The First Line (Vol I) #1

March 2001

Cover: John Byrne (penciller, signed)

Story: "The First Line of Defence"

Credits: Richard J. Porter (scripter, plotter)

Feature Characters: The Yankee Clipper (II), Liberty Girl, Effigy, Nightingale, The Black Fox, Howler, Blackjack

Supporting Characters: President Eisenhower

Other Characters: Agent Vaughan, Workmen, Security Guard, Press

An old Mercedes made its way through the Rocky Mountains, its driver and passenger tired from their long plane journey from New York to Denver International Airport, and now the trip by car. They had been on the road for several hours obviously in search of something. The Driver was Patrick Carney and the female passenger was his fiance Beverly, they were special F.B.I. Agents and had taken the code names 'The Yankee Clipper' and 'Liberty Girl'. Today was the start of a new chapter in both their young lives.

"Pat, are you sure Jake told us to meet him here?" asked Bev. "Sure honey," replied Patrick "Jake's good at organising, I'm positive everything will be alright.".

They carried on driving for a couple of miles and took a sharp left down an old track. "Patrick, where exactly are we going?" enquired Bev, "You know more than you're letting on." "Don't worry Bev, we're nearly there." replied Patrick. "Nearly where?" asked Bev.

Patrick turned another bend and Beverly couldn't believe her eyes. In front of them was a large metal and glass building which had been erected amongst the natural rock formations and the forest. "Patrick, what is that place?" asked Bev. Patrick didn't reply, he smiled and carried on driving.

Several minutes later Patrick stopped the car, Bev and Patrick both left the vehicle and she followed him up a flight of steps, they got half way before she stopped. "Patrick Carney, if you don't tell me what's going on, I'm not taking another step." protested Bev. "It's alright Pat," came a voice from the top of the steps "it's OK to tell her.".

"Hi Jake" answered Pat. "Jacob Scott - I want an explanation, Patrick's told me nothing." said a very disgruntled Beverly. "Come on inside and I'll explain everything." replied Jake. Patrick and Beverly continued to the top of the steps where Jake and Patrick shook hands. Jake opened the door and they followed him inside.

Upon entering the trio were standing in a huge reception area, where a fourth person was sitting waiting for them. "Nightingale, great to see you again." said Patrick. "We are pleased to see you both again." replied Nightingale. "Nightingale came up earlier with me," informed Jake "well, now the gang's all here I suppose I'd better let you know what's going on.".

"As you know, two months ago myself, Pat, Bev and Bob Paine teamed up with the Monster Hunters to investigate some weird goings-on at a research centre *, and it was during that event I somehow developed my ability to change shape **..." "Yes, we know all that," interrupted Bev "that's how we met Nightingale." "Quite so, but it was a couple of days later that Patrick and I started to seriously talk about his idea of forming a team of Super Heroes.".

"That's right," continued Patrick "We all remember the heroes who fought during World War II, you know men and women like the Invaders and the All-Winners Squad. Well since the end of the 1940's super heroes have all but disappeared." "But I still don't see what that has to do with us?" said Bev. "You will," answered Jake "if you'll all follow me, I'll finish my explanation.".

Jacob Scott led the trio through the facility until they reached a meeting room. The room itself was quite plain - the floor, walls and ceiling were dull grey metal, and the only furniture in the room was a large rectangular table and about half a dozen chairs. "Nice room," stated Bev "it could use a woman's touch.".

Everyone sat round the table, and Jacob Scott finished his explanation. "As I said earlier, Patrick and I had been discussing his idea of forming a team of super heroes. As you know the American Government has always been keen to ally itself with people with unnatural abilities, such as the Monster Hunters, my National Security Agency colleague Mac Curry has been their liaison for the last few years. Anyway, I took Patrick's idea to the President and explained our Country's need for heroes and after much persuasion he agreed with me and gave us an Official Sanction to operate.".

"Ladies," said Patrick "welcome to the Headquarters of the First Line. Although I would like to know what strings you pulled Jake in order to get this place." "Well that was simple," replied Jake "the Government built this place a couple of years ago as a secret research facility - funding was cut and I managed to convince President Eisenhower to give it to us.".

"Now before I begin the tour," said Jake "would the ladies care to freshen up?" "I'd love to." replied Bev. "We would as well." said Nightingale. "In that case, I'll show you where the bathrooms are.".

Jake took Bev and Nightingale upstairs to the sleeping quarters, he showed them the bathrooms and left them, returning downstairs to the meeting room. "Well Pat, what do think?" asked Jake. "I think you've done wonders," replied Patrick "however earlier you said the gang was all here - what about Robert?".

"What about Robert." came a voice from outside the room, the door opened to reveal The Black Fox albeit in a new costume. "Bob?" exclaimed Patrick, "is that you?" "Yes, Patrick, it's me." replied The Black Fox. "But you said you were planning on retiring" reminded Pat. "I changed my mind.".

"Yes, we heard about what happened to Miriam, we're all very sorry." said Jake. "Nocturne may have broken my legs that day," said The Black Fox, "but when he murdered Miriam, he broke my heart and killed a part of me. My legs have healed, but I don't think my heart ever will.".

"So what will you do now?" asked Jake "Well," replied The Black Fox "I began this with Patrick several years ago, and as I have nothing left in my life right now, I'd like to be with friends, if you'll have me." "Of course," said Patrick shaking The Black Fox's hand "welcome to the First Line.".

Several minutes later Bev and Nightingale returned from the bathroom, where they discovered The Black Fox sitting down with Patrick and Jake. "Fox!" exclaimed Bev, "what are you doing here?" "He's joined the First Line," said Patrick "that's all we need to know right now." "Of course," said Bev "I understand.".

"Just as well we have plenty of rooms upstairs for First Line personnel." said Jake. "Yes," asked Bev "why do we have so many rooms upstairs?" "Well we're only the beginning" replied Jake "My idea was originally this." said Patrick "We'd start out with a small group of heroes and over the years recruit more into our ranks - the Invaders did the same during World War II.".

"Calm down Pat," said Jake "we've only just started. I think recruitment is the last thing at the moment." "So, I was getting ahead of myself." replied Patrick "but that's what I hope will happen anyway.".

Jake closed the meeting and took his fellow First Liners upstairs and showed them their own personal rooms followed by a complete tour of their new headquarters. By the time the tour ended it was now very late at night, so everyone went to their own rooms and went to sleep. Patrick Carney didn't go to sleep straight away, he lay there on his bed thinking about all the things his First Line could accomplish, he was just falling asleep when he heard the Black Fox cry out the name of his dead girlfriend, he decided to leave the Black Fox alone and slowly drifted off.

Early the next morning Patrick was woken up by a scream coming from downstairs, it was Bev. He quickly ran downstairs, his bare feet slapped against the cold steel of the stairs as he dashed to see what the commotion was. He entered the kitchen to find Bev in her dressing gown, she was waving a frying pan at a strange man. Patrick went over to Bev and put his arms around her.

"Who are you and what are you doing here!" he shouted at the stranger. "Is that anyway to greet a fellow First Liner first thing in the morning." said the man. "What are you talking about, are you another of Jake's surprises?" asked Patrick. "In a way yes," replied the man "with the notable exception that I am Jacob Scott.".

"Don't be silly," said a slightly hysterical Bev "you look nothing like Jacob Scott.". "That's the whole point of this new identity," replied the man claiming to be Jake "If Effigy looked like Jacob Scott I think our security could be compromised.".

Patrick and Bev watched how the blond haired, blue eyed man morphed into the form for their friend Jacob Scott. "Well," asked Jake "do you think my new face suits me?" "Well it certainly is different," said Patrick. "Jacob Scott, why I should hit you with this." said Bev still brandishing the frying pan.

"Look I think we'd better get showered and change into our uniforms, have breakfast and then discuss this." said Patrick "I could use a shave and my feet are freezing on this floor... we really need to get some carpet Jake.".

An hour later the members of the First Line had had breakfast and were talking about Jake's new Effigy persona.

"We like it." said Nightingale "It suits him.". "Well," said The Black Fox "Jake certainly couldn't go around operating as himself, does anyone in Washington know you're Effigy?". "Certainly not," replied Effigy "When I put the paperwork for the First Line together I used our code-names, nobody knows who we are... not even the President.".

"Clever," said The Black Fox "I like it, but what about when someone tries to contact us - technically Liberty Girl, Yankee Clipper and I are still CIA Agents." "Are you?" enquired Effigy "I thought I'd destroyed the paperwork and any other traces of your previous involvement.". "Effigy," said Liberty Girl, "I could kiss you." "You really did think of everything," said Yankee Clipper "so what shall our first mission be?".

Before anyone could say anything a voice appeared out of nowhere "Do you think this is working?" said the voice. "Where did that come from?" asked Liberty Girl "That's one of the people from my office." said Effigy "I took the liberty of having comm-links installed in our costumes." "Are you keeping anything else from us?" enquired The Black Fox. "Not that I can think of," was the reply.

Effigy morphed back into the form of Jacob Scott. "Jacob Scott here, the comm-link is working fine." "Great" came the voice from the other end, "It's Agent Vaughan here, have you managed to assemble your heroes yet?". "They're all here," replied Jake "What is it?" "We've just received word that Blackjack has escaped whilst being transferred to a low security prison, word is he's heading for New York do you think you guys can handle it?".

"No problem," said Jake "Jacob Scott over and out.", he then morphed back into his Effigy persona. "Well it looks like fate has given us our first mission." "What idiot decided that Blackjack should be transferred to a low security prison," asked The Black Fox "the guy's a super-powered menace." "Calm down Fox," said The Yankee Clipper "we'll re-capture him and make sure he ends up in jail.". "At least The Scythe isn't with him." said Liberty Girl "that's something.".

"We have a question," said Nightingale "how are we getting to New York?" "I knew there was something else to tell you. I've managed to obtain an experimental plane for us to use." said Effigy. "I don't like the word experimental." said Liberty Girl "Trust me," replied Effigy "it's safe, I wouldn't use it otherwise.".

Effigy led the remaining First Liners down to a hanger bay, sitting there was a huge craft. "It's the latest experimental technology, some of this stuff won't be commercially used for at least ten years." said Effigy "How many will it comfortably fit?" enquired The Yankee Clipper. "About ten people." came the reply.

Effigy went on board the craft and was followed by the others. He sat in the cockpit and started the plane, he pressed a button on the control panel and the hanger doors automatically open. Once opened he increased the throttle and eventually the plane took off and headed north-east towards New York City.

A few hours later the plane landed on a disused runway outside of New York, the team left the plane and stood on the runway.

"Um, I don't wish to sound stupid," said Liberty Girl "but how are we going to find Blackjack, and how are we going to get into the city? Walk? Get a Taxi?". "Don't worry, it's all under control," replied Effigy "I've got one last surprise for you.". He produced a remote control from his pocket and pressed a button.

A section of the bottom of the plane began to lower itself to the ground. On the section of the plane was a car, it had the letters F and L on the side of it. "Ladies and Gentlemen," said Effigy "may I present the FL-1." "Another experimental prototype by any chance?" enquired the Black Fox "Oh yes," replied Effigy "it was in the process of being constructed for Captain America and Bucky however they are no longer with us, so I had my department finish it off and give it a paint-job. I then had it re-assigned for our usage.".

"But Captain America and Bucky have been missing for years." stated Liberty Girl. "Not the original Captain America and Bucky," replied Effigy "Oh no, this was for the fourth Captain America and the third Bucky. They are currently in cryogenic suspension as part of Operation Deep-Freeze *** and won't be thawed out for many years, if at all.".

"As you know I was assigned to Operation Deep-Freeze myself." said Patrick "It was on my first day with the project that I obtained my power-belt and soon after I met a Jacob Scott and the rest they say is history.". "One other thing," said Effigy "the FL-1 only responds to certain people by means of a prototype vocal-processing unit and so currently I am the only person capable of controlling it. When we get back to base I'll update it with your vocal records.".

Effigy opened the FL-1 and the First Line got in, it was a large vehicle capable of comfortably seating at least 8 persons, and at a push 10. The interior was trimmed out in chrome with red leather seating and the dashboard was full of all sorts of knobs, dials and switches. Effigy started the car and the team headed into New York City.

A few miles out was the latest industrial complex owned by Howard Stark, it was to be the new Headquarters for Stark Industries. The official opening was only a few days away and all sorts of workmen were busy finishing things off. In fact things were so busy that the workmen didn't notice two men walk straight into the building.

"Listen Jack" said the older of the two men "I don't want this messed up, Stark is a weapons man. We go in, steal as many experimental weapons as possible and use them to start a crime spree America will never forget." "Ok Garrow," said the younger man "I owe you for rescuing me from that prison truck, once this job's been done we go our separate ways. Deal?" "Deal.".

The two men were super-powered criminals, the older man was Luke Garrow also known as Howler, he was wanted by the FBI for numerous crimes and got his powers from the moon. The younger man was known simply as Blackjack, a few months earlier he'd had a run-in with the First Line and the Monster Hunters * and was now an escaped convict.

Both men made their way through the factory, they found a changing room and used it to get into their costumes. Howler had planned the crime this late at night as he would get the maximum benefit of his powers. He concentrated and could feel the power surging within him, Blackjack was shocked when he saw the transformation take place. Garrow bent over double, like he was in pain, Blackjack could see Garrow's clothes getting tighter, he'd heard about the change but now wished he wasn't around to witness it.

Garrow's shirt began to rip from his body and Blackjack could see Garrow's once smooth back getting covered in thick white fur, Garrow's feet began to grow, his toes ripped through the end of his shoes and Blackjack could see Garrow's bare feet become paws with his nails becoming claws. All the while Garrow was moaning, he voice becoming less and less human until finally the transformation was complete and there was Howler in all his bestial glory. It was a sight that Blackjack wished he never had to see again.

Howler smashed his way out of the changing room and made his way down the corridor, destroying anything that was in his way. Blackjack followed a few metres behind wary of how Howler might react. A workman saw the two villains and quickly grabbed the nearest phone. "Get me the Police, the new Stark Industries building is being attacked a monster of some kind." said the workman, before he could say anymore Blackjack had knocked him out cold.

The First Line were trying to locate Blackjack when a voice came over the comm-link in the FL-1. "Police Emergency," said the voice "The Stark Industries building is being attacked, requesting all units.". "Blackjack?" questioned Liberty Girl. "Could be." replied the Yankee Clipper. "Howard Stark does a lot of defence work for the Government." said the Black Fox "Who know's what the attackers want.".

"I shouldn't have thought they'd find a lot," said Effigy "the building isn't opened yet, so I wouldn't have thought there would be anything to steal." "We must go," replied Nightingale "there maybe something we can do.". As Effigy worked for the National Security Agency he knew the location of the Stark Industries complex, twenty minutes later the First Line had arrived, however so had the Press.

"Ok team," said the Yankee Clipper "let's keep this as inconspicuous as possible." "Is that possible with over a hundred workers and the press out there?" questioned the Black Fox. "I see your point," was the reply "right team, the plan is simple, we enter the building find whoever's in there and stop them.". "It's certainly simple." came the reply from Liberty Girl.

The members of the First Line quickly left the FL-1 and ran across the car park toward the main building. "Hey," came a voice in the crowd "it's some more of those costumed guys, perhaps they've come to join the others?". Before anyone in the crowd could reply, the First Line had entered the building.

What they saw when they entered was beyond belief, the once-clean reception had been totally trashed and there was a trail of destruction from one side of the building leading to the other. Somewhere in the distance the members of the First Line could hear an animal howling and a lot of banging and crashing.

"I think we'd better go in this direction, agreed?" said the Yankee Clipper. Nobody argued so the quintet headed down the corridor towards the noise, it seemed to be coming from a room marked Artillery Lab #1. It was quite easily to look inside this room as whoever was in there had ripped the doors of their hinges.

The Lab was quite large and contained cabinets full of guns and other forms of weaponry. Inside, on the floor, was the body of a security guard, he was badly injured. "We will attend to him." said Nightingale. She bent over the man, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, and placed her hands on his bleeding chest. For an instant Nightingale appeared to be many rather than one, it was a sight Liberty Girl was sure she would never get used to seeing.

Whilst Effigy, The Black Fox and The Yankee Clipper entered the lab, Liberty Girl stayed behind to protect Nightingale, should the need arise. She watched as Nightingale's power worked on the man, she could see bruises disappear and skin knit together, scar tissue form and melt away as though he'd never been injured. Nightingale released her hands and the man opened his eyes "A monster!" he said full of anxiety "There's a monster in there, it attacked me. I'm injured." he looked down and could see through his ripped shirt that he wasn't. "We have healed you" said Nightingale "quickly, you must leave this place.". Not wanting to be told twice, the Security Guard got up, and quickly headed for outside and safety.

Inside the lab, Blackjack was emptying the weapons cabinets as fast as he could. It was easy once Howler had destroyed the locks. With his arms full of weapons he decided to leave Howler to the Police, he turned a corner in the lab and ran into a man dressed in black. "Blackjack, how nice to see you again." said the man. "Do I know you?" asked Blackjack. "I told you last time we met * I didn't like the idea of hired muscle using a name so similar to mine." "You!" said Blackjack, dropping the weapons on the floor. "It's because of you I went to prison, I'm glad you introduced yourself as I would never have recognised you in your new costume.".

Blackjack lunged at the Black Fox who quickly moved to avoid the blow, however he wasn't quick enough to miss the right-hook to the jaw he received soon after. The Black Fox returned with a swift blow to the stomach, temporarily winding Blackjack, but not for long. The two men fought neither one ceeding advantage to the other.

Whilst this was going on, the Yankee Clipper and Effigy crept up on Howler, they could see Blackjack and The Black Fox fighting on the far side of the room. "Effigy," said the Yankee Clipper "I've had an idea.", he whispered something in Effigy's ear and watched in amazement as Effigy morphed into another form.

"We've been rumbled," shouted Blackjack "we've got to get out of here.". Howler turned round and looked straight at Blackjack, he growled. "Hey," said Blackjack "calm down, quickly this way.". Blackjack turned and went down the right side of the lab, Howler realising something was up followed him. No sooner had Howler turned the corner he was hit by the Yankee Clipper.

Howler in turn reacted and attacked the Yankee Clipper, luckily for the Yankee Clipper he had his belt on, it augmented his strength and endurance and let him easily knock off the blows. The Yankee Clipper gave Howler a quick upper-cut to the jaw and it was over. Howler collapsed and whilst doing so reverted to his human form, before he passed out he looked up at Blackjack who was standing there "Why?" he asked. "It's my duty to defend America from bad guys like you." said Blackjack morphing back into Effigy. Howler groaned and passed out.

The Black Fox too had won his fight, he was carrying the real Blackjack over his shoulders. "Let's go." said the Black Fox. The Yankee Clipper picked up the naked form of Luke Garrow, the Black Fox put his cape over the body and they all went to face the music.

Upon exiting the building the First Line were swarmed by the Police who quickly took the bodies of Blackjack and Howler into custody. They approached the First Line until Effigy produced an official looking badge. "I'm Effigy and we are the First Line. This is our Federal Authorization. I trust that's alright?".

"Certainly, I'm very sorry Sir." came the reply. Liberty Girl, Nightingale, Effigy and The Black Fox were heading towards the FL-1 until they noticed that The Yankee Clipper wasn't with them. He was surrounded by the press all wanting to know who they all were and what had just happened.

Effigy went back to rescue The Yankee Clipper, who appeared to be enjoying the experience. "Excuse me," said Effigy, making his way through the press, "I'm afraid we must be off, duty calls." "Who are you all?" asked a female reporter. "I'm afraid we don't have time for pleasantries, but if you want to contact our Federal Liaison Jacob Scott, I'm sure he'll be able to fill you in.". He quickly grabbed the Yankee Clipper and the pair ran back to the FL-1.

Once inside, Effigy started the vehicle and the team headed back to their plane, happy that their first mission was a success. Once on the plane they headed back to their Colorado HQ. It was a quiet flight back, Nightingale and Liberty Girl both fell asleep, The Black Fox stared out the window thinking about Miriam, and Effigy and The Yankee Clipper talked quietly about the future.

Several hours later the plane landed and the First Line got out. "Well, I don't know about you," said The Yankee Clipper "but I could do with a nice shower." "I'll have something to eat first and then I'll join you." reply Liberty Girl. "Bev!" said The Yankee Clipper quiet shocked by the reply he'd just had. She winked at him and they went inside.

About an hour later everyone met up at the meeting room. "Well," said The Yankee Clipper "I'd like to congratulate you all on a job well done, our first mission was a success and we whipped up some media interest.". "I'd go a bit further than that," announced Effigy "I've been on the Comm-Link to Washington as Jacob Scott for the past hour. The Press want to know about us so much I've had to arrange a Press Conference in Washington for the end of the week.".

"That's great," replied Liberty Girl. "We are pleased." said Nightingale. "Damned Press." said The Black Fox. "Well now we have to prepare for our next mission, whatever that may be." said the Yankee Clipper "Our next foes may be more terrifying than Blackjack and Howler.".

"Oh they will be," said Effigy "I thought you realised, we're all required to attend the Press Conference." "Great," said The Black Fox "that's all we need!".

Next Issue: "Introducing the First Line" Join us in 30 days for the most terrifying threat the First Line will ever face - the Press!

* = Marvel: The Lost Generation #2 (Marvel Comics)

** = No-one knows that Jacob Scott (AKA Effigy) is really a Skrull

*** = Marvel: The Lost Generation #1 (Marvel Comics)