I can’t even begin to write how much fun I had thinking this one up. Fissure as the stoic badass, paired up with the bubbly Ally. It’s like… Every superhero duo ever. But more awesome, because it’s Ally.
The last scenes felt a little flat as I wrote them, and when I went through for the re-write, didn’t find myself changing much, and it felt just as flat. I had intended to run a second storyline through the issue, but thought that might be better left to another issue.
Character interactions are so much easier to write than action scenes. I hate action scenes…
Later Days,
The Author
<3 Comics

Fissure looked up at his greatest challenge yet. In the entirety of his time in this period, he had known this day would come. The day he had to face it. Fissure took a deep breath.
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Ally grabbed Fissure’s arm and dragged him into the mall.
Fissure had been living in the 2009 for months now, fighting evil alongside the Brat Pack. The fight had consumed his entire life, giving no thought to other activities. His personal wardrobe consisted of his combat gear, a few wifebeaters borrowed from Kevin, and a pair of torn jeans Mosley had no use for anymore.
“I can’t believe Katie didn’t want to come with us.” Ally said, as the two walked into Fashion Island, the trendiest mall in Newport Beach. “She loves shopping, it’s kind of her thing. Or a cheerleader thing, I don’t know. Anyway, she said it would probably be more fun if I took you instead.”
Fissure wondered for a moment about Ally’s secondary power, the ability to talk for extended periods of time without taking a breath, before taking stock of his surroundings.
Even in his own time-period, Fissure had no time for shopping. The moment his powers had manifested, he had joined the Brat Pack of 2030, and the Rebellion had been his whole life. The mall was an alien environment. Gaggles of teens made up the bulk of the populace, students enjoying their summer vacation for the most part. Fissure suppressed a shudder as he heard a group of them start giggling. It was going to be a long day…
“So, first thing’s first. We need to get you some shoes, because honestly, you’ve been wearing those combat boots since you showed up… It’s a little weird. We’ll pick you up a pair of Chucks, and maybe some sneakers too.” Pixel said.
Fissure just nodded, as Pixel led him into The Closet.
<><><>
Pixel stifled a giggle. “Ok, so it turns out you’re too ripped to pull off the indie look… At least we know that now.” She said.
Fissure shook his head and sighed, before turning back into the dressing room.
“If you just ditched the hat, and maybe if we picked a different t-shirt, you could pull off like, a rocker look instead.” Pixel said, darting back into the racks of clothing.
She was back in moments, a black t-shirt with a faux-faded Rolling Stones logo on the front in hand. She tossed it over the top and tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for Fissure to finish changing.
Fissure stepped back out again and Pixel squealed with glee. “Perfect! We’re done here.”
“Finally.” Fissure said.
“You think this took too long? Wait until we get to Hollister.” Pixel laughed, skipping to the counter, shopping bags from half a dozen stores in her arms.
Fissure prayed silently for a swift, painless death.
<><><>
“So what’s your name, anyway? I mean, we can’t just keep calling you Fissure.” Ally called over the changing room door.
“Nelson. Nelson Fisher.” Fissure replied.
“Wait. You’re telling me your name is actually FISSURE!?!” Ally asked.
“Yes.” Fisher replied.
“That’s awesome. Well, Tom used to call me Pixie when I was in elementary school, so my name is kind of the same as my codename too.” Ally said.
“Except it’s not.”
“You’re no fun. Now let’s see how you look.”
Fisher opened the door, and Ally fell to the ground. She erupted in giggles, as she slapped the floor with her good hand.
The large, muscled, dark-skinned man stood before her wearing a pair of blue board-shorts, flip-flops, and to top off the look, a very loud Hawaiian shirt. He also wore a bemused look on his face.
“Ok, I had no intention of buy that one. I just wanted to see you wearing it.” Ally said, picking herself up from the ground. Fisher gave her a withering look, before closing the door to the dressing room again.
While she waited, Ally started to fix her hair. All the rolling on the floor laughing had left her somewhat dishevelled. As she brushed her bangs out of her eyes, she decided that bright red just didn’t work in her hair. Time for a change. She concentrated for a moment, calling on her fledgling illusion powers. ‘Come on… You totally changed the colour of your shirt the other day. This is easy.’ She thought to herself.
She let out a giggle, as the shade of red became more subdued, leaning slightly towards purple. “Much better…” She said to herself.
“Did you say something?” Fisher asked.
“Nothing. Hurry up in there, we’re almost done.” Ally said.
“Praise Liberty.” Fisher said.
“What’s the deal with the whole ‘Praise Liberty’ thing, anyway?” Ally asked.
“It’s… Hard to explain. Miss Liberty is a legend now, right?” Fisher said.
“Yeah, the first girl superhero. She’s awesome”
“Well, in my time, she’s more than that. She’s an icon. She’s beyond even that. She’s a legendary hero, the mother of our greatest hero, our leader, Uncle Sam. She’s the daughter of the first American superhero. She transcended us mere mortals. She became a rallying cry. Some members of the Rebellion actually started praying to her, after she died.” Fisher explained.
“Oh. Things were pretty bad there, weren’t they?” Ally asked.
Fisher was silent.
“Didn’t you say there was another Miss Liberty in your time?” Ally asked.
“Yes. Margaret.” Fisher replied.
“What was she like?” Ally asked.
“… She was every bit as great as both of her grandmothers. Maybe even greater.”
“Both of her grandmothers? Who else did she have?”
“Miss Liberty was her paternal grandmother. Her maternal grandmother was Talon. Talon’s daughter met Uncle Sam at a Boomers memorial.”
“That is the coolest family ever!” Ally exclaimed.
“I have no idea if the memorial took place before we rescued the Boomers. I have no idea if our actions have written Margaret and Sammy out of existence.”
“There’s plenty of chances for them to meet otherwise. Your friends might still be born.”
“I hope so… I miss her.” Fisher went silent.
“… Well, let’s head down to the pier, I feel like ice-cream!” Ally filled the silence.
Fisher gave her a half smile, as he walked out of the dressing room.
<><><>
“Well, it’s something of an improvement. We’re meeting at Fissure’s apartment, instead of Katie’s house.” Matt commented drily.
“It’s still wayyyy too early though.” Katie said.
The two climbed out of Katie’s car, Starbucks cups in hand. Ally waved at them from the sidewalk.
“Hey kiddo.” Matt said, ruffling Ally’s hair. “How did the shopping go yesterday?”
“We had awesome fun. Fissure’s name is really Fisher, and Miss Liberty was like, a saint or something in his time, and he was in love with Miss Liberty. The kid one, not our one. And we got all these awesome clothes, and I changed my hair colour, and then we got ice cream, and I totally made him wear a Hawaiian shirt, it was hilarious.” Ally said.
“Sounds riveting.” Mosley said, as he walked up behind them. “Do you people know what kind of freaks catch the bus at 8am?”
“We’re looking at one of them.” Matt replied.
“Hilarious.” Mosley replied.
The four made their way up to Fisher’s apartment, where Ally knocked on the door excitedly.
Fisher answered the door… Wearing Mosley’s ripped jeans and one of Kevin’s wife-beaters.
Ally sagged instantly, as Mosley gave a snort of laughter. Katie shot Fisher a glare, while Matt put a comforting hand on Ally’s shoulder.
Fisher looked guilty. “I didn’t have time to get anything out of the bags.” He said.
“Right.” Ally said.
<><><>
Kevin fought to keep attention during the team meeting, but it was useless. Ally was quiet, staring of into the distance, sadness in her eyes. Katie was too busy staring daggers at Fisher to pay any attention. Matt was worrying about Ally, sending concerned looks her way every few seconds. Fisher was silent as always, a guilty look on his face. And Mosley was as annoying as ever, perhaps even moreso. He spent almost as much time insulting Fisher as he did undermining Kevin at every turn.
“Well, this clearly isn’t going anywhere.” Kevin said, finally giving up.
“You don’t say.” Katie said.
“Let’s just call it a day.” Matt said.
“Sure.” Kevin said. “Fissure, I’m heading down to the gym, could use a spotter.”
“Of course sir.” Fisher replied.
<><><>
Ally stood outside the apartment complex with the other Brats, who were making small-talk.
“Hey kid, don’t worry. Fissure’s a bit of a dick anyway.” Matt said.
“But… I…” Ally said.
“He doesn’t really strike me as fashionable either.” Katie said.
“Anyone who dresses up to go to the gym isn’t there for the workout.” Fisher said from behind them.
In the minutes since the meeting, Fisher had changed clothes… Into sweatpants and sneakers.
Ally’s face lit up. “See, told you needed new shoes.” She teased.
“And I told you I’d need pants I could move around in.” Fissure replied.
“Fisher, come on!” Kevin shouted from his car.
Fisher nodded and jogged over to the car.
As Kevin’s car disappeared around the corner, Ally turned to her remaining team-mates. “Who wants to go rollerblading?”

This issue wasn’t supposed to be epic, or ground-breaking. Just kind of building up, and tying off loose ends.
One thing I wanted to bring up though, is Southern Cross. The top hero in Australia, and surrounding countries. He’s the product of me sitting at home questioning stereotypical American ultra-patriotism. Then I thought to myself, ‘You know what, if we had a super hero as awesome as Captain America, I’d probably be a flag-waving nutjob too.’ And I started thinking up a super hero for Australia.
And yeah, a little foreshadowing towards a future battle. Should be fun.
Later Days,
The Author
<3 Comics

Matt knocked on Katie’s front door. ‘Ugh, what’s the deal with these morning meetings?’ he thought, stifling a yawn.
The door opened on its own. “You’re late,” Katie’s voice said in his head.
Matt smiled, as he headed into the dining room, where his teammates were waiting.
At the head of the table sat Kevin, to his left sat Katie, to his right was the only empty chair left. Matt took his seat quickly. As always, Mosley sat opposite Kevin, it seemed to make it that much easier to argue with everything he said.
On Katie’s side of the table sat the Sawyer siblings, Ally and Tom, whilst Fissure, Dylan and Mac sat on Matt’s.
“Well, now that everyone’s here, I guess we should get down to business.” Kevin said.
“Oooh, I love it when he gets all serious.”
“Shut up Mosley.” Katie said.
“You almost cut him off then. You were ready for him, weren’t you?” Matt said.
“Saw it coming a mile away.” Katie replied.
“Bite me.” Mosley said.
“Anyway, as I was saying, it’s been a few weeks since Salt Lake City. We’ve been pretty much out of action since then, just doing media junk. It’s like the bad guys have just stopped…” Kevin said.
“’Previously, on One Tree Hill…’” Matt said.
“You watch One Tree Hill?” Katie and Mosley asked, simultaneously.
“Watched. When they decided to not kill Peyton, I decided I was done.” Matt replied.
“That is so… I can’t… Wow.” Mosley stammered.
“At least this interlude served to leave Mosley speechless…” Kevin noted drily, “But the fact is, we did good in Salt Lake City. I can’t stress that enough. We came, we saw, we kicked some ass. We had a lot of help. Which brings me to my first order of business. As of last month, the Brat Pack consisted of the five of us. The original team. Mr Perfect, Mr Universe, Belle, Pixel and Firestorm. In Salt Lake City, there were four more. Fissure, Stratos, Mac and Tom.”
“Hey dude, it’s ‘The Fog’.” Mac cut in.
“And ‘Rabbit’.” Tom added.
“Whatever… Anyway, you guys helped us out hugely. We could use your help more often. So I’m looking to expand the team. Officially… Anyone interested?” Kevin asked.
“Yes sir. I’m happy to continue the fight.” Fissure said.
“Welcome aboard. Glad to have you.” Kevin replied, not looking too surprised.
“I’d love to join guys, but I’m kind of focused on this whole ‘music’ thing for the time being. Don’t think I can squeeze in crime-fighting as well.” Dylan explained.
“No problem man, it’s not for everyone.” Matt said.
“Dude, we’re flattered and all, but to be honest, me and Tom would be the worst superheroes ever. We’re stoned for 90% of the day for one thing.” Mac said.
“And besides, you’ve already got Ally. She’s got my power, and her flashy thing.” Tom said.
“Flare.” Ally interjected.
“Flare. And she teleports. She’s like me, only with extra stuff. Like a… Ummm…”
“Ice cream. With sprinkles and fudge.” Mac said.
“Yeah. Exactly. Man, that would be so awesome right now.” Tom said.
“We should totally go get some ice-cream.” Mac said.
“Ally! What the hell happened to your arm?” Tom exclaimed.
Everyone at the table turned to look at Ally’s left arm, which was encased in plaster from elbow to wrist.
“Hehe. Turns out I’m not as good at rollerblading as I thought.” She grinned. “I’m still totally trying again this afternoon though.”
“Ok. Well, we’ve got that sorted. Which brings us on to our second order of business…” Kevin began.
Matt felt his phone vibrate. As Kevin went on about finding a headquarters, because having meetings at Katie’s house while her dad was out of town was kind of lame, Matt opened up his text message.
“Hey guys,” he said once he was done, “Apparently we should be watching CNN…”
The widescreen TV turned itself on, Katie using her telekinesis once again.
The Brats watched as a video package showing footage of themselves fighting in the streets of Salt Lake City, as well as the aftermath, is spliced in with sound-bites from the various interviews conducted afterwards. Notably there is Uncle Sam’s statement that “All is well in America once again”, The Freak’s eulogy at the memorial service for his fallen comrades, and Mr Perfect’s statement that “The Dirty Baker’s Dozen are the future of Hire-A-Hero, now that the Brats are gone, not Napalm, regardless of what the advertising tells you.”
“Who sent you the text? Hannah is in a different time-zone.” Katie asked.
“Adrienne.” Matt replied. “Tide.” He explained, when he noticed Katie’s vacant look.
The footage then cut live to a press conference, where GL, The Freak and a third man, whom the onscreen text reveals to be Southern Cross, are addressing a crowd of reporters.
“We are here to issue a simple statement. In the wake of the tragedy that occurred in the Shadow Plane, we have decided that it is not currently feasible to recruit a new team of East Coast Boomers.” GL says. “Fortunately for us, The Freak here has decided to join my team, creating a true unified national Boomers.” This is met with applause. “I welcome his experience, his knowledge, and his strength. He will be an invaluable addition to the Boomers.” More applause.
“Thank you, GL. I’ll try to live up to your expectations, and do my fallen brothers and sister proud.” The Freak said.
“And also with us today is Southern Cross. Proving that you never truly leave the Boomers, Southern Cross has decided to return to the team, after a five year absence.” GL added.
“I joined the team in 2003 looking for fame and fortune, and left a better man. I’m back now to pay you boys back for the experience. This team made me into the hero I am today and a household name back home in Melbourne. I owe the Boomers a lot.” Southern Cross said.
“Glad to have you back. Any questions?” GL turned to the crowd.
<><><>
Jacob Smith shut off the TV in disgust.
“Hey cripple, I was watching that.” The armed guard at the end of his bed said.
“You should be watching me.” Jacob spat. “Mask-loving traitor.”
“Why do I always get stuck with the whack-jobs?” The guard looked heavenward.
Jacob stared out the window. Ten months. Ten months, he had been laying in that bed. Ten months since his back was broken. Ten months since he lost the use of his legs. A new guard every few weeks.
Everything had been going to plan. The masks were subdued, they were going to be a message. A warning. The Human Right Initiative had their Sickle Armour. They were on equal footing, for the first time in history. And then he turned up with his team. That disgusting cape had flown in, the very picture of the iconic hero that this society had raised that freak to. He had attacked Jacob and his partner. Carried them high up into the air, before turning around and crashing them through the roof of the television station.
That was the last thing Jacob remembered, before coming to in this bed, being read his rights, and handcuffed to the bed. Not that it was necessary.
Mr Perfect. The name was a travesty against everything Jacob stood for. He wasn’t perfect, he was unnatural. And he had destroyed Jacob’s life.
“You want revenge.”
Jacob looked up and saw a man standing before him, wearing a suit of finest Italian silk. His guard was nowhere to be seen.
“Who are you? Where did the guard go?” Jacob asked.
“I told him to go get himself a coffee. He looked like he needed it.” The man replied. “As for who I am… I am a man who can offer you the ability to walk again.”
“Walk again? What’s the catch?” Jacob asked.
“There’s no catch. We both want the same thing. Because I won’t just make you walk again. You’ll be better than before. Faster. Stronger. Bulletproof. You’ll even be able to fly. Just like-”
“-Mr Perfect. I’m in.” Jacob cut the stranger off.
“I knew you’d see it my way. Your first surgery is scheduled for this afternoon.” The stranger said, before walking out, leaving Jacob in his fantasies of destruction.
<><><>
Katie turned the television off.
“Even with a strengthened Boomers team, the villains still have the upper hand.” Fissure said.
“Yeah, good guys are still short a few guys. We were really hoping to bring back some more of the Boomers.” Matt agreed.
“Even without his platform, Carmichael will still try to run for President. He’s out of the cabinet now, but he’s still a Senator. And he has connections everywhere. He’ll be out to get us first. I know too much, and by extension, so do you.” Fissure said.
“He can bring it on.” Mosley said.
“I’ve got to agree with Mosley here. Who can he throw together that is tougher than we’ve already fought?” Kevin said.
“Before we all drown in testosterone, I think I should point out that while we did beat the Order of Darkness, it was only with twenty people backing us up. We’re not as untouchable as you guys think.” Katie argued.
“We’re formidable, but not unbeatable.” Matt agreed.
“And by understanding that, we are already one step ahead of Carmichael.” Fissure says.
<><><>
Gauss’ head swam. Those idiots had pumped him full of more drugs than was legally allowed. They were right to. Gauss was more of a threat to them, even drugged up to the eyeballs, than almost all of the people they had ever transported.
He had been assigned to a temporary holding facility in Nevada, while they built a special containment facility for him at Alcatraz. Today was the day they moved him, so he got an extra dose of drugs, and bundled onto a truck.
The guards stared at him. They were uncomfortable. They were armed. He was drugged and restrained. But they knew that the moment he saw an opening, he’d take it. They had to be ready for anything. And that scared them. Gauss knew it.
The greatest supervillain in the world. One of the most powerful individuals the world has ever known. In the hands of a group of inept humans. All because of those… children.
Mr Perfect. Mr Universe. Belle. Firestorm. Pixel. He had memorized their names. He had decided how he was going to kill them. In what order. Even the implement of their destruction. But alas, nothing could be done. He was in captivity. Trapped by the foolish methods of these mere humans.
The truck shuddered, as it came to a halt. The guards all got to their feet, as the door tore off its hinges.
They cocked their guns and opened fire on the doorway, but were greeted only by laughter.
“It’ll take more than that to take down the Basher.”
A huge man charged through the door, tackling a pair of guards, before punching out another.
Gauss bristled with rage, as a guard picked him up by the collar, a second pointing his rifle at his chin.
“Step back.” One of the guards ordered.
The Basher laughed. “Firefly, you got this?”
Two balls of flame flew through the doorway, one catching the man holding Gauss in the face, the second burning the gunman’s fingers, forcing him to drop the rifle.
The remaining three guards passed out.
“Aww… Helix, you take the fun out of it.” The Basher complained.
“You risked the target.” A middle aged, balding man in a tweed suit stepped into the truck, behind a young girl. Helix and Firefly respectively, as far as Gauss could reason.
“We had things under control.” Firefly argued.
The Basher lifted Gauss to his feet. “This is the guy who’s supposed to help us beat the Brats?” he asked.
“That’s Gauss. One of the most powerful men on earth. The Boss wants him on our team, with good reason.” Helix replied.
“If anyone’s got a reason to hate the Brat Pack as much as us, it’s him.” Firefly added.
Through the doorway stepped a fourth person, wearing a black suit and tie. “Are you kids done playing?” he asked.
“You got it Daytripper.” Firefly said.
“What’s going on…?” Gauss asked. Even the effort to move his mouth was too much under the influence of these drugs.
“Our boss is about to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” The Basher said.
“We’re busting you out of here.” Firefly explained.
“And we’re giving you another shot against the Brat Pack.” Helix added.
Gauss smiled, and through sheer force of will stood on his own two feet.
“I’m in.”