E.G.G Q&A: Episode 49

This Q&A Session contains full spoilers for E.G.G Episode 49: The Inner Circle! If you have not read it, please click here to do so now!

Eileen awoke from being kidnapped by Emma Frost to find herself in the clutches of the Inner Circle. Their leader, Sebastian Shaw, explained to Eileen that their goal was to imbue her with the power of legendary Phoenix Force, informing her that not only was she a mutant, but, due to the Extremis within her, maybe the most powerful one in the world. Josh, James, and Acacia went to track down Frost while Squirrel Girl led Kyle to another form of help: The X-Men. Everyone came together in the Hellfire Club, and the battle of the century broke out. E.G.G and the X-Men had the Inner Circle on the ropes, but suddenly, the roof was ripped off, and they all were presented with a new set of problems: Sentinels.

“My name is Sebastian Shaw.” He said. “I am the Black King of the Inner Circle, I am also a mutant.”

“A mutant?” Eileen asked.

“Yes, I absorb energy and transform it into physical strength. Allow me to introduce my cohorts.” He pointed to a man with long straight black hair and a mustache. “This is Mastermind, the White Rook. He can create very convincing telepathic illusions.”

“My, my,” Mastermind said. “You are even more beautiful in person Ms. Wuthrich.”

“Don’t make me sick.” Eileen said. Shaw pointed to a man with long blonde hair and robotic limbs.

“This is Donald Pierce the White Bishop, he’s a cyborg.” He said.

“And just because I’m half robot, doesn’t mean I’m less of a man.” Pierce said, smiling. Shaw pointed to a woman in a black corset, cape, and long flowing hair.

“Selene Gallio, the Black Queen. She can drain the life force of others to strengthen herself.”

“So don’t get too close.” She said with a smirk. Shaw pointed to a man with red hair and a goatee.

“This is Harry Leland, the Black Bishop. He can increase the mass of anything, or anyone.”

“Multiply your weight by a thousand times if want.” Leland added. “Send you plummeting towards the core of the planet.”

“I’m sure you already know Emma Frost, our White Queen.” Shaw said. “She’s the one that found you.”

“How?” Eileen asked.

“Why, that brutish little Wolverine girl.” Emma said. “I willed her to move in front of your car, it was only a simple matter of following you back to your base.”

* * *

The Inner Circle is a unique group of mutants, and I've always wanted to do a story with them. I knew since Emma Frost's first appearance in Episode 13 that this is where I was headed. Everyone in the Inner Circle is an interesting character on their own, but they really thrive in a group, when they're trying to resurrect the Phoenix, which they're always trying to do!

“Years ago, an entity formed in deep space.” Shaw said. He moved to a picture of a giant fiery bird flying through stars. “The legendary Phoenix Force. For centuries, the Phoenix wondered about the galaxies, searching for knowledge, its thirst never quenched. It longed to live, to experience. It longed for purpose.” Emma moved to a picture of the Phoenix hovering over a crystal.

“The Phoenix found purpose when it was recruited by the alien race known as the Shi’ar to guard their sacred M’Kraan Crystal. But alas, the Phoenix’s longing for more knowledge was rekindled.”

“That’s when the X-Men got involved.” Mastermind said, spitefully.

“The X-Men? What do they have to do with this?” Eileen asked.

“While encountering the Shi’ar people,” Selene continued. “The Phoenix possessed the X-Man known as Jean Grey. For years, it lived within her, unbridled power incarnate, sitting untouched by the unwitting girl.”

“Until we unlocked its true potential.” Leland said.

“Either way, an incident followed,” Shaw said. “And Phoenix’s desire for knowledge became a lust for power. She transformed into Dark Phoenix.”

“I heard about that.” Eileen said. “She nearly destroyed the entire planet! You maniacs were behind that monstrosity!”

“Hardly,” Emma said. “It was Jean Grey’s inability to control the full power of the Phoenix force that is truly to blame.”

“In order to rectify that problem, we need two things.” Pierce said. “A way to transfer the power, and a stronger host to contain it.”

“Wait a second…” Eileen said. “After you saw what the Dark Phoenix is capable of, you still want to let it loose! And even crazier than that, you want to try and control it!”

“We can, Eileen.” Emma said.

* * *

Those who know anything about X-Men know about the Phoenix, Jean Grey's dark other half. Some of you, however, may not know where it comes from. It's not a split personality thing (Like Darkstream in the Season 2 finale), but it's an entity from space. Speaking of Darkstream, we already know that Spider-Man 2099 never got the Xtractor to Eileen, so Darkstream is still hiding away in there somewhere. And now the Inner Circle wants to put the Phoenix in there? That's not good, let's hope they're stopped in time!

The door opened, and Cyclops peeked his head out.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Yeah, I’m a mutant, see?” Squirrel Girl said, turning around and swinging her tail.

“Oh, okay, well come on in.” He said, stepping aside. Squirrel Girl happily rushed in. Rice began to walk in but Cyclops checked him at the door and forcefully pushed him back. “And what’s your mutation?” He asked. “S.H.I.E.L.D agent.”

“I don’t have one.” Rice replied. “I’m with her, this is an emergency, let me in.”

“No.” Cyclops said, staring Rice straight in the eyes through his red shades. Rice stared right back at him.

“I’m gonna ask you one more time to move.” Rice said calmly. Cyclops stepped up to him.

“Or what tough guy?” He asked.

“It’s alright Scott.” He turned to see Professor X wheel up in his wheelchair. “His intentions are pure.” He held out his hand.

“Professor Charles Xavier.” He said, as Rice shook.

“Kyle Rice,” Rice said. “Listen, I won’t take too much of your time, it’s just that…”

“Professor!” Squirrel Girl exclaimed, hugging him.

“Oh, hello Doreen.” He said, embracing her. “Have you reconsidered my offer?”

“I thought about it,” she said. “I might do it, but Agent Rice is teaching me how to be a spy first!”

“Well, that’s very nice of him.” Professor X said. “Now, I understand you two have a pressing situation?”

“Yeah,” Rice said. “I think Emma Frost has kidnapped a woman named Eileen Wuthrich.”

“Eileen is in trouble?” Warren Worthington III, Angel, said from the top of the stairs.

“And Frost is involved?” Cyclops asked.

“Yeah, you know these people?” Rice asked.

“Eileen is a friend,” Professor X said. “And yes, we are very familiar with Ms. Frost. Scott, get the team together.” Cyclops nodded and rushed out.

“Do you know what’s going on?” Squirrel Girl asked.

“Well, if Emma Frost has kidnapped someone then the entire Inner Circle is most likely involved, and Eileen may be in grave danger.”

“You know where to find her?” Rice asked.

“I will in a few moments.” Professor X said, wheeling away.

“Who are you people?” Rice asked. Professor X turned and smiled.

“We’re the X-Men.”

* * *

We all know that Professor X uses Cerebro to track down mutants (hence the "I will in a few moments") and recruit them to the X-Men. So it's safe to assume that at some point before Squirrel Girl's first appearance, she was approached by Professor X, her being a mutant and all. And hey, he called her Doreen! Most of us know her real name is Doreen Green. And how do the X-Men know Eileen? Well, that's a story for another day.

“Keep up James.” The man said. “We’ll miss the show!”

“Dad…” James said hesitantly.

“Don’t rush him dear,” the woman said. “He’s just a boy.”

“And one day he’ll be a fine man! Won’t you James?”

“Mom, dad…” James said. “I thought you two…” Suddenly a man in a mask came around the corner and took out a laser gun.

“Credits, now!” He shouted.

“No!” James called out. “Get away from them… No!”

“Don’t worry James.” His dad said, slowly taking out his wallet. “See sir, I’m taking out my wallet, just put the gun down and…”

“Hurry up!” The man shouted aiming his gun at James. “Or the boy dies!”

“No!” James’s dad shouted, jumping at him as the man fired and killed James’s father.

“NNNNNOOOOOO!!!!” James shouted. James mother looked back at him.

“Go James, run!” She exclaimed.

“But… But…” James began to run against his will. And then the man killed his mother.

Acacia looked around. She was in a dark room, trapped in a circle of Weeping Angels.

“Oh no…” She said, backing up.

“Help!” She turned to see Josh and Eileen tied together.

“Guys!” She shouted, rushing towards them. But the Weeping Angles slid in front of her. “Ah!” She shouted, jumping back.

“Aaaaahahahahaha!” She looked up to see the Green Goblin fly down on his glider. “Ah, ah, ah, Acacia, no playing hero!” He said. “Besides, they’re next.” He flew down, and came back up, holding Celeste by the neck. “She’s first!”

“Auntie Acacia! Help me!” She choked.

“No! Celeste!” Acacia began to run but the Weeping Angels held her down. The Goblin took out a razor bat.

“Hahahahaha!” He laughed.

“Auntie Acacia!” Celeste screamed.

“No! Let her go! NO!”

* * *

Well, Acacia and James weren't having such a good time. The weeping angels is a Dr. Who thing, I don't watch the show, but my friends do, so I wanted to put something in for them, and all the other whovians that read E.G.G. But the key bit of info here is that James's parents were killed in front of him when he was kid! Hm, this might give us some insight as to who he is, and if he's really a bad guy bounty hunter! By the way, first person to even think about Batman gets one across the jaw! He doesn't have a monopoly on murdered parents!

The X-Men scattered about. James looked at Mastermind.

“You’re gonna pay for that…” He growled. Just then Pierce punched him from behind with his robotic arm.

“Ha!” He shouted. But suddenly Nightcrwaler teleported in front of him and kicked him into the wall.

“Kitty, now!” He called as Shadowcat phased up from the ground and through Pierce, short circuiting him.

“Agahhhh!” He shouted, falling to the ground. Angel soared by and knocked down three Cuckoos as Beast tackled the other two. Acacia rushed up and burned the straps.

“Come on.” She said, helping Eileen up.

“No!” Emma shouted, holding her hand to her head.

“Agh!” Acacia screamed, clutching her head and falling to the ground.

“Hey Frost!” Jean shouted, lifting the stone table mentally and throwing it at her.

“Good heavens!” She shouted, jumping out of the way. Wolverine leapt at Shaw, snarling, when suddenly he fell immediately to the ground.

“What the?” He asked, as Leland emerged.

“Say goodbye animal!” He said, increasing Wolverine’s mass.

“Grah!” He screamed, falling through the floor and plummeting underground.

“Exemplary work Leland.” Shaw said.

“Heads up!” Iceman shouted, surfing by on an ice path and freezing Leland where he stood.

“Storm, on my target!” Cyclops ordered as he blasted Shaw with his optic beam and Storm struck him with lightning. Shaw put his hands on his hips and laughed.

“You fools!” He exclaimed. “You’ve only made me more powerful!” He clapped his hands together and blew everyone across the room. Josh stood up and shook his head.

“We need to go now!” He called.

“I agree!” Eileen said. She began to help Acacia up when she was grabbed from behind by Selene.

“Your energy is mine!” She shouted, draining Eileen.

“Get off her!” Angel called, smacking her off with his wing. Jean was tossing items at the Cuckoos, who were ducking for cover when she heard Cyclops.

“Jean!” He screamed. She looked to see Emma Frost stab him with a sword.

“No! Scott!” She cried. Cyclops looked to see Jean screaming and crying.

“Jean, it’s not real!” He called, but was punched by Shaw. Mastermind was holding his hand out at Jean.

“Yes,” He said. “Feel the pain! Feel the- ack!” He looked down to see a blade had pierced him. James pulled it out and he fell to the ground, clutching his wound.

“Trash.” James growled, as Jean held her head. Shaw looked around. The Inner Circle was losing.

* * *

One word: Epic. 'Nuff said.

Suddenly the entire place shook. Everyone stopped and looked.

“What the shell was that?” Josh asked. Then the ceiling began to crumble. Everyone screamed and ran for cover as the roof to the lair was ripped off, the nightclub with it. Cyclops looked up.

“Oh no…” He said. Looking down on them with bright, glowing, red eyes was a 50 foot tall robot. It was predominantly purple with some gray on it. It had two glowing yellow circles, one on each palm, and a glowing yellow triangle in the center of its chest. It was a Sentinel.

“DESTROY!” The Sentinel thundered, as about 25 more flew down from the sky.

* * *

Two words: They're screwed.

Make sure you tune in tomorrow, September 25, to read the E.G.G 50th Episode Spectacular: Destroy! Leave all your questions so I can answer them in the Q&A next Thursday, October 1!

It's here! The E.G.G 50th Episode Spectacular! Continuing the Inner Circle story that began in 47, Eileen has been chosen as the next host for the Phoenix Force! But the mutant-hunting Sentinels have other plans. Now E.G.G, the X-Men, and even the Inner Circle are all caught in a battle royale of epic proportions. But the Sentinels are the least of their worries when a long lost threat rises once again... Catch all the action tomorrow, September 25, in E.G.G Episode 50: Destroy!