In early 1979, the military/research installation known as Gamma Base began experiencing some internal problems that brought it under the scrutiny of the federal government--problems set in motion by the actions of Dr. Karla Sofen, former associate of the infamous Dr. Faustus who went on to become an operative of the criminal organization known as the Corporation. In order to steal key components of a gamma-powered device for her employer, Sofen joined Leonard Samson at the base as a fellow psychiatrist in order to move about the base covertly and gain greater access to the restricted area where the components were stored. What no one suspects is that Sofen has also become the new Moonstone.
Other guests at Gamma Base at that time were the incredible Hulk, under the care and treatment of Samson, and Jim Wilson, the Hulk's friend. It was the Hulk who accidentally encountered Sofen (as Moonstone) once she'd made her heist--but, in order to escape without incident, Sofen managed through subterfuge to enrage the Hulk to the point of paranoia, upsetting Samson's therapy using both her powers and her skill as a psychiatrist. But she has pushed the Hulk too far--and she now battles for her life while waiting to take advantage of any opportunity to escape.
Meanwhile, the base's C.O., Gen. "Thunderbolt" Ross, who has begun showing symptoms of stress due mostly to his inability to deal with the Hulk, prepares to move against the monster on his own (while hopefully taking the heat off of Moonstone). But Moonstone, startled by Ross's arrival, momentarily lets her concentration lapse and inadvertently reveals her true identity--yet in doing so, discovers the perfect opportunity to turn the situation to her advantage.
It almost seems appropriate for only the Hulk to be the one to see right through Sofen's act and realize that she's to blame for the chaos that has been attributed to his own rage. Regardless, the damage to Ross is done--and the icing on the cake will be Samson himself, who has seen the Hulk threaten Sofen earlier and, noting Ross's condition, concludes that the Hulk is likely beyond redemption.
As a result, the Hulk leaves Gamma Base in shambles, only this time that description applies more to the emotional and administrative upheaval left in the wake of the Hulk's stormy departure. All things considered, the actual physical damage to the facility is minor; yet of concern to Washington is the fact that Gamma Base's operative status has gone south, thanks to one debacle after another. And now, with the escape of the Hulk, accountability has become the order of the day--and arriving to demand it are Senators Hawk and Stivak from Washington, with the former being the more unhappy of the pair.
Welcome to administrative hell, Dr. Samson. By the way, you might have thought to dress to greet the Senator as if you're not part of a circus.
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