Disclaimer: In addition to the usual homage, the song “Set the House Ablaze” was written by Paul Weller in 1982 and appears on the Jam’s LP “The Gift.”
(Front cover. We see Bux and Degree kissing. She is in a blouse and blue jeans; he is in a shirt and blue jeans.)
Cap (N): Preachers, Teachers, Lovers and Fools!
(Page 1, panel 1. We see the band continue to rehearse. Jam and Juana sing.)
Cap (N1): Picking up where we left off,
Cap (N2): The band continues to rehearse.
Jam: (1) I’ve had enough of you
Juana: (1) I want a different man
Jam: (2) You make me feel so blue
Juana: (2) I want a different man
Jam: (3) You treat me like a ham
Juana: (3) I want a different man
Jam: (4) I feel like I’m living in a can/ I want a different man.
(Panel 2. The band stops playing. Bakerman, Starshot and Degree applaud.)
Degree: Bravissimo.
Jam: Thank you. That one’s a new one of ours.
(Panel 3. The band sets down their gear.)
Jam: Well, it’s noon, lunchtime.
Starshot: Doesna seem like noon, but yer right.
Degree: Belinda, might I take you to one of Dallas’ better restaurants?
(Panel 4. Bux goes wide-eyed.)
Bux: Well... sure.
(Page 2, panel 1. Marita looks at both of them.)
Marita: So you’re serious about this one, hmm?
Degree: Definitely. I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t serious.
(Panel 2. Bux puts an arm around Degree.)
Bux: Don’t worry, I’ve read his energy. I know what I’m getting into.
(Panel 3. Bux and Degree go off together.)
Bakerman: So, who’s up for Chinese?
(Panel 4. We see Bakerman and Bux in the teleportation room.)
Degree: You’ll like this place, trust me.
(Page 3, panel 1. They teleport out. Panel 2. We see them teleport next to a fancy Japanese restaurant, in a sideway.)
Bakerman: I went to school with the owner’s son in Plano. It looks fancy, and it’s good too.
(Panel 2. Degree hands Bux a holographic projector device.)
Degree: Just think of something nice, and it will make it seem like you’re wearing it.
Bux: All right...
(Panel 3. Both of them activate their holographic projectors. Panel 4. We see Degree in a smart-looking suit and tie, while Bux is in a pleasant light blue dress.)
Degree: And now, our reservation awaits...
(Panel 4. They enter the place to see it is moderately full with numerous Asian-American waiters and waitresses.)
Waiter: May I help you?
Degree: We have a reservation for two, the name’s Chris Madhak.
(Panel 5. The Waiter smiles.)
Waiter: Ah, yes... the interlude suite...
(Page 4, panel 1. They remove their shoes, then are escorted to a room with a Japanese motif in it. The walls are made of paper and the table is set into the floor. Bux and Chris sit opposite each other at the table.)
Degree: Just out of curiosity, how did you get the nickname Bux?
Bux: (blushes slightly) Well, when I was growing up, I was an early bloomer. I had developed before many of my classmates, so I was near what you see now when I was 14. I guess the nickname came from having a well-developed chest before some of my classmates' did.
(Panel 2. Degree smiles.)
Degree: (1)Well, you certainly are that... of course, a relationship really should be based more on trust and desire for love than something superficial like physical appearance.
Degree: (2) Of course I’ll be the first to tell you I think you’re hot...
Bux: (rolls her eyes) I see...
(Panel 3. Degree is taken aback.)
Degree: Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’d love you the way you want it. I’m not interested in just having a “total babe” to look good on my arm, I sense your aura, and it feels wonderful.
(Panel 4. Bux smiles.)
Bux: I know you mean well, Christian.
Degree: Please, when I’m away from Christopher, it’s just Chris. I really don’t like Christian, but I need something to designate me differently than him.
(Panel 5. Bux is serious.)
Bux: I have to wonder why your parents would name you and he similarly.
Degree: Oh, he’s not my twin brother... he’s my alternate reality counterpart.
(Page 5, panel 1. A Japanese waitress enters, wearing a robe.)
Waitress: Konichi Wa (?), may I take your order?
Degree: (to Bux) We should try the Sushi parade. It’s supposed to be one of the best in the U.S.A.
Bux: All right.
(Panel 2. The waitress smiles.)
Waitress: Sushi parade it is then.
(Panel 3. The waitress exits.)
Bux: I’ve never really had sushi before.
Degree: I guarantee you, once you try it, you’ll like it.
(Panel 4. Go outside to see the Waitress talk into a walkie-talkie.)
Waitress: Jing to base. We have two mutants here. Send team for backup plan.
(Page 6, panel 1. Go back to Bux and Degree.)
Bux: So what you’re saying is that most great literature has some deep spiritual meaning to it?
Degree: Oh yes, and it’s not limited to literature. Movies, television, every good media has some deep spiritual meaning to it. There’s even Zen in some comic books.
(Panel 2. Bux giggles slightly.)
Bux: Really, I would have never thought that.
Degree: Let’s take for example the television show The Prisoner. It’s a deep metaphor for finding one’s proper place in society, and how who you are can conflict with what society wants you to be. Here was an average man who just wanted to break free from the constraints that society had put on him, but the society felt he should be taken aside and told otherwise.
(Panel 3. They continue to talk.)
Degree: Rover was a metaphor for one’s consciousness and how it always pops up to put you back into your proper place.
Bux: Hmm... I would like to see that sometime.
(Panel 4. Degree smiles.)
Degree: Ah, I have some of the episodes on videotape at home... Perhaps sometime we can watch them together.
(Page 7, panel 1. The waitress enters with a cart of small covered trays.)
Waitress: Pick what you like...
(Panel 2. The waitress leaves.)
Bux: Well, let’s get started, hmm?
(Panel 3. We see them selecting sushi from among the trays.)
Bux: Hmm... smells good.
(Panel 4. Bux starts to eat a piece of sushi.)
Cap (D): Oh no!
Degree: Belinda, don’t eat that!!
Bux: Wha..?
(Panel 5. Degree snatches the piece of sushi away, and throws it into a wall, where it explodes.)
SFX: BOOM!!!
Bux: UHN!
(Page 8, panel 1. The two of them look to see several Friends of Humanity entering.)
Bux: Some lunch date we’re having.
Degree: I assure you this was completely unplanned.
(Panel 2. Degree stands firm with Bux next to him. They have removed their holograms.)
Degree: I’ll give you one last chance to talk this over.
FOH: The time for talking has passed, mutant! You are dead, end of story!!
(Panel 3. We see Degree teleport everyone out.)
Bux: What are you doing??
(Panel 4. Outside the restaurant, in the parking lot. Degree, Bux, and four of the FOH people teleport in.)
Degree: Like I said, the owner’s a good friend of mine... I don’t want to hurt the place I have a lot of fond memories in.
FOH: Since when have you cared about property, mutant! All you care about is destroying things!!
(Page 9, panel 1. Degree advances on the FOH men.)
Degree: It amazes me, that despite all evidence to the contrary, you still cling to the belief that all mutants are evil. I couldn’t begin to fathom why. Then again, Lecita’s the one with the sociology degree. I chose management for my major.
(Panel 2. The FOH attack Degree and Bux. We see one of them swing at Bux, who dives out of the way.)
Bux: Just because I don’t have superhuman powers....
(Panel 3. She kicks the FOH member in the jaw.)
Bux: ... doesn’t mean that I can’t defend myself.
SFX: WHOK!!
Degree: Man, I’m glad you’re on my side.
(Panel 4. Degree lowers the temperature around one of the FOH members, covering him in a thin layer of frost.)
Degree: You need to cool off.
SFX: WHISH!
(Panel 5. One of the FOH members takes a swing at Degree, who ducks. Meanwhile, Bux connects with a karate chop to the chest.)
Degree: Man, whatever happened to peace, love, and understanding? Why does hate have to be the order of the day?
Bux: If we could figure that out, we could end all wars.
SFX: WHACK!!
(Page 10, panel 1. We see Bux and Degree back-to-back fighting the FOH.)
Degree: Time we got our heads together.
(Panel 2. Degree and Bux ram the heads of the FOH people they were fighting.)
SFX: POW!!
(Panel 3. We see the FOH men down and hurting.)
Degree: Let’s try another place.
(Panel 4. They teleport out.)
Cap (N1): The police have been called.
Cap (N2): They’ll pick up the FOH members.
Cap (N3): As for Bux and Degree, they will be elsewhere...
(Panel 5. They teleport into a moderately posh dining place.)
Degree: If at first you don’t succeed-
Bux: (interrupts) Then give it another shot.
(Panel 6. Degree smiles.)
Degree: Oh my... we’re already at the “finishing each other’s thoughts” stage? How time flies...
Bux: Great minds often think alike...
(Page 11, panel 1. They go inside the place.)
Degree: Hopefully, everyone else will understand...
Bux: I’m sure they will.
(Panel 2. Go back to Marita, Jam, and Juana. We see them with Bakerman and Starshot in the storage area.)
Marita: Where are those two?
Jam: She should have been back by now.
(Panel 3. Bakerman turns to the computer.)
Bakerman: Computer, locate Degree.
Computer: Degree is at the restaurant known as Edam and Spice.
(Panel 4. Marita rolls her eyes.)
Marita: Tell him to get back here. We’ve got a gig tonight, remember?
(Panel 5. Bakerman pushes a button.)
Bakerman: Christian, we don’t have all day, you know.
Degree: (from the console) Christopher, be patient. Belinda and I have had a run-in with the Friends a little earlier. We’ll be there in plenty of time for the gig.
(Page 12, panel 1. Go back to Bux and Degree. We see them sitting at a table, with a large platter of nachos with the works in front of them.)
Bux: I guess that fight did take a little longer than we thought it would.
Degree: Hey, having you near me makes it worthwhile.
(Panel 2. Bux and Degree finish eating. Degree wipes his mouth with a napkin.)
Cap (N): And later still...
Degree: You look beyond fine, Belinda
Bux: Right...
(Panel 3. They go out of the place together.)
Cap (N1): After paying the check, and leaving a tip...
Bux: So where to now?
Degree: Back to our headquarters. We can’t keep the others waiting.
(Panel 4. Bux puts her arms around Degree and kisses him as they teleport out.)
Degree: Mnef!
(Panel 5. Degree and Bux teleport into the storage room, where the others are waiting.)
Marita: It’s about time you got here.
Jam: Looks like she’s got it bad, gang.
(Page 13, panel 1. Bux and Degree part.)
Degree: She’s got it, all right...
Bux (naughty smile): Christian...
(Panel 2. Jam steps in between them.)
Jam: Well, if you two are finished playing lovebirds, we’ve got to get ready for the gig tonight.
Degree: Not quite... but we’ll help you get ready for tonight.
(Panel 3. Bakerman pulls Degree aside.)
Bakerman: Chris, I know we’ve got a thing for redheaded women, and I know she’s got good energy, but are you sure about all this?
Degree: Definitely. I also know that if it was me who had won Sara, you’d be going after Belinda. Besides, we’ve visited each other astrally, and aligned things for a good relationship for awhile.
(Panel 4. End aside.)
Degree: Now ladies, how can we help you pack here?
(Page 14, panel 1. A shady nightclub in Houston. The place is cramped, run-down, and has battered tables and chairs in it. The band teleports in, with their gear.)
Marita: O.k., Amethyst is here.
Owner: (from off panel) Thank God!
(Panel 2. Enter the owner. as Bakerman, Starshot, and Degree teleport in.)
Owner: The bill’s been changed. You’re headlining now. Rat in a Cage broke up this morning. Their guitarist committed suicide.
(Panel 3. Degree looks worried.)
Degree: Whose guitarist committed suicide?
Owner: (Turns) Rat in a cage.
(Panel 4. Degree frets.)
Degree: Well, Paul wasn’t the most stable of people... Lecita’s not going to like it that one of her clients committed suicide.
Owner: This means that you’ve got to play for a full hour instead of the 45 minutes we planned.
Jam: No problem. We’ve been working on a few songs here...
(Page 15, panel 1. Later that evening. We see Degree, Bakerman, and Starshot sitting at a corner table, while the place has about 15 other people in it, besides the band.)
Cap (N): Later...
Degree: Christopher, do you see any FOHers here?
Bakerman: No... but keep your eyes peeled.
(Panel 2. The band has set up and is ready.)
Jam: (1) Greetings, we are Amethyst, and we are from someplace else...
Jam: (2) And we dedicate this song to anyone who’s used terrorism, bullied others, or hurt others all in the name of politics and ignorance.
Jam: (3) And especially to the new terror of the world, the Friends of Humanity.
(Panel 3. They play.)
Jam, Bux, and Juana: na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na
(Panel 4. Jam sings as the band plays.)
Jam: I was in a bar last night/ A mutual friend of ours said/ He’d seen you in a uniform/ Well, the leather coat looks manly/ The black boots butch/ But oh, what a b@$+@rd to get off. Promises/Promises/ They offer real solutions/ But hatred has never won for long. (Panel 5. The others join in.)
All band members: Some of you would sit in a house ablaze/ Some of you would sit in a house ablaze/
(Page 16, panel 1. The band continues to play.)
Jam: You were so open minded/ But by someone blinded/ And now your sign says closed. Promises, promises/ They offer real solutions/ But hatred has never won for long.
(Panel 2. Similar to panel 1.)
Jam: I think we’ve lost our perception/ I think we’ve lost sight of the goals we should be working for/ I think we’ve lost our reason/ We stumble blindly and our vision must be restored.
(Panel 3. Juana joins in singing.)
Jam and Juana: I wish that there was something I could do about it/ And I wish that there was someway I could try and fight it/ Scream and shout it/
(Panel 4. Jam encourages the audience to sing.)
:
Jam: Everyone sing!
All: Some of you would sit in the house ablaze/ Some of you would sit in the house ablaze/ Some of you would sit in a house ablaze!
(Panel 5. They continue to sing.)
All: Na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na/ Na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na/ Na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na/ Na-na-na/ na-na-na/ na-na-na-na/
(Page 17, panel 1. The band stops playing as they spot some people protesting in the background. These people are in suits for the men and very conservative dresses for the women. They holds signs reading “Rock and roll is the Devil’s music”, “Begone, Satanic followers!” and “Repent before it’s too late!”)
Degree: Oh God, not again.
(Panel 2. Their leader, a preacher in a polyester suit and tie, approaches the stage, waving a bible in his hand.)
Preacher: Listen to me sinners! You have fallen short of the grace of God! Your only hope for salvation is for you to get on your knees and beg forgiveness right now!
Bakerman: Plan 24?
Degree: Only if necessary.
(Panel 3. The preacher jumps onstage, and the band is not amused.)
Jam: (very coldly) Excuse me, we’re trying to have a concert here.
Preacher: Just look at you, Jezebel! Trying to tempt others into doing sin by your evil dress and manners! Ah will not be tempted to do your dirty work, and Ah am here to save the souls of these people before its too late!
Marita: Is this guy for real?
Bux: Looks like it.
(Panel 4. Jam stands her ground, giving the preacher the evil eye.)
Jam: I have seen more of God in one day than you will in a lifetime. Your ministry is best served by seeking new people elsewhere.
Preacher: You DARE blaspheme the name of God in mah presence!? Have you no shame!? Have you no sense of decency!?
Bux: (intervening) One could ask that of you.
(Panel 5. The preacher waves his Bible at them.)
Preacher: You are lost in the perils of sin, woman! The power of Jesus will protect me!!
Bouncer: But the power of Jesus won’t protect you from the cops.
(Panel 6. The bouncer advances on the Preacher. The bouncer is a large, bald man wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans. He has a pierced nose.)
Bouncer: I’m giving you 5 minutes to leave peacefully, Ravenna... you were ordered by the courts never to do this again. The police are already on their way.
Preacher: Ah do this because GOD HIMSELF commanded me to!!! No man is more powerful than GOD!!!
Bakerman: Plan 24.
(Page 18, panel 1. Bakerman approaches the Reverend Ravenna.)
Bakerman: (emotionally) Oh my... I’ve seen the error of my ways... I now realize that this lifestyle I lead is the cause of my problem...
Preacher: (Turns) And what problem is that?
(Panel 2. Bakerman gets on his knees as Degree approaches him.)
Juana: What is he doing?
Jam: Getting rid of him, I hope...
Bakerman: Please forgive me, Lord... I need help now. I need to be healed.
Preacher: (thinking he’s got one) You are repetitive in the eyes of GOD?
(Panel 3. Bakerman looks down.)
Bakerman: Yes... please, I need healing.
Degree: Do the laying of hands ceremony.
Preacher: What exactly is the problem?
(Panel 4. Bakerman looks up at the Preacher, who goes from a smile to a frown.)
Bakerman: Chronic impotency.
(Panel 5. Everyone but the Preacher and his followers laugh.)
Degree: Flawless, Chris. Absolutely flawless.
Bakerman: I had to be... after all, entertainment is the driving force on Mojoworld.
(Panel 6. The Preacher screams at the crowd.)
Preacher: This is not funny!! You are possessed by SATAN and he needs to be driven out!!!
Starshot: Actually, you’re the one about to be driven out... turn around.
(Panel 7. The preacher turns around to see the Houston police there.)
Policeman: Ravenna.... you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law...
(Page 19, panel 1. Back at Group X headquarters. We see Lotus with the band, and Starshot, Bakerman, and Degree.)
Marita: We don’t have a gig tomorrow night. So how’s the bus coming?
Lotus: (1)Simon said he’s having trouble finding replacement parts, but it should be ready by next Tuesday.
Lotus: (2) Well, since you’re going to be here tomorrow night, why don’t you join in the meditation session we hold?
Bux: We’d be delighted.
(Panel 2. Lotus smiles.)
Lotus: Great. See you then. But for now... sleep well.
(Panel 3. Exit Lotus.)
Jam: Wow... and you get to live under the same roof as she does...
Starshot: Aye... Lecita’s been a great help t’all of us.
(Panel 4. Degree smiles at Bux.)
Degree: Come with me, Belinda. I’ve got something very special that I want to show you.
Bux: Well, all right.. but it better not be anything nasty.
(Page 20, panel 1. Degree’s room. We see him there, with Bux.)
Bux: So what’s this thing you want to show me?
Degree: First, this...
(Panel 2. They kiss. Panel 3. They part as Degree pulls a book from a shelf.)
Degree:I used to work for a very spiritual man named Doctor Archer... and I’d like to share his thoughts with you.
Bux: Wow... that’s a very powerful book there....
(Panel 3. Bakerman sits down.)
Bakerman: Well, have a seat with me and I’ll read it to you.
(Panel 4. Bux sits in Degree’s lap, smiling mischievously.)
: Bux: Read away, Chris.
(Page 21, panel 1. Bux and Degree lie on the bed next to each other, as Degree reads. They are above the sheets and still clothed. Both of them have their arms around each other, and Bux has her head on Degree’s shoulder.)
Degree: (reads) “Each human being is a creative and meaningful composite of qualities, energies,
talents and purposes. *”
Bux: Stop... I can’t take anymore. I’ll overload.
(Panel 2. Degree closes the book, setting it aside.)
Degree: All right, Belinda... I needed time to absorb it all too when I first read it.
Bux: This feels so wonderful, Chris... I feel like we were meant to be together forever.
(Panel 3. Degree holds Bux close.)
Degree: So do I, Belinda... You feel absolutely wonderful... like we’re soulmates. I feel comfortable lying open in your arms, showing you just how divine a person I am.
Bux: We’re all divine, Chris... it’s just that some let it flow, some try to hide it, and some repress it.
(Panel 4. The two kiss.)
Cap (N): And then, sleep came.
(Page 22, panel 1. We see Bux and Degree flying in the sky, floating on a white fluffy cloud. There is a general sense of peace and tranquility there.)
Bux: Wow... never, ever have I felt this wonderful before.
Degree: Stick around, the best is yet to come...
(Panel 2. They stop as a brick wall is in their way.)
Bux: What in the world?
Degree: I’ve got a sneaking suspicion...
(Panel 3. Marita, Juana, and Jam appear next to Bux.)
Marita: Girlfriend, don’t let him sucker you in.
Jam: We’ll always be around here for you, Bux.
Bux: What are you talking about?
(Panel 4. Degree is pragmatic.)
Degree: It’s simple, Belinda. They think I’m out to take you away from them. Well, I’m not. You four are soul sisters, and that’s a bond that nothing can tear asunder. But we’re in love and it’s not a superficial love. Belinda and I have aligned ourselves for a long-term relationship. But please, don’t make her have to choose between me and you. It would break both of our hearts. I won’t come between the four of you. I would step aside if you forced the issue.
Bux: Chris... I know you mean well... and I guess I’d have to choose them over you...
(Panel 5. Martia, Jam and Juana smile.)
Jam: O.k., have your little fling, y’ guys.
Juana: We had to make sure that this wasn’t just some quick fling out of lust. I know what it’s like to loose my heart to the wrong man.
Bux: Guys, trust my judgement.
(Panel 6. They continue to talk.)
Marita: We trust you, Belinda... but we needed to know if you were going to leave us for him.
(Page 23, panel 1. Marita, Jam, and Juana vanish.)
Degree: Don’t worry about them, Belinda. Like real sisters, they’re just looking out for what’s best for you.
Bux: Yea, I know... so where does that leave us?
(Panel 2. Degree puts his arms around Bux.)
Degree: In the middle of this...
(Panel 3. They kiss. Panel 4. They part.)
Bux: Mmm... I can’t get enough of that.
Degree: Neither can I, Bux...
* Taken from “Oness: Our Heritage, Our Path, Our Destiny” By Bill Bauman. Copyright 1993 The Bill Bauman, PHD.