strongbox:

It had been a long flight. It took a while, but eventually he had managed to convince his adoptive parents that this was the right decision. He'd read all of the government's materials on the way over, getting a pretty good idea what was in store for the new Flight team. Expendable he could handle - what was the use of invulnerability otherwise? Not sure he liked that atmosphere for his teammates, but then no one was forced to join either, right?

Having connections to the Alpha and Gamma programs both, and parents the government wanted to remain on good terms with had its benefits. He was the first to arrive, even before their handler. He had his security card from the information packet, so getting in to the low security areas was no problem. He picked out a room and tossed his bags in, then grabbed a towel and headed for the shower to wake up and clean up after the all too crowded flight.

nextgen_media:

Los Angeles, California Strange things were happening at Disneyland. The normally cute, harmless characters and props were suddenly real and running amok in the park. The puppets from It’s a Small World were chasing tourists with axes and tried to harm them. Two what could only be called Vikings battled the kraken and defeated it. The situation was handled by Avenger Simon Williams, known as Wonder Man. After the situation was resolved, it was announced that the West Coast now how its own superhero team. The Defenders will be based out of Los Angeles and keeping the West Coast safe from evil. CONT on page 2.

New York, New York There’s still no word on billionaire Tony Stark’s condition since the explosion on June 24th. There has been no official word from the Stark family or company, but rumors about Stark’s death abound along with rumors of a coma or possible brain damage. CONT on page 3

New York, New York Explosions rocked different areas of the city last night as the attacks on mutant shelters and recreational centers escalated. The perpetrators of these crimes are unknown and the police continue their investigation. CONT on page 2

Memphis, TN The Young Avengers stopped a three hundred foot monster from rampaging downtown Memphis. The team managed to lure the monster away from the city where they proceeded to destroy the monster. What it was or where it came from is unknown, but it will no longer be terrorizing the residents of Memphis. CONT on page 4.

sydney_ashcroft:

Sydney sat curled up on one of the large couches in the living room of the main building. Classical music played on the stereo and even though it was really too warm for it a fire burned in the fireplace. An open book was in her lap and a glass of wine was in one hand. It was late and most of the team had retired to their bungalows. Her mind was a million miles away.

She really wasn't cut out for this job and she was in way over her head.

Just how was she supposed to deal with gods?

They were all nice, just...well they were gods. How was she supposed keep them from doing things like they did in Disneyland? Or Medieval Times? She was a normal...mutant. Her powers were nothing but remembering things. She didn't have super strength or any other fancy powers. Simon was much more suited to this than Sydney was.

She took a long drink from her glass.

Tomorrow she'd contact...shit. She couldn't even contact Mr. Stark to submit her resignation with him in the hospital. There were even rumors that he was in a coma or even dead. She supposed she could send it to Miss Potts.

The job paid well and Zoey was finally living in a place where they didn't have to worry about drug deals going on across the streets or the cops showing up during the night for some reason. The loss of money would hurt, but Syd had managed to provide a home and food for her daughter before this job. She could do it again.

She finished the last of the wine in her glass and refilled it.