BIG CITY - Furies, the landmark super-hero group that was re-launched just six weeks ago under the leadership of the electrically-powered Shocker, may be in danger of closing its doors again.

Four heroes have left the organization and a fifth is apparently in hiding while a suspect in a serial murder under investigation by Big City Police, sources have confirmed.

The super-strong Iron Maiden, fire-wielding Phoenix and cosmically-powered Starman all left the organization Wednesday evening, following an unspecified confrontation with Shocker. A White House spokesman has meanwhile confirmed that super-patriot Miss America, federal liaison to Furies, has been recalled to Washington D.C. and reassigned "until further notice." He declined to discuss her future deployment, citing national security.

Furies' remaining high profile member, Nick McClannahan a.k.a. Seeker, has been missing for the past two weeks. The power-ring wielder, newly released from prison for assaulting super-powered vigilante Magnetor in 1992, is being sought for questioning in connection with the deaths of four super-gang members. Police aren't releasing information about the case, other than to say the gang members were ripped apart by a mysterious physical force.

"Due to Mr. McClannahan's demonstrated animosity toward vigilante super-heroes, his powder keg temper and the unique capabilities of his power ring, we would be foolish to not consider him a suspect," said Lt. Amy Garcia, public information officer for the Big City Police Department.

Furies leader Shocker initially denied any problems within Furies' storied headquarters, calling talks of a dispute unfounded rumors and saying "Furies will continue to protect the people." He amended his position after learning passersby had seen the Wednesday walkout.

"Actually, only one of our members has officially left," said Shocker. "Phoenix left with Starman who has not been an active member for years. Iron Maiden is uncertain of her career possibilities and has taken a brief hiatus."

Shocker, clearly startled anyone knew of Miss America's departure as well, offered no statements concering the future operation of Furies. He immediately hung up when asked which heroes are ready to respond if Big City must face a major crisis.

Before slamming down the phone, Shocker defended his longtime teammate, Seeker, saying he is not hiding from police but actually in another dimension assisting Gandalfus the Grey, a.k.a Mr. Wizard. The elderly sorcerer has not been seen in Big City for several years, and was thought to have retired.

It is unclear exactly what prompted the mass exodus from Furies this week. Entertainment superstar Stephanie Hammond, a.k.a. Icestar, was seen leaving Furies early Thursday morning. The normally media-friendly Hammond declined to discuss the situation.

Icestar and Whiz Kid, a young speedster who prevented injury to dozens of bystanders during the Christmas Eve Massacre at Big City Park, are now the only remaining Furies besides Shocker.

Phoenix and Starman were last seen Wednesday night at the Big City Bus Station.

"They asked for two tickets to San Francisco," said John Ross, a station ticket agent. "The one in the purple costume kept asking if his friend qualified for the child rate. The other asked if the first one could sleep in the baggage compartment."

Named after the mythological creatures created to fight evil, Furies was founded in 1980 by police officer Paul "Sledge" Hamner. It was the world's first super-hero group, and is credited with saving Big City from domination by several super-powered villains during the 1980s.

Although Hamner himself was killed in the line of duty in 1984 the organization continued for the next eight years under the leadership of archer Grey Arrow, another of its charter members. The organization became defunct in 1992 when Grey Arrow resigned in protest of Seeker's arrest.