UNIVERSE BOWL VI: CHAPTER XVI: THE MYSTERIOUS MODULE

            The remaining members of the Sinister Six emerge from the teleportation circle’s cylinder of light.

            “These make it a whole lot easier to move from the different regions now that the new Watcher has placed the circles around the planet,” says Electro.

            “Agreed,” says Doctor Octopus.  “I. . .”

            Before the tentacled villain is able to finish his sentence, a Technodrome transport module crashes into the building just to the south of where the five Highness combatants are located.

             “Let’s play!” the Hobgoblin cackles as he rides his glider toward the site.  Electro, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio and Sandman race behind. 

            The five quickly reach the area of the crash.  They enter the building and notice the gigantic holes on the floors both above and below, ending with the decimated module in the basement.  After an initial inspection, the building appears to be a multi-faceted laboratory with no shuttle survivors in existence.

            “No one could have lived through this,” states Mysterio.

           “Yes, they could,” says Doctor Octopus.  “Remember this is the Universe Bowl.  Anything can happen.   Explore the area and make sure that either no one was on the vessel, or that no one survived,” orders Ock.

            Each of the Sinister members explores a different floor of the complex.  Mysterio moves through the basement; Sandman walks the first level;   Electro scopes the third; Doctor Octopus inspects the fourth and Hobgoblin flies over the top of the building. 

***

            “I sense the coming storm,” states Annihilus.  “You reach the Technodrome’s module.  I will stay.”

            John McClane jumps into the Attack Trak and drives toward the impact site.  As he reaches the location, he notices the Hobgoblin flying above the roof.  McClane rushes to the vehicle’s turret and fires at the mercenary.  A spattering of projectiles strikes the Hobgoblin’s glider.  The villain looks down and begins to throw bombs at McClane and his vehicle.  Electro surges out of the third floor in order to assist his teammate.  In unison, Electro electrocutes the vehicle while Hobgoblin barrages it with his bombs.  The Attack Trak blows up, throwing McClane across the lot.  McClane escapes the wreckage and although armed, rushes into the laboratory in an attempt to flee his enemies. 

     
            “The cowboy cop is in the building!” screams Electro. 

             “Who?” asks Sandman. 

            “What?” requests Mysterio.

            The Hobgoblin shouts through the windows, “McClane!!!”

            Mysterio begins to cautiously walk up the steps to the first floor when he suddenly notices foot prints across the stairs leading into the basement.  He turns around as he believes to hear a sound across the room toward a partially obstructed area. 

            McClane used his skills to create a false path toward the basement.  He crouches behind a table, focused on the liquid nitrogen cylinder next to Sandman on the first level.

            “Yippee Ki Yay,” hollers McClane as he repeatedly fires his gun at the liquid nitrogen.  The cylinder is methodically struck, causing bursts to strike Sandman.  The tank eventually explodes due to the outgoing pressure and Sandman becomes solidified granules.  McClane fires again at his enemy and Sandman explodes into hundreds of pieces which cannot reform due to their frozen state.

            Mysterio rushes up the stairs and sees a permanently dispersed Sandman 

            McClane looks to Mysterio and turns around, failing to escape the Hobgoblin’s pumpkin bomb.   McClane is gripped by the arms of Doctor Octopus. 

            “Time to die,” states Doc Ock.

            Electro touches a finger to McClane’s face and sends a controlled electrical charge throughout the policeman’s body, frying McClane in place. 

            “Now we are two down!” shouts Doctor Octopus.  “Where the hell were you?” he directs toward Mysterio.

            “I thought I heard something,” the illusionist answers.

            “Clean off that dome so you can hear before I rip it off!” mutters Doctor Octopus.

            Mysterio shrugs at the insult and joins his teammates, looking forward to the next battle.