Q: How do I become an Avenger? 
A: After joining PRIMUS, all agents are screened for compatibility to Cyberline, the chemical which allows for the transformation into Avengers. PRIMUS draws from those agents who are compatible whenever openings are perceived in the ranks. 

Q: What did you do before you joined PRIMUS? 
A: I was a pilot aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Q: What do you do with the criminals that you catch? 
A: It depends on the situation. If PRIMUS is called in to assist local police forces with paranormals, then it is that police department's decision whether or not they would like the suspect to be taken to Stronghold or held locally. Usually they want them to be taken to Stronghold. 

Q: When can PRIMUS get involved in investigations? 
A: PRIMUS can investigate federal paranomal crimes without the express invitation of local law enforcement agencies. PRIMUS can also respond to emergency situations involving paranormals. However, PRIMUS only becomes involved in other aspects of paranormal crimes when specifically invited. PRIMUS does maintain paranormal database resources for local law enforcement to utilize. 

Q: Why are there so few Avengers -- wouldn't PRIMUS be more effective if all Cyberline-compatible agents were Avengers? 
A: PRIMUS would be more effective if there were more Avengers, certainly. However, since PRIMUS' budget is set by Congress, and since the Avenger program is very expensive, at this point more Avengers are unlikely. If you would like to see more Avengers, please write your congressmen and let them know how you feel. 

Q: What are the Avenger Games? 
A: Every three months, all of the Avengers meet at one of the PRIMUS bases and train together for a week. We are given a scenario which is designated by Colonel Glenn, and we work together to solve it. This is always a great experience for us, since we rarely have the opportunity to work together as a team. The next Avenger games will be held in Houston, in July. 

Q: Do you wear boxers or briefs? 
A: Uh, that's classified. 

Q: Do you have a girlfriend? 
A: See the above answer. 

Q: What was your favorite movie in 1995? 
A: "Braveheart." 

Q: Will there ever be more than one Golden Avenger? 
A: It's unlikely. When the Avenger program was initiated, way back in the 1970s, one Avenger was created, something like a prototype. When the program finally got off the ground, in the early 1980s, General Hawkins wanted to distinguish between the original Avenger, who had ten years of experience, and the rest of us, who were considerably less experienced at the time. When he was killed in 1994, I was chosen as his successor as an honor to him. 

Q: Will you continue to pursue the original Avenger's quest to capture Red Shield, and expand it to include any of the Avengers who turn traitor against PRIMUS and the USA? 
A: One of the most baffling issues for me is how good men as Kevin Armstrong, Lyndon Kaufman, and Darin Falswell could turn their backs on everything we've been sworn to defend. It's unfathomable to me as to what caused them to act in the ways that they did. As Colonel Glenn pointed out recently at a press conference, their previous records were exemplary. PRIMUS continues to seek all three men to bring them to justice. However, the actions of three men are not the basis, as some have suggested, for the abolition of the Avenger program. 

Q:What is your vision of the future for PRIMUS? 
A: What a pity precognition isn't an Avenger ability! More seriously, I see PRIMUS playing a more involved role in paranormal crimes in the future. Though we are the largest source of information available to local law enforcement agencies, we are very restricted in our ability to prosecute crimes involving paranormals. I also see PRIMUS playing an increasingly important role in international paranormal crimes. Since the establishment of the training facility in Geneva last year, thirty PRIMUS operatives participated in international counter-paranormal training. They had the opportunity to work with agents from all over the world. Such resources will continue to make PRIMUS America's first line of defense against the actions of dangerous paranormals. 

Q: What is your favorite band and song? 
A: Recently I've been listening to Blues Traveler and Hootie and the Blowfish, but my all-time favorite song is "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush. 

Q: What is your stance on independent supers who assist in the capture and arrest of felons? 
A: Independent supers are a double-edged sword. PRIMUS can't be everywhere at once, obviously, and in that regard, it's crucial that independent paranormals assist in the capture of their rogue counterparts. I have worked with independent groups in the past, both in San Francisco and here in the East. Yet independent paranormal involvement has raised several civil rights issues, and has led to the overturning of the convictions of known paranormal felons. 

There are few consistent laws dealing with paranormals who apprehend criminals, and no federal regulations govern this issue. Several heroes have been sued by the very criminals they've apprehended, who have claimed their civil rights were violated. While few prosecutors have been willing to charge heroes, District Attorneys in four cities in the last year (Seattle, Boston, Indianapolis and Augusta) charged heroes with violating villains' rights while the villains were apprehended. Only one conviction resulted, however, and the sentence was suspended. 

Q: What is your response to the insinuations that the origins of PRIMUS are directly linked to the American government's ill regard of allowing the United Nations paranormal police, U.N.T.I.L., free reign on U.S. soil, and how does that affect relations between the two organizations? The fact that even though U.N.T.I.L. does not have full authority in the U.S., one of their largest bases is in New York City must provoke some sort of tension between the two organizations. 
A: While I'm aware that there are people who would like to think there's a huge rivaly between our organizations (I watch CNN as well), the truth is that there isn't any rivalry. PRIMUS participates in the International Paranormal Crime Fighting Academy in Geneva, in which agents from all over the world participate, including U.N.T.I.L. Thirty PRIMUS agents have already graduated from the academy since the program's inception last year. In addition to this, under the direction of Colonel Glenn, PRIMUS has recently instituted an international program similar to the FBI's Legal Attaché program. Those PRIMUS agents who work with our diplomatic missions abroad have already found themselves in a position where they've worked with U.N.T.I.L., and in several cases, they have been consulted for advice. While it may be true that the former SAT engaged in strong, very public, rivalries with U.N.T.I.L., PRIMUS has always been aware of the importance of international leadership. 

Q: How many paranormals have you personally taken into custody? 
A: I must apologize for not responding to this in a timely manner, but it took a bit of research. From 1984-1994, while I was the Silver Avenger in San Francisco, I apprehended 335 paranormals suspected of federal crimes, of which 296 were eventually convicted. Also during that time, I responded to 1251 emergencies in which paranormals were suspected. I was asked to assist local Bay Area police departments 431 times during that ten year period regarding crimes in which paranormals might have been involved. Since becoming the Golden Avenger, my schedule has slowed somewhat, given my new duties. In the past fifteen months I've arrested 24 paranormals, most of which were in the Washington D.C. area. 

Q:If you could play any position on a baseball team, which position would it be, and why? 
A: I'd be the shortstop. Shortstops need to be fast and strong, and good shortstops, like Cal Ripken, Jr., know how to predict where the batter is going to put the ball before the batter himself does. Not too different from my current job requirements. 

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot? 
A: For the past two summers, I've gone hiking in the McNeil Bear Reserve in Alaska. 

Q:Should PRIMUS be required to meet certain EOC (Equal Opportunity Commission) requirements like all American companies? Currently government agencies are exempt from EOC requirements. 
A: PRIMUS' hiring polices are mandated by Congress, and are tougher than current EOC requirements. In the beginning of PRIMUS' history, when the agency was still largely military, there was a great deal of controversy surrounding women as Silver Avengers. However, Sherrie, Mel, Barbara and Maria have done a terrific job, proving that women are every bit as capable as men in performing their duties as PRIMUS operatives. 

Q:If PRIMUS played U.N.T.I.L. in a football game who'd win? 
A: If we played football, we'd win, hands down. If we played soccer, they might have a chance. Depends on if I were allowed on the team or not! 

Q: Why do none of the Avengers have mutant, mental or mystical powers? Can superpowered people apply for PRIMUS? 
A: Dr. Merrill, of the PRIMUS Research Division, informs me that the Cyberline process naturally excludes individuals with paranormal abilities. There are very few individuals who have the ability to accept the process in the first place -- PRIMUS has estimated that compatibility to Cyberline is around 5% in the population at large. In response to the second part of your question, PRIMUS has recently announced the creation of a team of paranormals, called the Sentinels. These individuals were required to meet the same academic and professional standards as all Avenger applicants are, and serve in a similar capacity, though they are not assigned to a particular PRIMUS base. They also have the same legal privileges and responsibilities as Avengers do. 

Q: When you stub your toe, does it still hurt? 
A: You wouldn't believe how often people ask me this! It depends on what I hit. Steel girders: yes, absolutely. The wall in my apartment: no, and I've had to patch several holes in the plaster. 

Q: Which is the most useful Boy Scout knot, and why? 
A: Different knots do different things, but the bowline knot is a knot you can depend on: it never slips. 

Q:What did you major in in college? 
A: I majored in mathematics at the Naval Academy. 

Q: Do Avengers hang out together when they're not working? 
A: We do when we can. We get together for really big occasions, like when Silver Avenger Stephen Hawkins was married in March. During the Avenger Games we get a chance to socialize for a weekend after we've worked through the scenario. And I'm STILL trying to beat Alex Richardson in a chess match. 

Q: Since you are one of the most recognized superpowered law enforcers in the country, why is your identity public? Don't you feel, as most 'superheroes' do, that anonymity is necessary to protect your family from the powerful criminal elements you clash with? 
A: I am a public servant before I am a private individual, and more importantly, I am a public servant before I am a paranormal. America's policemen do not have the security blanket of a secret identity; their credulity depends on their accountability. Nor do America's most prominent lawmakers and enforcers have the luxury of hiding their faces from the light of public responsibility. The Director of the FBI, the President, Attorney General Reno, Colonel Glenn -- their positions are more influential than my own, and they do not have the insurance of invulnerability. Yet they continue to do an excellent job, making tough decisions and bringing dangerous criminals to justice. 

I do understand why paranormals feel the necessity of adopting a costumed identity. However, I do not believe that it is a responsible action for servants of the United States Government. 

Q: Do you have a problem with Cyberline? I have to take medicine because of my health and sometimes it makes me sick to my stomach but it makes me better. My mother says that I should not take any medicine unless I am very sick. Are you sick? 
A:While I have never experienced problems with Cyberline, very few individuals are compatible with the Cyberline process. In order to become an Avenger, applicants are carefully screened, so that no one will get sick from the process. If someone who did not have the same tolerance for Cyberline took it, they could get very, very sick, and could possibly die. 

Q: How far can you skip a rock? 
 

Q:Did you have to go through any special treatment to become the Golden Avenger, or did you just get the name? 
A: I did go through an additional period of treatment; however, this was not as critical as the additional training I received after I was promoted. 

Q: Mr. Avenger, with the recent disbandment of SAT, did PRIMUS 'make out like a bandit' by getting their equipment, vehicles, etc.? Does their disbandment make PRIMUS a little edgy about your own charter? 
A: Actually, SAT's equipment, which was extremely advanced for its day, isn't really up to PRIMUS' standards anymore. In fact, recently we've received several reworkings of our older equipment, making it more efficient, powerful, and versatile than ever. 

No, I'm not concerned about our charter. We are the best -- and often the only -- defense against paranormal threats. However, while our continued existence is critical for the safety of the country, PRIMUS, like all governmental agencies, is subject to the will of the people. 

Q:How has discovering the existence of magic, demons, aliens, and other paranormals impacted your belief system, i.e. religion? 
A: My personal beliefs have always incorporated a universe of diverse beings and happenings,and my belief in a Supreme Being has never wavered in this regard. There is always a time, however, when thinking men question the existence of evil, or why bad things happen to good people. I have wrestled with this issue, as we all have, though the most satisfactory answer I can come up with as to the existence of evil is that man has free will to commit acts as he will. 

Q:If an independently operating paranormal or a superhero wanted to contact you either to ask for assistance or offer her own, what is the best way to contact you? I assume the local PRIMUS operator wouldn't just connect someone to your office. 
A: PRIMUS Intelligence has methods of verifying the identities of known paranormals who call requesting assistance, such as code words and voice identification. Of course, I am very often not in my office. In cases of paranormal emergencies, local law enforcement officials contact PRIMUS emergency operators, who scramble teams to the scene, or, if I or the Silver Avengers are needed, then we are called as well. In non-emergency situations, I can be contacted via e-mail or by written correspondence. 

Q:What is your stance regarding reports concerning your predecessor that a time-travelling individual encountered an alternate Earth in which the Golden Avenger served as Dictator-for-Life of the United States? Additionally, what is your position on Mr. Kaufman's recorded comments upon hearing this, that he would be willing to serve in whatever capacity his country needed him in? 
A: Golden Avenger Kaufman was an exceptional man, whose life was devoted to public service, from his tours in Korea to laying down his life to protect the Capitol from terrorists in 1994. While the media portrayed his remark to mean that he would have willingly taken control of the government, his subsequent comments on National Public Radio's Fresh Air clarified his position. It is ludicrous to speculate about such things, anyway, for a dimension in which the Golden Avenger -- a servant of the Justice Department! -- could seize control of the government would be grossly different from our own. It is also important to note that there was never any proof of such a dimension presented, only one individual's ramblings. The Constitution provides more than adequate protection from such abuses; we are not living in Augustinian Rome. 

Q: There's a quote, "The most powerful teacher is experience." What was the biggest mistake or problem you have encounted while on duty? What was the lesson that you learned from this experience? 
A: I think that there are always regrets in law enforcement, always concerns that an investigation could have been handled differently. Yet I regret nothing so much as my blindness to the treachery of the three former Silver Avengers who subsequently betrayed their country and sold out PRIMUS. I feel that I should have seen it, should have somehow been able to prevent their later actions. I have condemned myself for having given my friendship and trust blindly. 

It is tempting to cut oneself off, and to lose faith in the system which has been accused of "producing these monsters," as I believe one journalist in The Atlantic Monthly wrote. Or to regard everyone with suspicion, as a potential security risk in the future. I have had to force myself to move past the betrayal. While national security can never be compromised, it is equally as important to maintain the trust which makes PRIMUS' success a reality. However, that being said, I have also learned to not trust in anyone--or anything -- so blindly. 

Q: If, for whatever reason, this law enforcement thing doesn't work out -- say, PRIMUS is disbanded after all -- what do you think you'd want to do with your life? Say, get your own talk show on daytime TV? 
A: PRIMUS will continue to serve the public for a long time to come, God, Congress,and the American people willing. But if I ever had to decide on another career, I would return to active duty status in the U.S. Navy. So daytime talk show hosts have nothing to fear from me. 

Q:How does a new paranormal team go about getting government certification or sanctioning? Is there a probationary period? Can Silver Avengers serve on such a team if it does not interfere with their PRIMUS duties? 
A: Independent paranormals teams are not issued government sanction; while they may have a friendly relationship with local law enforcement, they are not afforded any special legal powers. PRIMUS does have a special team, the Sentinels, which has been created to deal with paranormal threats which Avengers can't respond to, due to the fact that we're spread all over the country. The Sentinels are volunteers who have sworn oaths to the government, and who have the same federal powers that other PRIMUS personnel do. Silver Avengers are sworn to not participate in any acts of vigilantism, and thus do not join paranormal teams. 

Q: Who do you regard as the greatest hero - normal or paranormal - the world has ever seen? And who has been your personal rolemodel? 
A: It's impossible for me to point out one hero which is the world's "greatest."  Most heroes -- who make a difference locally, affecting everyone they encounter positively -- are never recorded by history. I believe the greatest people to be those who are loyal to their beliefs above all else, yet who support their country in times of need. Charles Lindbergh, for example, vehemently opposed the United States' entry into World War II, yet following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he lobbied to be sent overseas as well. Despite President Roosevelt's opposition, he flew civilian transport missions and even managed combat -- he shot down a Japanese Zero. Likewise, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German minister during Hitler's regime and a lifelong pacifist, realized the danger of Hitler was far greater than the cost of violence would be to his own salvation, and he became one of the conspirators in the attempt to assassinate Hitler. He bravely faced death with five other conspirators at Flossenbuerg in April, 1945. These men are responsible heroes, for their actions aren't casual. They didn't decide to behave "heroically" overnight; their entire lives had been leading up to their actions. 

Abraham Lincoln is one man whose life has influenced my own decisions. My personal heroes also include Fleet Admiral Nimitz, for his actions taken during the Battle of Midway and for a distinguished Naval career, and my father, Admiral Alexander Johnson. 

Q: Can you shed any light on the rumors concerning PRIMUS' alleged secret space program that has all the conspiracy freaks hopping? 
A:  No, not me -- I can never keep conspiracy theories straight. While critics of PRIMUS consider our budget excessive, our chief accounting director, Greg Pendleton, assures me we don't have enough extra cash in our budget to send Sparky the Wonderdog into orbit, let alone run a clandestine space program. 

Q:How young are the youngest PRIMUS agents and is there a mandatory retirement age? If not who is the oldest or youngest agent? Do they recruit or is there an apprenticeship? Are there retirement benefits or severence pay? Thanks. 
A: All PRIMUS agents are required to have a college degree, and there is a minimum age requirement of twenty-one. The youngest agent currently is twenty-one and three months -- that would be Theresa Robertson, an assault agent who recently graduated from West Point and successfully completed the PRIMUS Academy. The oldest agent is Ed Franklin in Seattle, at 51. There is no mandatory retirement age, as this would violate federal regulations. 

PRIMUS accepts applicants into the Academy, as well as recruiting candidates which we find particularly promising. There are retirement benefits based on years of service. Other benefits include paid time off for reservists to fulfill their obligation to their service, four weeks paid vacation every year, twenty days allowed per year for sick time, and fifteen personal days every year. Severance pay is done on a case-by-case basis. And you're welcome. 

Q:Who would you say was the toughest paranormal collar you've ever had and why? 
A: Whew! This is a tough question. One event which always sticks out in my mind was when I faced Mechanon in Union Square in 1985. The PRIMUS base at the Presidio had just opened, and I'd become an Avenger only a couple of months before. This was the first anyone had ever seen of Mechanon. He was randomly firing into the crowd when I arrived with two Iron Guard units. The crowd had turned on the Assault teams (who had responded first) AND Mechanon -- as it turned out, Mechanon had interrupted an anti-PRIMUS rally, and they had thought he was some sort of Iron Guardsman. It was a mess -- it was impossible to get close to Mechanon, and when I finally did manage to push through the crowd towards him, they swarmed me and made it very difficult to fight. We managed to subdue Mechanon and the San Francisco police managed to get the riot under control with tear gas. Amazingly, no one was killed, though there were serious injuries. 

Q:PRIMUS has jurisdiction in federal paranormal crimes. How exactly is paranormal defined for PRIMUS? What is your position on a Paranormal Registration Act? 
A: Officially, a paranormal is defined by PRIMUS as "any being who exhibits abilities which are beyond the limits of normal human potential." For example, flying is not considered normal, nor is bench pressing an aircraft carrier or shooting fire out of one's eyes. PRIMUS also has a provision in its charter which allows for local law enforcement to call us for assistance in other cases -- for example, I often found myself working with San Francisco police on an advisement basis on crimes which potentially involved paranormal activity -- such as satanic cults and the like. 

Following the death of Senator Relm and the defeat of the Paranormal Registration Bill on the floor of Congress last year, it has not been picked up again. While I understand the sentiment of the legislation, I feel that there is an inherent difficulty in its implementation. Honest citizens would register and dishonest ones -- those the legislation is designed to protect the public from -- would not. I am concerned that it would be a waste of government spending and would produce few results. PRIMUS already maintains detailed profiles of paranormals who break the law. 

Q:If you could have chosen what powers you would have gotten from Cyberline, what would they have been? 
A: Other than what I did? Sometimes I really wish I could fly. Or that I could know instantly what was wrong with my computer when it stops working properly. That certainly would be nice! More seriously, I think that the Cyberline treatments do exactly what they need to do -- amply condition men and women to protect Americans from paranormal threats. 

Q:Do you have a favorite charity (or charities) that you support? 
A:I have several, actually. I devote a large part of my free time to the Boy Scouts, since scouting was so important to me when I was growing up. My brother-in-law and I share Scout Master duties for my nephews' troop. If you'd like to find out more about the Boy Scouts, and how you can get involved, you can visit their web site at: http://www.bsa.scouting.org/. I am involved in other charities, including the American Cancer Society and the Mary Hudson Foundation. I also like to donate my time and money to public broadcasting. 

Q: What type of car do you drive? 
A: I own a '96 Mustang GT Coupe and a '89 Jeep Cherokee. However, I typically spend my day driving in unmarked PRIMUS vehicles (which are Dodge Avengers, actually. And yes, I do have a gold one.) 

Q: How do you feel about Cyberline making you sterile?  Is it worth it? 
A: There have been breakthroughs in Avenger sterility -- Hudson Industries Research Division has just made public the information that Silver Avenger Stephen Hawkins and his wife Christine are expecting their first child in May, thanks to the work of researchers there. But even if I am never able to have children, of course it has been worth it. 

Q: What would you do if you lost your powers for some reason? 
A: I would continue to live my life as a public servant. It's difficult for people without paranormal abilities to understand at times, but having paranormal abilities is only one small part of what I do in a day. For every time I have to go toe-to-toe with Mechanon in Union Square or battle giant demonic worms, there are a hundred investigations I participate in, either directly or in an advisory capacity. The most important people in PRIMUS, such as Colonel Glenn and Colonel Vasquez, have no paranormal abilities. 

Q: What is more important to you, the spirit or the letter of the law? 
A: They're equally important, and inextricably intertwined. Without the spirit of the law -- the higher ideals which make living in modern American society possible -- the letter of the law would never have come into existence. Laws are created and enacted by the duly elected representatives of the people, and are, as such, their own will. I serve the people, and thus obey the letter of the law, trusting that it represents the spirit as well. 

Q:What is PRIMUS's current relationship with the ex-SAT commander Barrington and his World Security Services? 
A: It is truly unfortunate that Colonel Barrington has fostered such strong antithapy towards PRIMUS, especially after everything which the first Golden Avenger, Robert Kaufman, did to support SAT. His attempts to keep PRIMUS agents from conducting legitimate business in buildings employing WSS were petty at best -- and grossly inappropriate. Since WSS carry automatic weapons, federal agents -- including PRIMUS -- have the right to inspect their permits at any time, day or night, and Barrington's policy certainly hasn't been allowed to interfere with us doing our jobs. WSS has been sued for a plethora of charges ranging from assault and battery, false arrest and imprisonment and kidnapping to obstructing and resisting. The latest case resulted in a $2.35 million settlement for the widow of a man who was mistakenly shot to death by WSS (and former SAT) agent Thomas Richter, who fired on the accountant using his pulse laser rifle. Perhaps the most appalling is that Barrington's pet law which granted corporate security their limited police powers has been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and already thirty-seven individuals arrested by WSS have had their convictions overturned. 

Q: How do you feel about the proliferation of private security forces such as Protectors Inc. in the past decade? Do armed organizations such as this make PRIMUS' job easier, or do they present more problems than solutions? 
A: This is, as I've frequently said, a difficult issue. I believe that in a perfect world, PRIMUS would have a sufficient enough budget to make private security forces unnecessary. In the sense that lives have been saved by the existence of private forces to counteract paranormal acts of violence and terrorism, yes, it is a good thing that these groups exist.  However, in a legal sense, they can be a nightmare. Law enforcement officials are rigorously trained in neutralizing threats with a minimum of losses and in legal procedures. Too often I've seen the vilest, most dangerous of villains walk free because their lawyers have been able to have the case against them thrown out of court because a vigilante group didn't strictly observe local and federal laws while they apprehended the perp. This, to me, is the greatest danger. As far as my personal "approval" goes, when vigilante paranormal groups maintain the same standards of conduct and hold the law in as high of esteem as law enforcement officials do, I believe they have the right to proceed, provided they do not cross the line. However, if they do not, they are as much -- if not more -- of a danger to society as villains like Dr. Destroyer or Mechanon. 

Q:What are your views on the fact that some of the notes used to first create the Avenger Program came from the scientific studies done by the Nazis? Also has PRIMUS done other experiments on the Avengers and others that have not been reported to the general populace? 
A: Since the Nuremburg Trials, no civilized nation has utilized data gathered from Nazi human experimentation to further its own genetics research. In answer to your second question, no. 

Q: What does D.J. stand for? 
A: It's Daniel James.  My sister, who was a year older than my brother and myself, couldn't say "Daniel," so it became D.J. and stuck. 

Q: There have been reports and rumors circulating that, near the end of his life, Golden Avenger Kaufman was becoming sympathetic to the 'anti-mutant' ideals espoused by certain fringe survivalist groups.  Of course, these reports don't accuse him of being 'soft' on their crimes or truly sympathetic to such organizations themselves.  Supposedly, though, he became increasingly anti-paranormal, despite his being a paranormal himself thanks to Cyberline, during the last two or three years of his service.  You were in a position to know the man, however cursorily; is there any truth to these rumors?  Or are they just exaggerations of the truth based on his staunch support of the Paranormal Registration Bill? 
A: Since his death, rumors have abounded about Golden Avenger Kaufman.  I suppose that the nature of his death -- he died while defending the Capitol from the terrorist group Eurostar -- are partly to blame for this.  While some have used his support of the Paranormal Registration Bill as further justification, I don't believe that he was anti-paranormal -- just anti-paranormal crime. It's easy to miss the distinction -- after all, PRIMUS statistics show that approximately 75% of those who manifest paranormal abilities will turn to criminal activities at some point in their lives. 

Q:Should testimony from telepaths be admissible in court? 
A:  This is a tricky subject, and one that the courts will ultimately have to decide for themselves.  However, if the prosecution and defense each had their own telepath, in conjunction with a neutral court telepath, examine the telepath relating the testimony, then it might be admissible.  But it's shaky ground, when you start considering the accused's rights. I'm just not sure our legal system is ready for it yet. 

Q:What are your feelings on foreign paranormals, especially Canadian? PRIMUS has an international reputation for not working well with non-Americans, whether deserved or otherwise. Do you see foreign paranormal visitors as security threats regardless of their records? 
A: My stance towards foreign paranormals is identical to my stance regarding American paranormals -- as long as they obey the sovereign laws of the United States while on our soil, they are welcome here.  If they don't, well, then that's another story.  And it's the former Special American Tactics (SAT) that had difficulties with the UN, not PRIMUS -- we've been very active in international training events. 

Q:Given the expense of the Cyberline program, would it not be more effective to make trained law enforcement officers out of paranormals, rather than paranormals out of trained law enforcement officers? 
A: I understand the point you're trying to make, but the paranormal situation is more complex than your question indicates. Let me explain: paranormals represent only a very small percentage of the population at large, yet by and large, those people who do find themselves with paranormal abilities turn to illegal activities (ranging from participation with VIPER to solo "supervillain" terrorist activities) -- the statistical construct is 75%, an amazing percentage. Because of the extraordinary potential for endangerment, extraordinary measures were called for -- hence the creation of the Avengers program. 

It should also be noted that PRIMUS has begun incorporating some paranormals into its arsenal against paranormal terrorism, with the creation of the Sentinels team. There simply aren't enough paranormals to go around, and most lack the educational background required for employment at PRIMUS. 

Q:I've been reexamining the events in San Francisco, where the nascent Golden Gate Guardians fought VIPER in a battle that cost several civilian lives, and one thing that has stood out to me is that much of the property damage and loss of life might have been avoided if the Guardians had received some kind of instruction in how to deal with emergency situations. Several cities -- New York and Portland (Oregon) among them -- already have citizen patrol training for volunteers that don't have super-powers; perhaps the same type of thing could be made available for those who have paranormal powers and want learn how to use them responsibly. Do you think such a plan could be implemented? What do Silver Avengers Chow, Freeman, and Hawkins (who have to deal with superheroes regularly) think? 
A: The major difference between civilian patrol groups and paranormals is that civilians watch what's going on in their neighborhoods, and call law enforcement when they witness illegal acts. Paranormals, on the other hand, are rarely content with watching and calling PRIMUS or the police.  Often by use of their powers, they violate others' rights. Yet if they don't act, the outcome could be worse. So it's a tricky issue. 

Silver Avenger Hawkins is currently on leave, spending time with his wife and baby son, but Avengers Chow and Freeman respond below. You might note as well that all sixteen Silver Avengers deal with paranormals regularly. 

Silver Avenger Ernie Freeman: "The safest way to enforce the law is with full-time professionals, who are trained to deal with difficult situations and disciplined enough to protect rather than endanger the innocent. The ideal solution to the paranormal problem is one in which PRIMUS relies only on individuals who have satisfied its training guidelines to the fullest. 

"That being said, we have to live in the real world. The threat posed by paranormal criminals is one which we has only recently arisen, and which we have not yet learned to deal with. Until PRIMUS has the technology and experience to deal with this threat reliably, vigilantes are a necessary evil. 'Superheroes' should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and PRIMUS should keep lines of communication open with them. Organization and training might be a useful part of this, but we must be careful to encourage only those who are fully committed to keeping order and upholding the law." 

Silver Avenger Maria Chow: "'Hero' paranormals are a necessary, yet tricky, part of dealing with the larger paranormal threat. While I understand your concern, this isn't Dodge, and PRIMUS can't effectively deputize every person who exhibits a paranormal ability.  Perhaps a better idea would be for paranormals to educate themselves about how they can act in legal ways against other paranormal threats, without violating anyone's civil rights in the process. This varies from state to state; contact your local law enforcement if you have any questions about what can and cannot be done." 

Q:What are your feelings toward ETs with and without powers? Also what are your favorite TV shows when you do get a chance to watch TV? What are the requirements for PRIMUS support personnel; are they the same, or are they based on the job? Because I don't see the janitor needing a BA or a BS. 
A: I don't have feelings one way or the other about aliens, unless, like Firewing, they have tendencies towards wrecking havoc. My favorite television shows are Babylon 5 and Law and Order.  I've been watching Babylon 5 since the first season, and actually appeared in an episode last season as a Narn. 

As for the requirements of support personnel, no, they aren't the same as for agents, and are job dependent. 

Q: The Avengers metabolisms have been greatly altered and enhanced by the Cyberline program. This in itself is an amazing breakthrough in the science of human physiology in general and an even greater breakthrough in the practical application of manipulating human physiology. While there seem to be no major long term negative side effects of any consequence to the Avengers, are there any special needs that the Avengers have? I'm speaking here mainly of medical needs. The image that comes to my mind most strongly is of a needle breaking off on the toughened skin of an Avenger while the physician is attempting to deliver a Cyberline boost. Also, it seems to me that, given the amount of strength and speed that the Avengers exhibit, that their energy requirements are enormous! What kind of calorie intake is required to maintain that level of energy? 
A: PRIMUS medical personnel have specialized equipment to deal with Avengers and Cyberline-treated agents that allow them to counteract many of our adaptations. For example, there are syringes and IV needles which use lasers to punch through the skin. We do have a very high daily caloric intake, though most of that is due to our high level of physical activity, not because of Cyberline. Most Avengers eat around 5000-6000 calories daily. PRIMUS cafeterias usually serve foods with very high nutritional values, so we're not running out for Big Macs every hour! 

Q: What are PRIMUS' capabilities and resources when it comes to helping paranormals find ways to deal with their abilities and problems? I know that the charter of PRIMUS deals primarily with paranormals on the level of law enforcement, but PRIMUS also has a lot of medical and technical expertise as well, and there don't seem to be any organizations that can help paranormals in the United States that are as well placed on a national level as PRIMUS. If a paranormal is badly injured and requires specialized medical attention (due to altered physiology, being an alien, or whatever) can PRIMUS lend assistance, or do you have a database that will enable you to find experts in the required fields who can? 
A: PRIMUS is a law enforcement agency.  While we do maintain some informal databases of clinics, hospitals, and physicians that have treated paranormals in the past, we don't operate facilities for injured paranormals -- PRIMUS physicians and other medical personnel are trained only to deal with the special needs of those who have undergone treatment with Cyberline. 

Q: How did becoming an Avenger change your life? 
A: Well, it meant learning how to do everything over again, from tying my shoes to playing basketball. When your strength suddenly increases to that degree, it's amazing how different you have to move. Very little of the initial Avenger treatments involved the Cyberline treatment, which is relatively quick, but in fact we spent six months relearning everything. It was like being a bull in a china shop! It took about a year before I was willing to play football again with my brother-in-law. 

Q:Do you feel that perhaps, the Silver Avengers and yourself are now underpowered when compared to the villains and even heroes that you might have to subdue? 
A: No, certainly not. Most paranormals -- 80% according to current PRIMUS statistics -- are power classification Omega 3-5. PRIMUS Avengers are rated from Omega 7-9. The Omega scale takes many things into account: not only sheer power, but also tactical ability, and combative skills. For more information regarding relative power, you may want to check out MATRIX. 

Q: How do you feel about people who want to be superheroes and who do experiments on themselves to make themselves that way? 
A: Well, I'm of mixed feelings. I applaud anyone who would be willing to dedicate themselves to public service, but I think there are more appropriate avenues for pursuing it. While I do not regret my actions in becoming an Avenger in 1984, my life completely changed with my strength and agility. Slamming a car door with the same effort I used to suddenly meant that I had to buy a new Jeep, and I can't tell you how much personal property I damaged before I learned control. I think that just because I know how painful and difficult it is to adjust to being a paranormal, I would automatically be suspicious of anyone who wanted that kind of power, especially if they were unaware of the responsibility involved. 

Q: Have you ever received an order you disagreed with and how did you handle it? 
A: That is a very difficult, but important question. Yes, there have been times when I have disagreed with orders, for whatever reason.  There is a delicate balance within any organization, between following one's conscience and doing what is right, and in trusting your superiors to do what they know is right and issue orders accordingly. What you decide to do has ramifications -- not just for your career -- but also for your conscience. 

In my case, about a year after I became the Silver Avenger in San Francisco, in 1985, I was asked by the then-director of Avengers to investigate crimes involving VIPER. There had been a series of assaults against women, and a petty thief who called himself Mongoose was suspected because of eyewitness reports. I was ordered to bring Mongoose and his accomplices in by the Director of Avengers (a position that no longer exists in PRIMUS since the reorganization), who was less concerned with the legality of my actions than with the public outrage over the crimes. There was a lot of pressure for PRIMUS to justify itself in those days, and the San Francisco base had been met with a lot of popular resistance by both the media and paranormal rights groups. I knew that this wasn't a federal crime, and I also knew that SFPD hadn't asked for PRIMUS assistance. 

What I didn't know when I began the investigation was that Mongoose and several of his followers had discovered that VIPER was behind the crimes, and were working to stop them. Catching Mongoose wasn't much of a problem, but after I'd brought him in, several more women were assaulted. While I know that I couldn't have known better -- and that Mongoose himself had an obligation to report his information to authorities -- I have never again in my PRIMUS career followed an order which I felt to be questionable. I have never held that "just following orders" justified any wrongful action, ever. Incidentally, the men responsible for the assaults were captured, released on bail (VIPER lawyers -- but that's another story), and were found floating in the Bay, and killed, apparently for drawing undue attention to the Nest. 

Q: What are your opinions on further Super-Soldier research and other U.S. Government superteams? 
A: I think that continued research into the realm of super-soldier formulas are unnecessary. The Avenger program has perfected augmentation of human ability in those with Cyberline tolerance. There is only one U.S. superteam, the Sentinels, and I have worked well with them in the past, and think highly of their abilities. To my knowledge, there are no plans to supplement their ranks. NASA does employ several paranormals, including Ad Astra, who have the ability to work in the absence of oxygen. 

Q:Since you've maintained your reserve status in the Navy, have you had any opportunity to fly fighters again? Which current model is your favorite? Also, it's an interesting fact that today's fighter tactics are less limited by what the plane is capable of doing than they are by what stresses the pilot can withstand. For example, if memory serves me correctly, I believe both the F-18 Hornet and the F-16 Falcon have wing-loading capable of withstanding a 14-15G turn, while a normal pilot begins to get tunnel vision at 8-9G and blacks out totally at 11-12G. Are you capable of pulling off aerobatic maneuvers that other pilots cannot? I don't know if you would have even wanted to try that or not, seeing as how that might take the plane up to its safety limits. The brass might not approve of that,after all. <Grin> 
A: To answer your first two questions, yes, I do regularly fly an F-14, which continues to be my favorite. Although my brother Alex has told me that he likes his F/A-18 better, I haven't taken one up myself, so I can't compare the experience. In response to your other question, regarding my ability to withstand stronger G forces: while I score marginally better than I did before I went through the Cyberline process, it isn't statistically significant enough to draw the conclusion that the improvement in G tolerance was based on Cyberline, or if the results were just due to an increase in overall health. That being said, there are several paranormals whose sole abilities are heightened resistance to G-forces, and to my knowledge, four of them are employed as test pilots by major defense/aerospace contractors. 

Q:How does the Omega classification system work? Specifically what criteria and standards are used? Can you make an estimation on power level in the field with a fair amount of accuracy? 
A: The Omega classification system was developed by PRIMUS Intelligence in order to quickly classify paranormal threats to make it easier to determine the degree of response needed. While the details are classified by necessity, as are specific examples, it takes overall power level, tactical ability, potential allies, and firepower that can be brought to bear into account. 

Q: Several of your answers regarding the Cyberline process have clarified something to me. Much like a fighter pilot, no matter how much the hardware costs, the main investment is in the training of the individual, yes? 
A: Yes, exactly. 

Q:What's the weirdest situation you've witnessed in your PRIMUS career? Not necessarily the most dangerous or toughest -- it could even be weirdly funny. You know, where you say to yourself "just when I think I've seen it all...." 
A:  Hm...that is even tougher than coming up with the most difficult collar.  Well, I think one of the funniest situations I think I've ever seen was back in 1994, the last year I served as Silver Avenger in San Francisco.   Foxbat had decided that Maria Chow -- she's now the Silver Avenger in SF, but then she was an Agent Commander who'd been in charge of capturing Foxbat the last time he'd been in town -- Foxbat had decided that they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together. He started sending flowers, candy, poets, and musicians to the SF base at all hours of the day and night in an attempt to woo her. He found out where her apartment was, and they started showing up there, too. He managed to cover his tracks well enough -- using different florists every time, paying cash -- and it took us three weeks to finally track him down.  It was actually a jurisdictional nightmare, because while Foxbat was bankrolling the entire situation, no federal laws were broken and San Francisco police refused to get involved. We finally had to post PRIMUS Intelligence agents to various florists in the city and wait until he showed up, and we nailed him on a parole violation. 

By the way, he still sends Maria a birthday card every year.  I think the Iron Guardsmen eat all the candy, though. 

Q: So, I'm afraid I don't quite understand PRIMUS' position on superhero types. Your agency was set up specifically to fight paranormal threats to the US, but you don't want any help from the good guys?  Could you explain this? 
A: This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood aspects of PRIMUS' mission.  It's not that we don't want the help. All Silver Avengers have, at some point, worked with other paranormals in order to bring in paranormal villains. The problem is that the largest part of our job is tracking down the types of paranormal crime most paranormals never even see or want to get involved in -- Aqua, the super swimmer who ran drugs into Miami for a Colombian cartel, or the monster (which is the only term I can think to use) who called himself Spike, who abducted children in order to abuse them and then would morph his hand into a spike in order to kill them.  Bringing in these guys didn't amount to a Wagner-esque battle in Times Square, but months and months of detective work -- searching through financial records, ATM footage, garbage. 

When we deal with paranormals in PRIMUS, this is who we're dealing with most of the time.  I'm not anti-paranormal, I'm anti-crime. Our statistics indicate that the vast number of paranormals with what the public calls "super" powers will use those powers for illegal activities 75% of the time and will act or remain inactive only 25% of the time after discovering their powers. While I do appreciate the desire of paranormals to help society, given that most of them are untrained and unaware of the legal implications of their actions, I would strongly urge them to seek employment in the justice system or law enforcement if they truly want to make a difference. The real superheroes in society are the grossly underpaid yet dedicated women and men in local law enforcement. 

Q: Are you in charge of all the Silver Avengers, or is "Golden" Avenger just an honorific? 
A: The title Golden Avenger originated when PRIMUS finally got Congress to fund the Avenger program.  There'd already been one prototype Avenger, Robert Kaufman, and this seemed the easiest way to differentiate. Before the reorganization, PRIMUS had a job called "Director of Avengers," and the person in that job oversaw all Avenger operations and would give special assignments. When PRIMUS was being evaluated before the reorganization, it was thought that the Golden Avenger should take on that role (this was long before I got the job). 

I'm often asked just exactly what my job entails -- usually in the form of "What is it that you do to justify those millions of taxpayer dollars besides the fancy tights, anyway?" -- so here goes. I'm based out of Washington, D.C., and keep an apartment here. I oversee investigations here in the Beltway, but I also spend a large amount of time assisting other Avengers in their investigations, helping out with local investigations across the country and sometimes internationally, if PRIMUS has been called in for advice. I spend more time than I'd like testifying in court against paranormals I've helped capture or in front of Congress, defending the program at budget time or whenever some Congressperson has it in their heads that we could all live on bread and water and save the taxpayers enough to buy a new stealth bomber. Reviewing Avenger performance reports (which are filed by Base Commanders in the cities the Avengers are based in), along with several experienced PRIMUS agents who have been assigned to this committee, is a small but important part of my job, as well.  I do oversee the selection process of new Avengers, when a position becomes vacant, but that's a very rare occurrence. 

Since you've asked, and I'm thinking about it, there's a major misconception in the media about the way PRIMUS works.  Often I hear it reported that Silver Avengers have no authority over agents -- this is used to claim that they're rogue agents of some black ops group, or to play up the tired old rumor that Silver Avengers have a competitive and unfriendly relationship with the agents at the base they're assigned to.  Silver Avengers have their own team (or teams, in larger bases) of agents assigned to their offices who work with them on their investigations, and Avengers also work very closely with the other agent teams -- investigative and combat -- at the base. 

Q:  Are PRIMUS agents and/or Silver Avengers authorized to use deadly force, or are there special limitations on killing?
A:   PRIMUS agents, including Avengers, are authorized to use deadly force when the threat which they are facing poses a life-threatening risk to the safety of civilians or themselves. 

Q: With the increase of vigilante activity, and corresponding increase in homicides, does PRIMUS plan to crack down on the vigilantes? Is this legally feasible?  Thank you for your time.
A: PRIMUS pursues paranormal vigilantes who violate federal laws, and assist with local law enforcement investigations when invited to do so.  While we often are very appreciative of the assistance of paranormal vigilantes, we are not sympathetic or tolerant to the actions of deviants who believe that killing criminals is an acceptable means of aiding justice, and will pursue them to the best of our abilities. 

Q: As a paranormal, I've done my share of crimefighting up and down the West Coast and more recently in Chicago. In that time I've seen more suffering caused by social conditions and "normal" crimes than any costumed villain could ever cause. How can PRIMUS justify its existence and apparent mission to defend America from supervillains when the little guy still can't put food on the table and the scourge of drugs and corruption still run rampant ? -- Proton
A: Mr. Proton, I'm sure you're aware that evil exists in many forms -- paranormal and normal, it makes no difference; people do bad things to other people. PRIMUS fights paranormal crime. Other federal and local law enforcement fight "normal" crimes, if one could ever use those words together. I personally volunteer my time to numerous charitable organizations; I suggest that if you're disturbed by what you see, you should do likewise. Additionally, become involved in your community as more than a vigilante -- run for public office and do something about what you see!

Q: Does the Avenger program slow aging in the individual? Will you be living for an extended period as the GOLDEN AVENGER? 
A: Good heavens, I hope so!  We do not have enough information currently to justify a conclusion that Avengers age slower than people who have not undergone treatment, though I imagine that we will know the answer to this question with time. 

Q: I had a, um, unfortunate accident and I'm trying to cope with the ramifications. I used to be normal and this accident has changed my life. I don't feel comfortable around normal people and I'm afraid of what might happen to me if others who are, um, were, close to me found out. Is there any place I can go for counseling or training so my "unique" adaptations can be put to better use?
A: Without knowing the circumstances of your situation, it's very difficult for me to advise you.  It sounds as though you're disturbed at what's happened to you and you may want to speak with a psychologist about what's happened. PRIMUS is a federal law enforcement agency, and as such do not have facilities available to train and counsel civilians. However, you may also want to check and see what resources are available in your local area.

Q: What's your opinion of magic?  Do you think it really exists?
A: I have seen things which could have no other possible explanation, so I suppose so. PRIMUS has recently formed a division specifically dedicated to investigating magic, which we call "Wizards."

Q: Does PRIMUS have a program whereby Superheroes working on the behalf of the common good can gain some sort of official sponsership by the US government? Or, if not, does such a program exist elsewhere in the federal government?
A: I believe that I have addressed this before, but no, other than the Sentinels, PRIMUS does not endorse civilian vigilantism.

Q: Will there be any Afro-American Silver Avengers in the future, and does someone have to be born in the U.S. to be a PRIMUS Silver Avenger?
A: There already are, and nope, just a naturalized citizen who meets all other criteria.

Q: Is PRIMUS planning on adding new bases around the country in the future?
A: A year ago I would have answered "nope" to your question, but there has been talk of three new bases opening in the next five years around the Jonathan Hawkins building in Washington. Top candidates for bases are: Portland, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Las Vegas, Nevada; Boise, Idaho; Spokane, Washington; Omaha, Nebraska and Cincinnati, Ohio. Most agents are hoping Vegas makes it into the final three.

Q: How is the election of a new president going to affect PRIMUS?
A: President Bush has already stated that Colonel Glenn will continue as the Director of PRIMUS Operations. The primary difference, of course, is that he will be reporting to a new Attorney General.

Q: On a more personal note, now that your brother has returned "home," to our dimension, is he going to join PRIMUS? Since you share the same genetic structure, he would be Cyberline tolerant, too, wouldn't he?
A: Let me answer your second question first. Yes, Alex -- as my identical twin brother -- is fully tolerant to Cyberline, as I was. Does that mean he wants to join PRIMUS? No, it doesn't. We may look alike, but he chose his career -- the Navy -- and continues to be happy there.

To ask the Golden Avenger a question, email his secretary at champions@mactyre.net.