merely
investigating the same bizarre series of crimes. I witnessed this one
create a drone out of its own body parts and send it forth. It was
evidently too far into its decomposition to carry its stolen payload to
its master itself."
Bucky noticed that the crowd has pushed back, as if almost afraid of
this alien being. He wondered how they would react if they thought
Captain America was an alien...
The Vision spread his red cloak and enveloped a startled Captain America
and Bucky, his alien voice seeming to clutch at them as darkness
surrounded them. "What are you doing--?"
"Do not be afraid, Captain. I am merely assisting you. I know where the
drone was sent...but I have pressing business elsewhere. I exist in
multiple dimensions, fighting evil in all its myriad forms. And I fear
that one such evil is looming ever closer to your dimension, Captain --"
Images of bizarre alien landscapes and a shadowy, looming figurelooking
out towards the earth. "--beware, Captain. Soon the All-Winners Squad
will be tested to its core, and you shall need to prove yourself worthy
of your mantle..."
William Nausland reached out and clutched at his young ward, Fred Davis.
Each heartbeat seemed to stretch out for an eternity and his mind seemed
to catch the infinity of space...then it was over.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Sub-Mariner's flagship flew low over the rooftops of the New Jersey
suburbs, it pilot easily handling the controls. He was Prince Namor,
Imperius Rex. Behind him the Human Torch was handling the ship's radio
controls. "Okay, Whizzer, I understand - Namor was going to drop us off
at Josh's place but I think he'll probably stay with us. If Josh
Williams is behind all this, we might need Namor's muscle. Over and
out."
Beside him, Toro fidgeted. The Torch smiled at him, aware of how excited
the youth was. "Looks like Bob and Madeline ran into some trouble, Toro.
Apparently they were attacked by a group of Flexos."
Toro made a face. "I don't understand, Torch -- if they could have made
a whole army of 'em, why didn't they do that in the first place? They
could have made a fortune selling them to the army..."
Namor glanced back, angling the ship over the home of Josh Williams.
"The cost was always too prohibitive, lad. Someone is financing this
scheme of Joshua Williams. If there are many of those robots about, then
it is good that you have me with you."
The Torch bristled, igniting his right hand, which closed into a fist.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean, Subby? Are you implying that Toro
and I can't handle those rubber men?"
Namor grunted. "Take it as you will, android. But let it be known that
perhaps it is time that the Sub-Mariner took control of the All-Winners
Squad. In the absence of Captain America - a true leader born - I have
the most experience leading men."
The Torch glanced at Toro and frowned hard. "I can't believe I'm hearing
this." He looked up at Namor, who was landing the flagship on the front
lawn. "Are you really thinking that we'll follow your orders? The
All-Winners Squad isn't your opportunity to show off your leadership
skills, pal..."
The Sub-Mariner stood, his powerful muscles rippling. "Curb your tongue,
firebug...for too long has the Prince of Atlantis followed the orders of
surface dwellers...with the Nazi hordes dispersed, we must find new
footing in this relationship of ours. And it is only proper that Namor
should lead."
"Why I ought to..."
Toro touched his mentor's sleeve. "Hold up a minute, Torch -- look!"
The Torch and Namor both looked out the window and saw Joshua Williams,
dressed in casual attire, walking towards the flagship. Namor lowered
the ramp and he moved to stand in the doorway of the ship, the two
Torches flanking him. "Joshua Williams, greetings." His voice, honed by
years of commanding, cut through the air. "We must ask you some
questions regarding your creation, Flexo."
Behind Namor, Toro looked at the Torch and shook his head. He whispered,
"Lookit 'em, just taking charge like that..." Toro fumed inwardly,
thinking to himself that if anyone should lead the All-Winners Squad, it
should be the Human Torch.
Josh Williams smiled, but his eyes were bloodshot and worried. He
glanced back up at the large hill that ran along the back of his house.
"Of course. Come inside -- I've read a lot about this All-Winners thing
you've got going on...Sounds really good. Just what America needs right
now."
The Torch stepped past Namor, who shot him a withering glare. "We don't
have time for small talk, Williams. Your robot has gone on a crime spree
and your brother was kidnapped. What do you know about it?"
Josh backed away a step, memories of the Torch's public debut running
through his mind - an android, not even human, lit aflame, running amok
in the streets. The Torch seemed to sense this and he pressed his
advantage. "Talk, Josh, or maybe I'll give you a hotfoot to start your
tongue wagging!"
"That's not necessary, Torch! We're old friends, right? Come on inside
and let's see if we can straighten all this out..."
Namor pushed the Torch aside. "Very well, Williams. Let's hear you
out..."
* * * * * * * * *
Deep inside the hill located just behind Josh Williams' home, the madman
Baron Helmut Zemo watched the scene via hidden cameras. The original
Flexo stood silently behind him, while Joel Williams looked on. "Ach, it
appears that the All-Winners Squad has decided to investigate your
brother. He better pray that he remembers to whom he is indebted!"
Joel stared at the ever-grinning face of Flexo and swallowed hard.
"You're a madman, Zemo. As soon as the Squad finds out that you're
behind this, they'll never rest until you're dead..."
Zemo laughed heartily. "You speak the truth, American. But perhaps it is
time you learn the truth...Several months ago, I engaged Captain America
and his young boy in battle...I slew them both." Zemo paused, studying
Joel's shocked expression. "The current man masquerading as Captain
America is but a fraud, I have seen the real man in action -- this is
not him."
"But even my great victory for naught. The war for the Reich was lost
and I barely had time to flee Europe. My plan was to journey to South
America -- I had planned for such an eventuality should the Fuehrer's
plans fail -- and I stopped here in America, at a small airport to
change planes and leave behind the damnable Allies forever. But I
recognized a destitute man there -- your brother, down on his luck after
having bet all his money on the wrong team in some sporting event. I had
seen his picture, you understand, and yours as well -- we leaders of the
Reich kept close watch on American superhumans. I approached him, and
learned that it was indeed Josh Williams, co-creater of the vaunted
Flexo. What's more, you and he had recently fallen on bad times and he
was now the sole owner of Flexo. With my funding, I paid off his debts
and put him to work creating more of these Flexos, to create a metahuman
army of my own. It amuses that one of the American's greatest heroes
should lead my troops into battle. My own genius has improved upon the
original Flexo, outfitting it with a death ray and equipping them with
powers far beyond the original's..."
Joel placed a hand on Flexo's shoulder. "Then why do you need me, if
your plan is going so well...?"
Zemo paused. "Because something is wrong. These Flexos your brother and
I have created have a short life-span. Most die within a day, melting
into goo. Your brother claims he does not understand why, that perhaps
there is something in the original Flexo that is different. I think he
may be purposefully sabotaging my plans. Regardless, I now have you here
to finish your brother's work, to refine it so that I may launch my
assault on the nation's capital."
Joel's face grew white. "You're mad..."
"Perhaps, but that is not your concern, herr Williams. Your concern is
finding the flaw in your brother's work and repairing it..."
Joel looked at the screen, seeing the Torch and Namor. "They'll stop
you..."
"Nein. They shall be dead soon enough..."
* * * * * * * * * *
The Torch looked around the small house, noting the betting tickets
lying on the tables, several open containers of alcohol and assorted
scientific magazines. "Looks like you've had some tough times, Josh..."
Joshua Williams sat down heavily in a padded chair and nodded. "It's
been rough, I'll admit. But I lost track of Flexo a few months ago. He
just disappeared and my old remote was stolen. I can't believe someone's
using him to commit crimes..."
Namor moved closer to Josh, leaning down close enough so that the briny
scent of the sea wafted into Josh's nostrils. "We do not have time to
play games. Your brother may be in jeopardy."
Josh forced a laugh. "You guys know I love my brother. I'd never do
anything to hurt him..."
Namor cocked his head, his hearing detecting a strange sound. "Torch, do
you hear--"
Suddenly the walls of the house caved inwards and three Flexos landed
heavily. The leader was obviously the original Flexo himself. His eyes
rotated until they fixed on Josh Williams and then one of them winked,
as if in greeting. Josh screamed, realizing that Zemo was ridding
himself of him. "Namor, you have to listen to me. I didn't want to do
this - it's Z---Aargh!" Suddenly a death ray launches from Flexo,
striking his creator, incinerating him.
Namor's eyes blazed. "Foul automaton! You shall pay for this crime!" He
launched himself at Flexo as the Torches yelled "Flame On!" behind
him...
* * * * * * * * * *
Seconds after the death of Josh Williams, a gray cloud of smoke appeared
beside Namor's flagship. Stepping from the mist, Captain America looked
around him. Bucky appeared a moment later, looking confused. "Cap, where
are we?"
"I don't know, Bucky. But I recognize Namor's flagship...what's going
on, Vision?"
But the question hung in the air unanswered, for the mysterious Vision
was gone...
* * * * * * * * * *
Inside the base, Zemo watched carefully as the battle began in earnest.
This would be his first chance to see the robots in action personally.
He glanced back to see Joel Williams studying his brother's plans,
unaware of Josh's death. Once the Flexo's were perfected, Joel could be
disposed of as well. And then there would be no one to stand in the way
of Zemo...
* * * * * * * * * * *
ALL-WINNING LETTERS
Welcome to issue two of the All-Winners Squad. I hope that everyone is
enjoying the ride. If you have any comments or requests, please send
them and I promise to respond to all. Next issue will wrap up the
current storyline and will lead into issue # 4, which will feature not
only the debut of the All-Villains Squad, but also features one heck of
a baseball game.
See you soon and remember to check out Jess Nevins' Liberators, our
sister magazine. It features the wartime exploits of all the Timely
heroes, including several of our very own Squadders.
Barry Reese
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
(
geocities.com/tapestrybranch)