Back to Gatefold#24 - "Establishment Clause - Part II"
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Leader of the Fallen Angels. That's the position I find myself in now. Trust me when I say that's a job I was never looking for when I joined up with this gig. To be truthful I think part of me was just looking for a good time when I joined up with Magneto. Sure I was fed up with the way the X-Men were operating after Xavier's death, but Xavier's way has always been boring to me. Sure, I had fun and I made lifelong friends, but I can't ever say I was riding on a high like I have been with the Fallen Angels on many occasions.
Of course if you listen to Roberto he'll swear the only reason I was on the team was to sleep with whoever was the current leader. Lord, he could be such a complete ass. Of course I haven't been with contact with him at all since Magneto exiled him and Rictor from Genosha. Every time I think back to that situation I feel…I can't explain it. I just feel like taking a long nap. To be honest I really want to see how the two guys are doing, but Magneto would rip me a new one. I'm still not entirely sure how that whole deal went down. Part of me just knows Rictor is a wreck though. Shatterstar and him were very close.
Though in truth I can't worry about the problems of former members when the current team has plenty of their own issues to deal with. Feral is slipping closer and closer to being a damn uncontrollable animal. Anarchist is still having issues adjusting to Genosha's environment and our latest addition, Madrox, is hung up on some kids. Shit he's another Xavier in the making. I really don't know what I've gotten myself into. I'm leading Genosha's Fantastic Four right now. More like Genosha's dysfunctional borderline psychotic Fantastic Four.
Baron Zemo and his thugs fucked us up real good. We should have been ready for him. I can see about a dozen ways we could have been better prepared. We tagged one of their fuckers, but we lost Siena and Chance in the process. I can't explain how much that pisses me off. If it were up to me I'd track down Zemo and have a few plasma bombs form in his ball sack. The bastard doesn't deserve any better.
Maybe I'm not cut out for this leader thing. If Roberto had been here Siena and Chance probably wouldn't be dead right now. Instead the two gals got lousy old me and ended up dead for it. I would gladly handle the leadership over, but there's no else to take over. To avoid sounding like the Queen Bitch of the universe I'm just going to say my underlings all lack certain qualities necessary for leadership.
I should have put that leader to status to good use and got someone else to come to cold ass Russia instead of me. Doesn't Magneto realize a girl has her skin to worry about? I mean it's easy for Feral. The trick has enough fur to build a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Okay maybe not that much, but you get my point. Her skin condition is the last of her problems. Next time we gotta deal with cold shit Anarchist is the first one packing his bags.
Meltdown and Feral
"So if I may ask again ladies tell me more about this juicy offer," Mikhail smiled handing Feral a bowl of cold milk and Tabitha a large cup of hot chocolate. He preferred black coffee himself, but he would accommodate his guests as much as possible. He had shooed his men away to keep Feral and Meltdown feeling comfortable. Rasputin needed to know as many details as he could about Magneto's offer if it didn't reasonable. The more comfortable the two young women felt the more they would tell.
"It has to do with the attack Genosha recently suffered," Tabitha replied holding her large red cup delicately and taking a sip.
"Yes I heard about Hammer's attack and how Genosha did not fare well from it," Mikhail said somberly trying his best to make himself look empathic. He did feel for Genosha, but his way of showing emotion would not be one in which the girls would buy. He had to play to their expectations. Otherwise they wouldn't trust him.
Feral stopped licking her milk and slammed her fists on the rickety table, "It wasn't Hammer!"
"What?" Mikhail asked becoming both curious and confused. It had been all over television and radio when Justin Hammer publicly announced his attack on Genosha. If he hadn't attacked the island who did?
Realizing she had jumped the gun Maria quickly went back to licking up her milk and let Tabitha do the explaining, "It wasn't Hammer that hit Genosha. Baron Helmut Zemo has been and still is disguising himself as Justin Hammer. Zemo was the real culprit behind the destruction in Genosha."
Rasputin slumped in his seat letting the realization hit him head on, "Zemo…who would have ever guessed? Why didn't Magneto rip that Hitler worshipping scum in two?"
"Zemo came prepared. The guy's managed to turn a bunch of lame asses into weapons not to be fucked with."
"And how do I figure into all of this?" Mikhail asked wondering if Magneto wanted him to be part of some team to take the fight to Hammer. He'd be better off asking someone else if that was the case. As much as Rasputin sympathized with Magnus he had his own worries and his power to begin accumulating.
"Magneto wants to begin the rebuilding of Genosha. He wants to make it a country that people like Zemo won't be able to attack again. He's going to need help and so he's forming a cabinet. He wants you to be a part of it," Meltdown explained suddenly realizing her voice was full of pride as she said that mouthful. Could it be? Was she starting to think of Genosha as home?
Standing up from his seat Mikhail grinned, "I won't give you an answer yet. But take me to Genosha so I can speak with Magneto. Then we'll see if I decide to become a piece of Genosha's future."
Anarchist
Having just returned from a trip in the Netherlands the businessman felt glad to be back in his New York skyscraper. This is where Amadeus felt the most alive and the most in control. He had to admit that he had been feeling a little unsafe as of late. Being one of the most finically powerful members of the newly formed Heavenrain Club made him a target of the Hellfire Club constantly. In the past few months he's been shot at five times and nearly stabbed in broad daylight. On top of that he had made enemies of Exodus and the Exiles when he sent Colossus on a wild goose chase. Of course that mission also earned him the wrath of Mario DaVingi, one of the biggest mutant slave traders on the planet. DaVingi had only made veiled threats so far fortunately.
Sitting his black suitcase on his personally carved desk Amadeus opened it up to pull out some files when he realized his rolling leather chair was facing the desk. He always kept it facing the desk and as the possibilities crept into his mind cold fear gripped Amadeus. There was no telling how many booby traps could be set up in his office. A few obscenities escaped his throat as he wished he had provided himself with better security.
"Damn dog. Calm down. Ol' metal man was right when he said you'd be jumpy," a voice said as the chair swiveled around revealing a young African-American man with wildly colored hair. He was wearing black fatigues and a black sleeveless shirt. Red wrist length gloves and red laced black boots finished off his attire.
"Who are you? One of DaVingi's boys?" Amadeus asked nearly ready to reach for his gun.
"I know my ancestors sold each other into slavery, but damn that's a big assumption on your part. Look I'm here on behalf of Magneto," Tike said a bit annoyed as he folded his arms across his chest.
Just great that's worse than DaVingi! I'm sure Magneto isn't exactly happy with my company and me considering it was run by the man who bought back a guy who masqueraded around as Magneto for months. Deus I think our family just has a talent for pissing people off.
"What could Magneto possibly want with a humble businessman like myself?" Amadeus asked trying to not let his voice falter.
"Humble? Yea right brotha. You're the next best thing to Bill Gates. Don't try and fool me. Mags has an offer for you though. He's reorganizing his government and he wants to give you a cabinet position," Anarchist smiled mimicking applause silently.
"And what if I refuse?" Amadeus asked wanting to see what he could squeeze out of this strange young man.
"Go right ahead. But I already talked to Shinobi Shaw and he agreed to join the cabinet. You don't want the Hellfire Club getting in on Genosha's ground floor do you?" Anarchist asked knowing he had hooked Amadeus from the slack jaw look on his face.
"Fine I'll be in Gensoha tomorrow. Now get out of my office!" Amadeus yelled pointing to the door.
Holding up his hands in mock fear Anarchist walked out of the door and whistled coolly to himself. He couldn't help but to admire his own cunning. He had used the same trick on Shinobi when he approached him. Neither man had agreed to join the cabinet beforehand, but the fact they were in opposing organizations made it easy to play them off each other.
"My man you are one sly ass pimp," Anarchist boasted as he strolled down the hall with his hands in his pockets continuing to whistle away.
I don't know what Magneto was smoking when he divided up these assignments. I mean it should have been me going to Shaw and Amadeus. I'm a sexy lady. I could put the moves on them and have them like butter in my palm. What the hell is that Technicolor hair bastard going to do? Threaten to steal their wallets? Okay that was a little harsh, but c'mon you gotta see my point here. A lady's touch is needed to deal with businessmen. Not eyesores like Alicar. What did Magneto see in him that he didn't see in me?
Well, at least Magneto delved out one mission right. The mission he gave to himself cuz there's not a chance in hell I would ever approach that guy. The bastard held off the Avengers and X-Men solo in his early years and as a Horsemen held his own against both the X-Men Omega and X-Men Alpha teams. If power ever were made into a person he'd be it. I'd probably piss my pants trying to sneak up on him. If Mags manages to get him on our side I'll feel a lot safer in Genosha. Hell I don't think there's a person who wouldn't!
Magneto
Erik floated down towards the former Hulkbuster Base and with a wave of his hand ripped the roof wide open. Waiting there with a red telekinetic field around himself was Exodus. Bennet didn't look happy, but Magneto had expected that. They hadn't seen each other in quite some time and the both of them had been rather busy. Magneto with Genosha and Exodus with his Exiles, though it seemed Eric's task was still continuing while Exodus's team had left him.
"Explain yourself and make it quick before I send you to pay a visit to some dinosaurs!" Exodus yelled rising up to come face to face with Magneto.
Holding out his hand again the Master of Magnetism reassembled the roof as if he had never touched it at all, "Bennet I've come as a friend. I seek no conflict today."
"If you don't get offended I'll keep up the field anyway," Exodus replied.
"Of course. I wouldn't expect you to trust me. Don't think I've come here expecting you to come sniveling back to me like a dog. I see you've become your own person and I respect that. More than you know," Magneto said with an almost parental tone.
"Good because I'm not as foolish as I once was. I see you for what you are Magneto. A flawed man with flawed ideas," Exodus growled.
"Then help this flawed man with flawed ideas make Genosha perfect," Magneto implored.
The wind blew strong at that moment and sent Exodus's hair flying across his face. He had dropped his telekinetic field without even realizing it. As much as he hated to admit it part of him still felt comfortable around Magneto. Pushing the hair out of his face Bennet replied, "Why would you want me in Genosha? I'm not some power conduit you can use to keep the people in line!"
"My people were attacked by a madman! They look to me to bring peace to them! I can't do it alone. I'm forming a cabinet and I decided to personally approach you. I trust you Bennet and I see you almost as a son. I care for you and its not easy for me to admit that. Genosha needs you Bennet. Don't turn them down!"
Sighing Exodus smiled weakly, "You did always have a way with words Eric. Fine. I'll come with you. On one condition."
"Name it," Magneto returned the smile except his almost stretched the entirety of his face.
"I get to pick a new member for your Fallen Angels," Exodus replied.
"Agreed," Magneto said patting Bennet on the back, "I've seen your Exiles in action. I trust your judgment when it comes to mutants in combat."
"I'm sorry my team wasn't around when your were attacked. In fact I'm sorry I didn't come to Genosha the moment I heard Hammer make his proclamation," Exodus apologized.
"It wasn't Hammer that attacked Genosha. It was Zemo."
Exodus stopped dead in his tracks, "Zemo? As in Baron-
"Helmut Zemo. Yes the one and only. He made a buffoon out of me and killed so many. I would hunt him down personally if only it wasn't so risky to the people of Genosha."
"Why not send the Fallen Angels?"
"They've been reduced to four. They'd be no match for Zemo's troopers. And before you say it don't even think about trying to take the fight to Zemo on your own. You're immensely powerful. I'll give you that, but Zemo proved he's ready for those with great power," Magneto warned.
"Fine. Have you tried alerting the X-Men or Avengers? A group that could take care of Zemo."
Shaking his head Magneto said, "No one will believe me. I've already tried. Zemo has stacked his deck well. I intend to do the same now. Genosha will not be a victim any longer."
Grabbing Erik's shoulder and squeezing it slightly Exodus replied, "No it won't be Erik."
Genosha (A Week Later)
Magneto stepped up to the podium dressed in an Italian suit and his long white hair in a ponytail. A mass of Genoshans had gathered for the funerals of Siena Blaze and Chance. Erik had a sad smile on his face as he stepped up to the podium. He had never seen so many of his people gathered together in such a congregation. This would be both a sad and poignant moment in Genoshan history.
"My people we have suffered, but we will rise. They have attacked us, but we still stand. And they have even slain some of us, but I promise that justice will be ours. Today we commemorate the lives of these two women who selflessly gave themselves to this country. We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain by sinking into stagnation. No, this country will become stronger. Siena and Chance would want it that way. They would expect no less," Magneto said as he rose into the air.
Looking out into the awe filled crowd Magneto proclaimed, "This day our country will rise. I will no longer try to run things on my own. Look at those who were sitting beside me and you will see the new leaders of Genosha."
Gomi, Amadeus, Shinobi, Gamemaster, Amelia, Exodus, and Mikhail all had been seated on the platform overlooking the crowd of Genoshans with the Lord of Magnetism. The seven individuals made up the new cabinet of the Genoshan government. This was the first formal announcement of it and tomorrow Gomi as the Chief Ambassador would make the information known to the UN. Now though they all basked in the great cheer that went up from the people they were soon to govern.
"Don't get too full of yourself Shaw. Your hair might explode," Amadeus whispered as he leaned over to the Hellfire Club leader.
"Just like your stock," Shinobi shot back.
"Touché," Amadeus smiled waving to the cheering crowds.
"Tone down the testosterone and wave," Amelia said through gritted teeth.
Magneto looked on his cabinet and at his people. Things were looking up for Genosha. Now all he needed was the allegiance of one more person. Then everything would be perfect.
Hopefully my offer will be made and my Fallen Angels will explain everything promptly. I have faith in them. They haven't failed me in this gathering of powers thus far.
Descending back to the podium Magneto gave one final pep talk, "Even now as we mourn the passing of two of Genosha's best their friends do the work of the future. They gave up attendance of this funeral to do the work that will make this country strong. We all must be willing to make similar sacrifices. Remember our past sufferings and let us build an unbreakable foundation from them."
Another cheer went up from the Genoshans and the caskets of Siena and Chance were carried off the platform by Exodus' telekinesis. As their caskets descend into the Genoshan crowd they part like the Red Sea to let Bennet lead the caskets to their burial place. It was a ten-minute walk and du Paris felt like every minute was an hour. Finally he made it to the base of the in construction Anya Tower. The two women would be buried right in front of the entrance.
"Rest in peace children. You deserve it," Exodus sighed as he let their caskets descend into the muddy holes made for them.
Total silence descended on the tiny island as two of its heroes were laid to rest.
Damocles Foundation Facility (Mexico City)
Dr. Eve Sando had moved up the ranks of the foundation ever since the deal she made with Genesis of SHIELD. She had been made head of the Foundation branch in Mexico, which was dealing primarily with the matter of investigating who this new character Abyss was. His name was being whispered in many underground circles and she had been personally assigned to find out whom he was.
Only an hour ago she had learned from her superiors that task was going to be thrown to the side. She was getting a new reassignment.
"So this is a your people called my people situation then," Eve said biting down on the pen and turning slightly from side to side in her black leather chair.
"Basically. Magneto is going to let the Damocles Foundation open up shop in Genosha," Meltdown said.
Eve sat down her pen and crossed her black stocking covered legs, "And as long as the research benefits Genosha we'll be given a sufficient amount of resources."
"Most definitely mommie! Consider me one of those resources," Tike smiled as he poked out his chest a little more, "The name is Anarchist."
"With a name like that I don't see how you could be a resource. Though you might prove me wrong," Eve grinned.
Having enough of the flirting Multiple Man cut in, "So when will you be ready to go? We're supposed to be your escorts."
"The illustrious Fallen Angels escorting me? I feel honored," Eve, said full of sarcasm.
Tabitha liked this woman less the more she talked, "Don't get too happy. We're known to hurt people's feelings."
Feral growled, "Basically she means hurry up and pack your damn bags!"
Eve rose up from her plush seat in seductive a manner as possible, "A woman like me has so many things to pack. Give me till tomorrow morning. Then I'll be ready."
"Good cuz we're leaving tomorrow morning with or without you," Meltdown warned.
"Oh I can see we're going to have an excellent working relationship," Eve laughed.
Next Issue: Gomi makes a shocking announcement and the Fallen Angels go recruiting.
Of course if you listen to Roberto he'll swear the only reason I was on the team was to sleep with whoever was the current leader. Lord, he could be such a complete ass. Of course I haven't been with contact with him at all since Magneto exiled him and Rictor from Genosha. Every time I think back to that situation I feel…I can't explain it. I just feel like taking a long nap. To be honest I really want to see how the two guys are doing, but Magneto would rip me a new one. I'm still not entirely sure how that whole deal went down. Part of me just knows Rictor is a wreck though. Shatterstar and him were very close.
Though in truth I can't worry about the problems of former members when the current team has plenty of their own issues to deal with. Feral is slipping closer and closer to being a damn uncontrollable animal. Anarchist is still having issues adjusting to Genosha's environment and our latest addition, Madrox, is hung up on some kids. Shit he's another Xavier in the making. I really don't know what I've gotten myself into. I'm leading Genosha's Fantastic Four right now. More like Genosha's dysfunctional borderline psychotic Fantastic Four.
Baron Zemo and his thugs fucked us up real good. We should have been ready for him. I can see about a dozen ways we could have been better prepared. We tagged one of their fuckers, but we lost Siena and Chance in the process. I can't explain how much that pisses me off. If it were up to me I'd track down Zemo and have a few plasma bombs form in his ball sack. The bastard doesn't deserve any better.
Maybe I'm not cut out for this leader thing. If Roberto had been here Siena and Chance probably wouldn't be dead right now. Instead the two gals got lousy old me and ended up dead for it. I would gladly handle the leadership over, but there's no else to take over. To avoid sounding like the Queen Bitch of the universe I'm just going to say my underlings all lack certain qualities necessary for leadership.
I should have put that leader to status to good use and got someone else to come to cold ass Russia instead of me. Doesn't Magneto realize a girl has her skin to worry about? I mean it's easy for Feral. The trick has enough fur to build a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Okay maybe not that much, but you get my point. Her skin condition is the last of her problems. Next time we gotta deal with cold shit Anarchist is the first one packing his bags.
Meltdown and Feral
"So if I may ask again ladies tell me more about this juicy offer," Mikhail smiled handing Feral a bowl of cold milk and Tabitha a large cup of hot chocolate. He preferred black coffee himself, but he would accommodate his guests as much as possible. He had shooed his men away to keep Feral and Meltdown feeling comfortable. Rasputin needed to know as many details as he could about Magneto's offer if it didn't reasonable. The more comfortable the two young women felt the more they would tell.
"It has to do with the attack Genosha recently suffered," Tabitha replied holding her large red cup delicately and taking a sip.
"Yes I heard about Hammer's attack and how Genosha did not fare well from it," Mikhail said somberly trying his best to make himself look empathic. He did feel for Genosha, but his way of showing emotion would not be one in which the girls would buy. He had to play to their expectations. Otherwise they wouldn't trust him.
Feral stopped licking her milk and slammed her fists on the rickety table, "It wasn't Hammer!"
"What?" Mikhail asked becoming both curious and confused. It had been all over television and radio when Justin Hammer publicly announced his attack on Genosha. If he hadn't attacked the island who did?
Realizing she had jumped the gun Maria quickly went back to licking up her milk and let Tabitha do the explaining, "It wasn't Hammer that hit Genosha. Baron Helmut Zemo has been and still is disguising himself as Justin Hammer. Zemo was the real culprit behind the destruction in Genosha."
Rasputin slumped in his seat letting the realization hit him head on, "Zemo…who would have ever guessed? Why didn't Magneto rip that Hitler worshipping scum in two?"
"Zemo came prepared. The guy's managed to turn a bunch of lame asses into weapons not to be fucked with."
"And how do I figure into all of this?" Mikhail asked wondering if Magneto wanted him to be part of some team to take the fight to Hammer. He'd be better off asking someone else if that was the case. As much as Rasputin sympathized with Magnus he had his own worries and his power to begin accumulating.
"Magneto wants to begin the rebuilding of Genosha. He wants to make it a country that people like Zemo won't be able to attack again. He's going to need help and so he's forming a cabinet. He wants you to be a part of it," Meltdown explained suddenly realizing her voice was full of pride as she said that mouthful. Could it be? Was she starting to think of Genosha as home?
Standing up from his seat Mikhail grinned, "I won't give you an answer yet. But take me to Genosha so I can speak with Magneto. Then we'll see if I decide to become a piece of Genosha's future."
Anarchist
Having just returned from a trip in the Netherlands the businessman felt glad to be back in his New York skyscraper. This is where Amadeus felt the most alive and the most in control. He had to admit that he had been feeling a little unsafe as of late. Being one of the most finically powerful members of the newly formed Heavenrain Club made him a target of the Hellfire Club constantly. In the past few months he's been shot at five times and nearly stabbed in broad daylight. On top of that he had made enemies of Exodus and the Exiles when he sent Colossus on a wild goose chase. Of course that mission also earned him the wrath of Mario DaVingi, one of the biggest mutant slave traders on the planet. DaVingi had only made veiled threats so far fortunately.
Sitting his black suitcase on his personally carved desk Amadeus opened it up to pull out some files when he realized his rolling leather chair was facing the desk. He always kept it facing the desk and as the possibilities crept into his mind cold fear gripped Amadeus. There was no telling how many booby traps could be set up in his office. A few obscenities escaped his throat as he wished he had provided himself with better security.
"Damn dog. Calm down. Ol' metal man was right when he said you'd be jumpy," a voice said as the chair swiveled around revealing a young African-American man with wildly colored hair. He was wearing black fatigues and a black sleeveless shirt. Red wrist length gloves and red laced black boots finished off his attire.
"Who are you? One of DaVingi's boys?" Amadeus asked nearly ready to reach for his gun.
"I know my ancestors sold each other into slavery, but damn that's a big assumption on your part. Look I'm here on behalf of Magneto," Tike said a bit annoyed as he folded his arms across his chest.
Just great that's worse than DaVingi! I'm sure Magneto isn't exactly happy with my company and me considering it was run by the man who bought back a guy who masqueraded around as Magneto for months. Deus I think our family just has a talent for pissing people off.
"What could Magneto possibly want with a humble businessman like myself?" Amadeus asked trying to not let his voice falter.
"Humble? Yea right brotha. You're the next best thing to Bill Gates. Don't try and fool me. Mags has an offer for you though. He's reorganizing his government and he wants to give you a cabinet position," Anarchist smiled mimicking applause silently.
"And what if I refuse?" Amadeus asked wanting to see what he could squeeze out of this strange young man.
"Go right ahead. But I already talked to Shinobi Shaw and he agreed to join the cabinet. You don't want the Hellfire Club getting in on Genosha's ground floor do you?" Anarchist asked knowing he had hooked Amadeus from the slack jaw look on his face.
"Fine I'll be in Gensoha tomorrow. Now get out of my office!" Amadeus yelled pointing to the door.
Holding up his hands in mock fear Anarchist walked out of the door and whistled coolly to himself. He couldn't help but to admire his own cunning. He had used the same trick on Shinobi when he approached him. Neither man had agreed to join the cabinet beforehand, but the fact they were in opposing organizations made it easy to play them off each other.
"My man you are one sly ass pimp," Anarchist boasted as he strolled down the hall with his hands in his pockets continuing to whistle away.
I don't know what Magneto was smoking when he divided up these assignments. I mean it should have been me going to Shaw and Amadeus. I'm a sexy lady. I could put the moves on them and have them like butter in my palm. What the hell is that Technicolor hair bastard going to do? Threaten to steal their wallets? Okay that was a little harsh, but c'mon you gotta see my point here. A lady's touch is needed to deal with businessmen. Not eyesores like Alicar. What did Magneto see in him that he didn't see in me?
Well, at least Magneto delved out one mission right. The mission he gave to himself cuz there's not a chance in hell I would ever approach that guy. The bastard held off the Avengers and X-Men solo in his early years and as a Horsemen held his own against both the X-Men Omega and X-Men Alpha teams. If power ever were made into a person he'd be it. I'd probably piss my pants trying to sneak up on him. If Mags manages to get him on our side I'll feel a lot safer in Genosha. Hell I don't think there's a person who wouldn't!
Magneto
Erik floated down towards the former Hulkbuster Base and with a wave of his hand ripped the roof wide open. Waiting there with a red telekinetic field around himself was Exodus. Bennet didn't look happy, but Magneto had expected that. They hadn't seen each other in quite some time and the both of them had been rather busy. Magneto with Genosha and Exodus with his Exiles, though it seemed Eric's task was still continuing while Exodus's team had left him.
"Explain yourself and make it quick before I send you to pay a visit to some dinosaurs!" Exodus yelled rising up to come face to face with Magneto.
Holding out his hand again the Master of Magnetism reassembled the roof as if he had never touched it at all, "Bennet I've come as a friend. I seek no conflict today."
"If you don't get offended I'll keep up the field anyway," Exodus replied.
"Of course. I wouldn't expect you to trust me. Don't think I've come here expecting you to come sniveling back to me like a dog. I see you've become your own person and I respect that. More than you know," Magneto said with an almost parental tone.
"Good because I'm not as foolish as I once was. I see you for what you are Magneto. A flawed man with flawed ideas," Exodus growled.
"Then help this flawed man with flawed ideas make Genosha perfect," Magneto implored.
The wind blew strong at that moment and sent Exodus's hair flying across his face. He had dropped his telekinetic field without even realizing it. As much as he hated to admit it part of him still felt comfortable around Magneto. Pushing the hair out of his face Bennet replied, "Why would you want me in Genosha? I'm not some power conduit you can use to keep the people in line!"
"My people were attacked by a madman! They look to me to bring peace to them! I can't do it alone. I'm forming a cabinet and I decided to personally approach you. I trust you Bennet and I see you almost as a son. I care for you and its not easy for me to admit that. Genosha needs you Bennet. Don't turn them down!"
Sighing Exodus smiled weakly, "You did always have a way with words Eric. Fine. I'll come with you. On one condition."
"Name it," Magneto returned the smile except his almost stretched the entirety of his face.
"I get to pick a new member for your Fallen Angels," Exodus replied.
"Agreed," Magneto said patting Bennet on the back, "I've seen your Exiles in action. I trust your judgment when it comes to mutants in combat."
"I'm sorry my team wasn't around when your were attacked. In fact I'm sorry I didn't come to Genosha the moment I heard Hammer make his proclamation," Exodus apologized.
"It wasn't Hammer that attacked Genosha. It was Zemo."
Exodus stopped dead in his tracks, "Zemo? As in Baron-
"Helmut Zemo. Yes the one and only. He made a buffoon out of me and killed so many. I would hunt him down personally if only it wasn't so risky to the people of Genosha."
"Why not send the Fallen Angels?"
"They've been reduced to four. They'd be no match for Zemo's troopers. And before you say it don't even think about trying to take the fight to Zemo on your own. You're immensely powerful. I'll give you that, but Zemo proved he's ready for those with great power," Magneto warned.
"Fine. Have you tried alerting the X-Men or Avengers? A group that could take care of Zemo."
Shaking his head Magneto said, "No one will believe me. I've already tried. Zemo has stacked his deck well. I intend to do the same now. Genosha will not be a victim any longer."
Grabbing Erik's shoulder and squeezing it slightly Exodus replied, "No it won't be Erik."
Genosha (A Week Later)
Magneto stepped up to the podium dressed in an Italian suit and his long white hair in a ponytail. A mass of Genoshans had gathered for the funerals of Siena Blaze and Chance. Erik had a sad smile on his face as he stepped up to the podium. He had never seen so many of his people gathered together in such a congregation. This would be both a sad and poignant moment in Genoshan history.
"My people we have suffered, but we will rise. They have attacked us, but we still stand. And they have even slain some of us, but I promise that justice will be ours. Today we commemorate the lives of these two women who selflessly gave themselves to this country. We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain by sinking into stagnation. No, this country will become stronger. Siena and Chance would want it that way. They would expect no less," Magneto said as he rose into the air.
Looking out into the awe filled crowd Magneto proclaimed, "This day our country will rise. I will no longer try to run things on my own. Look at those who were sitting beside me and you will see the new leaders of Genosha."
Gomi, Amadeus, Shinobi, Gamemaster, Amelia, Exodus, and Mikhail all had been seated on the platform overlooking the crowd of Genoshans with the Lord of Magnetism. The seven individuals made up the new cabinet of the Genoshan government. This was the first formal announcement of it and tomorrow Gomi as the Chief Ambassador would make the information known to the UN. Now though they all basked in the great cheer that went up from the people they were soon to govern.
"Don't get too full of yourself Shaw. Your hair might explode," Amadeus whispered as he leaned over to the Hellfire Club leader.
"Just like your stock," Shinobi shot back.
"Touché," Amadeus smiled waving to the cheering crowds.
"Tone down the testosterone and wave," Amelia said through gritted teeth.
Magneto looked on his cabinet and at his people. Things were looking up for Genosha. Now all he needed was the allegiance of one more person. Then everything would be perfect.
Hopefully my offer will be made and my Fallen Angels will explain everything promptly. I have faith in them. They haven't failed me in this gathering of powers thus far.
Descending back to the podium Magneto gave one final pep talk, "Even now as we mourn the passing of two of Genosha's best their friends do the work of the future. They gave up attendance of this funeral to do the work that will make this country strong. We all must be willing to make similar sacrifices. Remember our past sufferings and let us build an unbreakable foundation from them."
Another cheer went up from the Genoshans and the caskets of Siena and Chance were carried off the platform by Exodus' telekinesis. As their caskets descend into the Genoshan crowd they part like the Red Sea to let Bennet lead the caskets to their burial place. It was a ten-minute walk and du Paris felt like every minute was an hour. Finally he made it to the base of the in construction Anya Tower. The two women would be buried right in front of the entrance.
"Rest in peace children. You deserve it," Exodus sighed as he let their caskets descend into the muddy holes made for them.
Total silence descended on the tiny island as two of its heroes were laid to rest.
Damocles Foundation Facility (Mexico City)
Dr. Eve Sando had moved up the ranks of the foundation ever since the deal she made with Genesis of SHIELD. She had been made head of the Foundation branch in Mexico, which was dealing primarily with the matter of investigating who this new character Abyss was. His name was being whispered in many underground circles and she had been personally assigned to find out whom he was.
Only an hour ago she had learned from her superiors that task was going to be thrown to the side. She was getting a new reassignment.
"So this is a your people called my people situation then," Eve said biting down on the pen and turning slightly from side to side in her black leather chair.
"Basically. Magneto is going to let the Damocles Foundation open up shop in Genosha," Meltdown said.
Eve sat down her pen and crossed her black stocking covered legs, "And as long as the research benefits Genosha we'll be given a sufficient amount of resources."
"Most definitely mommie! Consider me one of those resources," Tike smiled as he poked out his chest a little more, "The name is Anarchist."
"With a name like that I don't see how you could be a resource. Though you might prove me wrong," Eve grinned.
Having enough of the flirting Multiple Man cut in, "So when will you be ready to go? We're supposed to be your escorts."
"The illustrious Fallen Angels escorting me? I feel honored," Eve, said full of sarcasm.
Tabitha liked this woman less the more she talked, "Don't get too happy. We're known to hurt people's feelings."
Feral growled, "Basically she means hurry up and pack your damn bags!"
Eve rose up from her plush seat in seductive a manner as possible, "A woman like me has so many things to pack. Give me till tomorrow morning. Then I'll be ready."
"Good cuz we're leaving tomorrow morning with or without you," Meltdown warned.
"Oh I can see we're going to have an excellent working relationship," Eve laughed.
Next Issue: Gomi makes a shocking announcement and the Fallen Angels go recruiting.