Back to Gatefold#23 - "Establishment Clause - Part I"
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My people have suffered greatly once again. Only a short while after recovering from the vicious attacks of the murderous Magistrates, Genosha was struck by Justin Hammer and his so called Thunderbolts. His team of terrorists lashed out finally after months of stalling. My Fallen Angels confronted them and I disposed of one among them. All was not what it seemed though. Justin Hammer was in truth Baron Zemo. Along with Red Skull and Arnim Zola he is one of the few Nazi butchers still living today. Thought pride would never allow me to publicly admit this, I was defeated sorely. Zemo played me for a fool. If not for the timely intervention of one of my charges I know not what might have become of Genosha.
Many died during this attack and unfortunately two of my Fallen Angels were amongst the thousands of deceased. Siena Blaze and Chance had given their lives in service of Genosha. I will not see their funerals be commonplace. Such heroes deserve better. Though the current resources of Genosha are meager we'll make due. We always do. Whatever sacrifices have to be made to ensure that Siena and Chance are remembered gloriously will be taken. Perhaps I feel guilty. Not because they died, but because I cannot offer them or Genosha justice. At least not the justice they truly deserve.
My claims of Baron Zemo hiding behind the guise of Justin Hammer have been scoffed at. Not only because of my supposed reputation, but because of some group having claimed to found the body of Zemo. I know a rat when I smell one, but sending my already weakened Fallen Angels in to investigate would be disastrous. From what Gomi tells me many polls across the world show that the nations feel Genosha bought the attack from Hammer on themselves. I laugh at that for the same case could be made against America in the September 11th attacks. Despite that I know my strategy of isolationism is a flawed one. I can almost hear Charles laughing at me from beyond.
Like any great attempt at success there are bumps in the road. Genosha has had their fair share of them. I realize now that my policy of isolationism is not effective. If I can't make the world respect or ignore Genosha then I will make them need Genosha. Baron Zemo's attack made me understand that I cannot run this country alone. I am going to need a strong group of individuals with a variety of resources to make Genosha strong. I've already made Voght my Chief of Security. The Fallen Angels will bring the other members of my cabinet to the fold except for one who I will personally approach. It has been long overdue for me to pay him a visit. Before I am done the nations of the world will think of Genosha as an equal and a force to be reckoned with. The name of Magneto will spread across the world not as a terrorist, but as a world leader. A new superpower will rise from nearly nothing.
Even now the Fallen Angels are reaching out to the mutants that will be absolutely key to Genosha's future. Fortunately, it is now a future that looks bright indeed.
Meltdown and Feral
"Magneto can really try someone's patience!" Tabitha exclaimed tugging her jacket close to her chest as the Siberian winds tore across her cheeks and down her neck.
"It's not that cold Tabby," Feral laughed as she ran on all fours ahead of Meltdown.
"This coming from the girl with a layer of fur," Tabitha groaned struggling to keep up with the speedy Maria.
As they reached a hill created by snow Tabitha pulled her snow goggles over her eyes. A blizzard was headed their way and she didn't want to have ice sickles on her eyelashes. Just the thought of having to walk for even a few more minutes made Meltdown hysterical, "Couldn't he have sent Anarchist on this errand?"
Maria stopped her running and turned back to her teammate with a sly smile, "You know black people don't like to get too cold."
"He's from fuckin Alaska! How the hell can he not like cold?"
"Lets just get to this bunker and hope this Communist asses don't shoot us. Hopefully, Mikhail will have some air conditioning for you," Feral laughed taking off in a run again.
"Don't you mean heating!!" Meltdown yelled as the wind began to pick up.
"Hell no! You're at your best when you're complaining," Feral replied as she came to a sudden stop after she came over the hill. Only a few yards away from her was a small wooden bunker with four armed guards protecting it.
"Guess we found our place. I wouldn't think a guy like Mikhail would be living here. Especially if he's as powerful as Magneto claims," Meltdown said loosening her grip over her jacket. The wind had calmed down some and though she still couldn't feel her face at least her teeth weren't about to break from chattering.
"Magneto! I'm intrigued," a voice called out from behind the two ladies.
Meltdown and Feral quickly shifted their bodies and saw a floating head only two feet above them. The rest of the man's body began to suddenly appear out of thin air quickly revealing a ruggedly handsome man. Minor stubble lined his face and long black hair descended to his shoulders. He wore a black body suit that had spiked shoulder pads and a long black cape descended from the pads to his feet. In his right hand he held a black diamond staff.
"Since there isn't suppose to be any other mutants around for miles I'm assuming you're Mikhail Rasputin. Please tell me I'm right because I don't think I can walk anymore."
"Don't fear little one. You've found your man," Mikhail replied laughing a bit at the obvious discomfort the young blonde was experiencing.
"Purrrr! And what a man he is!" Feral exclaimed.
"You flatter me too much. So if you speak of Magneto you must be from Genosha," Mikhail said descending to the ground his feet touching the snow gently. With a wave of his staff the air around the three mutants became much warmer almost to the point where Meltdown felt she didn't need to wear her jacket anymore.
"You're damn skippy we're from Genosha. And with powers like that I can see why Magneto is about to give you this juicy offer," Meltdown teased.
"Juicy offer? Tell me more about this offer," Mikhail replied trying to sound more calmly interested rather than childishly curious. He desired to get away from this group of men who sought to return Mother Russia to communism. Staying with them had been a means for Rasputin to rise to power again, but they were proving bothersome.
"Give me a bowl of milk and I'll tell you all about it sexy," Feral purred.
Meltdown shook her head. She had to give Maria one thing. The girl was definitely not ashamed of her looks, but if the rumors were true then Rictor had put some confidence into her. Of course they were only rumors and Tabitha would never ask if they were true or not. Feral had too many dirty secrets that she had no desire to discover. The less she knew about Feral the more she trusted her as paradoxical as that might sound.
"Milk? We have enough milk to last us all a year. You'll have all the milk you want my princess. Just don't keep me in suspense too long," Mikhail laughed walking ahead of the two women to the tiny bunker that looked like it had crawled out of World War II.
Some would question the wisdom of my decisions that would make Mikhail Rasputin a member of the Genoshan cabinet. Amelia questions the sanity of the man as he has had many bouts of madness. Some claim he is extremely ambitious and allying with former KGB officers was just the first pawn in a chess game he intends to dominate. Even more say he is too powerful and could pose a worst threat than the Magistrates or Zemo. Gomi's opinion reflects that stance. It's a stance I far from agree with, but that's why Gomi was given the position of Chief Ambassador in my Cabinet. He can feel the pulse of the human world in a way I'll never be able to.
This time though I cannot force myself to agree with Gomi. Mikhail has indeed had his fair share of problems, but he should not be bound to his past. Being with Genosha will help make long overdue amends. Also I can't help but to feel that Mikhail's life in many ways reflects my own personal struggles. Losing a woman that was very dear to him made him go mad with grief. That is a situation I can understand without hesitation. Mikhail has also tried to make mutants stand up for themselves no matter how crude his methods might have been. Above all else Mikhail had nearly found his peace until he was robbed of it by a dark force.
I think Genosha will be able to benefit from a man who has been through as much suffering as Mikhail. For to know true happiness one must experience true suffering. Rasputin if nothing else will be able to teach Genoshans that. Besides his connections in Russia will give me somewhat of a foothold there. Even if it is a small one it will be the start of making Genosha a global influence.
Multiple Man
If you had asked Jamie six months ago would he ever work for Genosha he would have slapped you and then shook you up to see if you had any sense. He was now damn glad nobody had ever asked him that because not only was he working for Genosha he was a part of Magneto's personal storm troopers, the Fallen Angels. How did he end up in this situation?
He had been trying a small group of children, but after Factor X's destruction of various factories they were ran out of their little mansion. Amelia Voght offered him and the kids sanctuary in Genosha if only he worked in the Fallen Angels. Knowing the kids didn't have much to look forward to in America I agreed to the offer. Jamie had to admit they were far better off in Genosha where everyone was like them. Magneto had them treated like royalty and all Madrox had to do was be his stooge.
"What a swell deal for me," Multiple Man said sarcastically as he pushed open the beige colored door that lead to the expansive business office. Jamie had to admit he admired this guy's style, but you couldn't live in Paris without having any. The room was a mixture of leather, abstract paintings, and spotless glass windows.
"Hello?" Jamie asked stepping into the room. He hated who he had been assigned to get, but most of the other Fallen Angels couldn't step into France without being blasted into a thousand itty-bitty pieces. Of course France wasn't capable of shooting much after getting themselves a new asshole tore by the Aviators of Mandarin. The building he was in was one of the few left relatively undamaged.
<Hello Jamie Madrox. I was hardly expecting one of Xavier's here. Or maybe I should call you one of Magneto's now. Which one do you identify with more? >
"Does it matter?" Jamie replied wondering where the hell this guy was. The room wasn't full of many hiding spaces and he was more than sure not a soul was in this place besides for himself. Magneto never mentioned anything about this guy having invisibility.
<Magneto pretends to know so much, but he doesn't. I on the other hand feel the thoughts of billions simultaneously. I know the plans of nations, villains, and so called heroes. I know why you're here. >
"Then could you stop fucking around and come out already?" Jamie asked growing a tad bit annoyed until he realized who he was addressing. The guy could fry his brain in more ways than a Texan could make steak for breakfast.
<Don't be scared Madrox. I'm not going to kill you. How would that look for the newest member of Magneto's Cabinet to kill one of the Fallen Angels. >
"So you're in?" Jamie asked his head still searching for some sign of another presence in the room.
"Of course I am," Gamemaster smiled as he suddenly appeared only a few feet away from Madrox. He had been right in front of the mutant the entire time.
"How the hell…"
"I used my telepathy to make you think I wasn't there. Don't feel bad. An omnipath has many strengths."
Crossing his arms across his chest Madrox tried to play it cool, "Never said I was mad."
Gamemaster tapped his temple slightly.
"Okay fine I was mad. Man I bet having a relationship with you must suck."
The omnipath laughed, "You see I'm alone don't you."
Deciding it best not to continue the conversation any further Multiple Man changed the subject, "I got a private plan ready to take us to Genosha anytime."
"I know. I've already packed my necessary items."
Waving his hands childishly in the air Jamie joked, "Ooo I'm so impressed. Lets just go already. Magneto has the patience of a child with a dirty pamper."
New Mexico
Exodus hadn't slept much since his Exiles had disbanded. Not because he was reeling from the loss, but he had people that needed his attention. Proteus and mutant Forger had both been comatose ever since the last conflict with Onset. To add to that already heavy burden the monstrous man from the far future, Gaunt, was behind held as a prisoner. Bennet had occupied himself with the care of these three and little else since his part in the Celestial Puzzle had been realized. Losing Crystal the way he did felt like losing his son and wife all over again. The Knight had watched hi round table crumble the moment Supreme Evolutionary revealed the truth about Crystal. It had been enough to drive the former Horseman into a state of sleepless reclusion.
Tonight though one of the most powerful mutants on the planet went to sleep and it didn't take very long for him to begin to dream. Dreaming was exactly what he needed to do tonight. A new venture awaited Bennet du Paris.
"Exodus we need to talk," a woman, whose looks betrayed her true age, demanded. The woman had been a founding member of the Exiles and at one point had the hints of romance with Exodus. She was wearing a raincoat and black hat reminiscent of older church going women.
Looking at his surroundings the centuries old man saw he was in a dreary city wearing the uniform he had when he was first in Genosha. Quickly, the initial surprise faded away and he asked, "What do you want?"
"I have a prophecy to tell you," she replied.
Exodus shook his head, "Fontanelle, I've stopped thinking of the future. It comes soon enough."
"Magneto is coming for you. He'll be on your doorstep soon."
"I am more than powerful enough to handle Magneto, Gloria," Exodus reassured. When he didn't have the powers of Legion added to his own he was able to hold off the X-Men and Avengers. He'd be more than able to take care of Magneto now or at least he hoped as much.
Fontanelle laughed lightly, "Of course, but Magneto isn't coming to fight you."
"Then what does he want? To talk about old times?" Exodus asked growing impatient with Fontanelle's lack of straight forwardness.
"Genosha is in a time of great peril. They have just been the victims of a brutal attack. Magneto is trying to reform his government and he needs you to be a part of it," Fontanelle explained hoping that maybe she was cracking through the ice Exodus had around him.
"What makes him think I will join him in his crusade?" Exodus inquired. He felt that he had put his fanatical past with Magneto long behind him. He was a different person back then and the world was a very different place for him.
Fontanelle sighed knowing that this conversation would be a long one, "That's what I've come to tell you. You must accept his offer for the sake of things to come. It is the only way I can conceive of that will halt the dark things to come. You must put aside your feelings and listen!"
Exodus turned angrily towards Gloria his eyes glowing a crimson red. Fontanelle knew those eyes well. It was with those eyes he had mind wiped almost the entire Tan crime family in Hong Kong. Staring in those red globes was deeply unsettling; "Just like you put yours aside when you abandoned Osman and Forger! They needed the support of their teammates!"
"Do you speak for them or truly yourself?" Fontanelle asked trying her best not to waver in the stare of those vicious eyes.
Bennet's facial expression became a snarl; "You would try and make this about me. Why won't you accept your guilt? Would you rather pretend its not there?"
It was taking everything Exodus had to keep from strangling Gloria. Even though all this was in his mind it felt entirely real. It just amazed the Crusader that Fontanelle would so easily forget how she's abandoned him. She left once after the battle with Ramses Xavier and again after the battle with Onset. Then she had the nerve to turn her abandonment on him.
"I'm not here for this Bennet. Other pressing matters are before us. Why do you choose to dredge up the past?"
Exodus turned his back to Fontanelle and before he started walking said, "Leave Fontanelle. I have no use for you or Magneto!"
Fontanelle called out to Exodus, "If you tell him no you will return to darkness. Do you wish that fate upon yourself Exodus? Do you?!"
Telekinesis flared up around Exodus' body and flew into the air, "I would never think you so low as to lie to get my attention!"
Looking at him Fontanelle could see the beginnings of what she had seen in her mind, "It is no lie. Genosha will rebuild, the Exiles will come together, and all will seem right in the world. Then the island is attacked and the heroes of Earth answer the call. Great losses occur and all the Exiles, save you, are killed. This is the beginning of a road that will lead to corporations and monarchs dominating an almost mutantless world."
Exodus could hardly believe all of what Fontanelle was saying. She had seen him and Rogue's roles as Horsemen long before it happened, but Gloria's predictions could never be trusted entirely, "And how will me saying yes change all this?"
Fontanelle hung her head, "I can't be sure, but this future must be prevented."
Exodus nodded his head in agreement. He couldn't imagine falling back into his old ways and if joining Magneto kept him on his present path then so be it, "Then you have my word. I will join Magneto on Genosha."
Next Issue: The building of Genosha's cabinet continues as the Fallen Angels meet with more powerhouses of the mutant world.
Many died during this attack and unfortunately two of my Fallen Angels were amongst the thousands of deceased. Siena Blaze and Chance had given their lives in service of Genosha. I will not see their funerals be commonplace. Such heroes deserve better. Though the current resources of Genosha are meager we'll make due. We always do. Whatever sacrifices have to be made to ensure that Siena and Chance are remembered gloriously will be taken. Perhaps I feel guilty. Not because they died, but because I cannot offer them or Genosha justice. At least not the justice they truly deserve.
My claims of Baron Zemo hiding behind the guise of Justin Hammer have been scoffed at. Not only because of my supposed reputation, but because of some group having claimed to found the body of Zemo. I know a rat when I smell one, but sending my already weakened Fallen Angels in to investigate would be disastrous. From what Gomi tells me many polls across the world show that the nations feel Genosha bought the attack from Hammer on themselves. I laugh at that for the same case could be made against America in the September 11th attacks. Despite that I know my strategy of isolationism is a flawed one. I can almost hear Charles laughing at me from beyond.
Like any great attempt at success there are bumps in the road. Genosha has had their fair share of them. I realize now that my policy of isolationism is not effective. If I can't make the world respect or ignore Genosha then I will make them need Genosha. Baron Zemo's attack made me understand that I cannot run this country alone. I am going to need a strong group of individuals with a variety of resources to make Genosha strong. I've already made Voght my Chief of Security. The Fallen Angels will bring the other members of my cabinet to the fold except for one who I will personally approach. It has been long overdue for me to pay him a visit. Before I am done the nations of the world will think of Genosha as an equal and a force to be reckoned with. The name of Magneto will spread across the world not as a terrorist, but as a world leader. A new superpower will rise from nearly nothing.
Even now the Fallen Angels are reaching out to the mutants that will be absolutely key to Genosha's future. Fortunately, it is now a future that looks bright indeed.
Meltdown and Feral
"Magneto can really try someone's patience!" Tabitha exclaimed tugging her jacket close to her chest as the Siberian winds tore across her cheeks and down her neck.
"It's not that cold Tabby," Feral laughed as she ran on all fours ahead of Meltdown.
"This coming from the girl with a layer of fur," Tabitha groaned struggling to keep up with the speedy Maria.
As they reached a hill created by snow Tabitha pulled her snow goggles over her eyes. A blizzard was headed their way and she didn't want to have ice sickles on her eyelashes. Just the thought of having to walk for even a few more minutes made Meltdown hysterical, "Couldn't he have sent Anarchist on this errand?"
Maria stopped her running and turned back to her teammate with a sly smile, "You know black people don't like to get too cold."
"He's from fuckin Alaska! How the hell can he not like cold?"
"Lets just get to this bunker and hope this Communist asses don't shoot us. Hopefully, Mikhail will have some air conditioning for you," Feral laughed taking off in a run again.
"Don't you mean heating!!" Meltdown yelled as the wind began to pick up.
"Hell no! You're at your best when you're complaining," Feral replied as she came to a sudden stop after she came over the hill. Only a few yards away from her was a small wooden bunker with four armed guards protecting it.
"Guess we found our place. I wouldn't think a guy like Mikhail would be living here. Especially if he's as powerful as Magneto claims," Meltdown said loosening her grip over her jacket. The wind had calmed down some and though she still couldn't feel her face at least her teeth weren't about to break from chattering.
"Magneto! I'm intrigued," a voice called out from behind the two ladies.
Meltdown and Feral quickly shifted their bodies and saw a floating head only two feet above them. The rest of the man's body began to suddenly appear out of thin air quickly revealing a ruggedly handsome man. Minor stubble lined his face and long black hair descended to his shoulders. He wore a black body suit that had spiked shoulder pads and a long black cape descended from the pads to his feet. In his right hand he held a black diamond staff.
"Since there isn't suppose to be any other mutants around for miles I'm assuming you're Mikhail Rasputin. Please tell me I'm right because I don't think I can walk anymore."
"Don't fear little one. You've found your man," Mikhail replied laughing a bit at the obvious discomfort the young blonde was experiencing.
"Purrrr! And what a man he is!" Feral exclaimed.
"You flatter me too much. So if you speak of Magneto you must be from Genosha," Mikhail said descending to the ground his feet touching the snow gently. With a wave of his staff the air around the three mutants became much warmer almost to the point where Meltdown felt she didn't need to wear her jacket anymore.
"You're damn skippy we're from Genosha. And with powers like that I can see why Magneto is about to give you this juicy offer," Meltdown teased.
"Juicy offer? Tell me more about this offer," Mikhail replied trying to sound more calmly interested rather than childishly curious. He desired to get away from this group of men who sought to return Mother Russia to communism. Staying with them had been a means for Rasputin to rise to power again, but they were proving bothersome.
"Give me a bowl of milk and I'll tell you all about it sexy," Feral purred.
Meltdown shook her head. She had to give Maria one thing. The girl was definitely not ashamed of her looks, but if the rumors were true then Rictor had put some confidence into her. Of course they were only rumors and Tabitha would never ask if they were true or not. Feral had too many dirty secrets that she had no desire to discover. The less she knew about Feral the more she trusted her as paradoxical as that might sound.
"Milk? We have enough milk to last us all a year. You'll have all the milk you want my princess. Just don't keep me in suspense too long," Mikhail laughed walking ahead of the two women to the tiny bunker that looked like it had crawled out of World War II.
Some would question the wisdom of my decisions that would make Mikhail Rasputin a member of the Genoshan cabinet. Amelia questions the sanity of the man as he has had many bouts of madness. Some claim he is extremely ambitious and allying with former KGB officers was just the first pawn in a chess game he intends to dominate. Even more say he is too powerful and could pose a worst threat than the Magistrates or Zemo. Gomi's opinion reflects that stance. It's a stance I far from agree with, but that's why Gomi was given the position of Chief Ambassador in my Cabinet. He can feel the pulse of the human world in a way I'll never be able to.
This time though I cannot force myself to agree with Gomi. Mikhail has indeed had his fair share of problems, but he should not be bound to his past. Being with Genosha will help make long overdue amends. Also I can't help but to feel that Mikhail's life in many ways reflects my own personal struggles. Losing a woman that was very dear to him made him go mad with grief. That is a situation I can understand without hesitation. Mikhail has also tried to make mutants stand up for themselves no matter how crude his methods might have been. Above all else Mikhail had nearly found his peace until he was robbed of it by a dark force.
I think Genosha will be able to benefit from a man who has been through as much suffering as Mikhail. For to know true happiness one must experience true suffering. Rasputin if nothing else will be able to teach Genoshans that. Besides his connections in Russia will give me somewhat of a foothold there. Even if it is a small one it will be the start of making Genosha a global influence.
Multiple Man
If you had asked Jamie six months ago would he ever work for Genosha he would have slapped you and then shook you up to see if you had any sense. He was now damn glad nobody had ever asked him that because not only was he working for Genosha he was a part of Magneto's personal storm troopers, the Fallen Angels. How did he end up in this situation?
He had been trying a small group of children, but after Factor X's destruction of various factories they were ran out of their little mansion. Amelia Voght offered him and the kids sanctuary in Genosha if only he worked in the Fallen Angels. Knowing the kids didn't have much to look forward to in America I agreed to the offer. Jamie had to admit they were far better off in Genosha where everyone was like them. Magneto had them treated like royalty and all Madrox had to do was be his stooge.
"What a swell deal for me," Multiple Man said sarcastically as he pushed open the beige colored door that lead to the expansive business office. Jamie had to admit he admired this guy's style, but you couldn't live in Paris without having any. The room was a mixture of leather, abstract paintings, and spotless glass windows.
"Hello?" Jamie asked stepping into the room. He hated who he had been assigned to get, but most of the other Fallen Angels couldn't step into France without being blasted into a thousand itty-bitty pieces. Of course France wasn't capable of shooting much after getting themselves a new asshole tore by the Aviators of Mandarin. The building he was in was one of the few left relatively undamaged.
<Hello Jamie Madrox. I was hardly expecting one of Xavier's here. Or maybe I should call you one of Magneto's now. Which one do you identify with more? >
"Does it matter?" Jamie replied wondering where the hell this guy was. The room wasn't full of many hiding spaces and he was more than sure not a soul was in this place besides for himself. Magneto never mentioned anything about this guy having invisibility.
<Magneto pretends to know so much, but he doesn't. I on the other hand feel the thoughts of billions simultaneously. I know the plans of nations, villains, and so called heroes. I know why you're here. >
"Then could you stop fucking around and come out already?" Jamie asked growing a tad bit annoyed until he realized who he was addressing. The guy could fry his brain in more ways than a Texan could make steak for breakfast.
<Don't be scared Madrox. I'm not going to kill you. How would that look for the newest member of Magneto's Cabinet to kill one of the Fallen Angels. >
"So you're in?" Jamie asked his head still searching for some sign of another presence in the room.
"Of course I am," Gamemaster smiled as he suddenly appeared only a few feet away from Madrox. He had been right in front of the mutant the entire time.
"How the hell…"
"I used my telepathy to make you think I wasn't there. Don't feel bad. An omnipath has many strengths."
Crossing his arms across his chest Madrox tried to play it cool, "Never said I was mad."
Gamemaster tapped his temple slightly.
"Okay fine I was mad. Man I bet having a relationship with you must suck."
The omnipath laughed, "You see I'm alone don't you."
Deciding it best not to continue the conversation any further Multiple Man changed the subject, "I got a private plan ready to take us to Genosha anytime."
"I know. I've already packed my necessary items."
Waving his hands childishly in the air Jamie joked, "Ooo I'm so impressed. Lets just go already. Magneto has the patience of a child with a dirty pamper."
New Mexico
Exodus hadn't slept much since his Exiles had disbanded. Not because he was reeling from the loss, but he had people that needed his attention. Proteus and mutant Forger had both been comatose ever since the last conflict with Onset. To add to that already heavy burden the monstrous man from the far future, Gaunt, was behind held as a prisoner. Bennet had occupied himself with the care of these three and little else since his part in the Celestial Puzzle had been realized. Losing Crystal the way he did felt like losing his son and wife all over again. The Knight had watched hi round table crumble the moment Supreme Evolutionary revealed the truth about Crystal. It had been enough to drive the former Horseman into a state of sleepless reclusion.
Tonight though one of the most powerful mutants on the planet went to sleep and it didn't take very long for him to begin to dream. Dreaming was exactly what he needed to do tonight. A new venture awaited Bennet du Paris.
"Exodus we need to talk," a woman, whose looks betrayed her true age, demanded. The woman had been a founding member of the Exiles and at one point had the hints of romance with Exodus. She was wearing a raincoat and black hat reminiscent of older church going women.
Looking at his surroundings the centuries old man saw he was in a dreary city wearing the uniform he had when he was first in Genosha. Quickly, the initial surprise faded away and he asked, "What do you want?"
"I have a prophecy to tell you," she replied.
Exodus shook his head, "Fontanelle, I've stopped thinking of the future. It comes soon enough."
"Magneto is coming for you. He'll be on your doorstep soon."
"I am more than powerful enough to handle Magneto, Gloria," Exodus reassured. When he didn't have the powers of Legion added to his own he was able to hold off the X-Men and Avengers. He'd be more than able to take care of Magneto now or at least he hoped as much.
Fontanelle laughed lightly, "Of course, but Magneto isn't coming to fight you."
"Then what does he want? To talk about old times?" Exodus asked growing impatient with Fontanelle's lack of straight forwardness.
"Genosha is in a time of great peril. They have just been the victims of a brutal attack. Magneto is trying to reform his government and he needs you to be a part of it," Fontanelle explained hoping that maybe she was cracking through the ice Exodus had around him.
"What makes him think I will join him in his crusade?" Exodus inquired. He felt that he had put his fanatical past with Magneto long behind him. He was a different person back then and the world was a very different place for him.
Fontanelle sighed knowing that this conversation would be a long one, "That's what I've come to tell you. You must accept his offer for the sake of things to come. It is the only way I can conceive of that will halt the dark things to come. You must put aside your feelings and listen!"
Exodus turned angrily towards Gloria his eyes glowing a crimson red. Fontanelle knew those eyes well. It was with those eyes he had mind wiped almost the entire Tan crime family in Hong Kong. Staring in those red globes was deeply unsettling; "Just like you put yours aside when you abandoned Osman and Forger! They needed the support of their teammates!"
"Do you speak for them or truly yourself?" Fontanelle asked trying her best not to waver in the stare of those vicious eyes.
Bennet's facial expression became a snarl; "You would try and make this about me. Why won't you accept your guilt? Would you rather pretend its not there?"
It was taking everything Exodus had to keep from strangling Gloria. Even though all this was in his mind it felt entirely real. It just amazed the Crusader that Fontanelle would so easily forget how she's abandoned him. She left once after the battle with Ramses Xavier and again after the battle with Onset. Then she had the nerve to turn her abandonment on him.
"I'm not here for this Bennet. Other pressing matters are before us. Why do you choose to dredge up the past?"
Exodus turned his back to Fontanelle and before he started walking said, "Leave Fontanelle. I have no use for you or Magneto!"
Fontanelle called out to Exodus, "If you tell him no you will return to darkness. Do you wish that fate upon yourself Exodus? Do you?!"
Telekinesis flared up around Exodus' body and flew into the air, "I would never think you so low as to lie to get my attention!"
Looking at him Fontanelle could see the beginnings of what she had seen in her mind, "It is no lie. Genosha will rebuild, the Exiles will come together, and all will seem right in the world. Then the island is attacked and the heroes of Earth answer the call. Great losses occur and all the Exiles, save you, are killed. This is the beginning of a road that will lead to corporations and monarchs dominating an almost mutantless world."
Exodus could hardly believe all of what Fontanelle was saying. She had seen him and Rogue's roles as Horsemen long before it happened, but Gloria's predictions could never be trusted entirely, "And how will me saying yes change all this?"
Fontanelle hung her head, "I can't be sure, but this future must be prevented."
Exodus nodded his head in agreement. He couldn't imagine falling back into his old ways and if joining Magneto kept him on his present path then so be it, "Then you have my word. I will join Magneto on Genosha."
Next Issue: The building of Genosha's cabinet continues as the Fallen Angels meet with more powerhouses of the mutant world.