Back to Gatefold#28 - "New Business Avenues - Part I"
|
Magneto was going to have one last meeting with his cabinet before he headed off for Lichtenbad. Shinobi claimed to have something important that he wanted to discuss with all of them, so Magneto had called the Cabinet together. The younger Shaw didn't command half the presence his father did, but he did have all of Sebastian's charm. Serving as President of Genosha meant having to deal with all of these meetings and protocols. He was trying to establish a legitimate government and every legitimate government was held down with meetings and paper. Magneto of course would keep it all to a minimum, but it was a necessary evil to keep Genosha safe and powerful.
Since Magneto was the last to enter the room he closed the doors behind him, but of course he didn't use his hands. With his always-powerful magnetic abilities he slammed the door shut. Looking at the Cabinet he was once again proud of the collection he had sent his Fallen Angels out to assemble. Ever since the situation with China he had been picking up on the tension that was developing between the officials. Magneto didn't need Charles to see that. Every great empire had rough beginnings and he was sure that things would work out in the end. If not then he'd make it work.
"Welcome. Today Shinobi Shaw has something to discuss with all of us. Keep an open mind in all respects," Magneto said as he sat down and directed a hand to Shinobi indicating him to speak.
Tugging at his tie Shinobi smiled like the millionaire child he was, "Thank you Mr. President. I've been thinking of ways to get Genosha more money as acting Minister of Finance. As such I have invited a guest here today to help me explain my point further."
There was a brief silence and a slight pop as Vanisher made his presence known to the entire cabinet. If anyone was surprised by his presence they didn't let it be known. Exodus and Amelia kept cool expressions while Rasputin and Amadeus seemed greatly intrigued at what Vanisher might have to bring to the table. Magneto was no fool. He knew that Mr. Porter was a drug smuggler and was associated with the Hellfire Club that was based out of Chicago. As President he would allow Vanisher his time to speak no matter what it was he had to say.
"Glad to be here. Especially in the company of such great mutants," Vanisher said not getting a response to his compliment. So he continued on, "Shinobi has asked me to come to you today and propose an offer that will bring a major money flow into Genosha. There has never been a great gateway that went directly from Africa to Asia."
Rasputin got a feeling where Vanisher was going and smiled like a Cheshire cat, "And with that said I think Genosha would serve as the perfect gateway. Drugs are a human problem my friends. Channeling them through this country would do no harm to its citizens and the money earned from it would be phenomenal."
"How much money are we talking?" Mikhail asked.
"I'm willing to give Genosha 60% of profits. That's how confident I am that this will be a major money making venture," Vanisher replied.
Exodus laughed, "This is insane. Do you honestly think any of us could possibly accept this?"
"Why not? Like he said drugs are a human problem after all."
"Dr. Sando I know you don't believe that! Lets not forget that we aren't all that above humans," Amelia reminded.
"I have faith in my citizens to not fall to such weakness. We'll take this to a Cabinet vote. I shall be excluded from this vote. All those in favor of Vanisher's proposal raise your hands now," Magneto ordered.
Mikhail raised his hand along with Shinobi obviously. Dr. Sando and Gamemaster both raised their hand as well. There was no need to see who was against it. Exodus, Amelia, and Amadeus were outnumbered and Amadeus would have voted in favor of the plan if not for his dislike of Shinobi. It was just principle to vote against that man.
Magneto nodded his head, "The decision has been made. The Cabinet has spoken. Upon my return from Lichtenbad we will discuss the details further. I want this project to begin as soon as possible. Are there any immediate needs that need to be addressed?"
"Magneto if you would be so kind as to allow some of the Angels to accompany Vanisher on a major delivery as a show of good faith. It would be greatly appreciated," Shaw said.
"Your request is granted. The Angels could use some activity after the China debacle."
Exodus scowled at Magnus, but knew that he would have to approach Magneto in person and alone to really be able to express his opinions to him. He'd more than likely have to wait until after he came back from Lichtenbad. Maybe he could convince the President to allow him to accompany him to the European country. Then they could have some productive dialogue and turn this country back from the terrible path it had just taken.
Dr. Sando saw the anger written all over Exodus' face. He was a man of principle; well at least he was now. She was sure something of the old Exodus lied underneath this new one. Maybe in enough time she'd be able to get it out of him. Her superiors would enjoy that and it would make things in Genosha a lot easier for her at the end of the day.
Rising up from his seat Magneto said, "If there is nothing else I have one more thing to address before heading to Lichtenbad. Upon my return we will have work to get to."
Magneto was looking at the view of Genosha and had his hands tied around his back when Meltdown entered quiet as a mouse. Nonetheless Magnus knew she was there and said, "Running a bit late aren't we? Leaders must be punctual."
There was no way Tabitha was going to tell the President that she took too long shaving her legs so she simply chose to remain silent. The more time she spent with magneto the more he reminded her of the long dead Xavier. It had been after his funeral that Magneto had first approached her and the original Fallen Angels. That had seemed so long ago for Tabitha. Since that time she had lost five of her teammates. Two to banishment and three to death. As long as she was leader that would never happen. Not ever.
"Meltdown, I see great potential for you my child. Many challenges lie ahead for you. One of which I'm about to present to you," Magnus said turning to face the leader of his elite squadron.
Tabitha gulped at what the President had just said. What the hell could he possibly be talking about? She was flattened that he had confidence in her, but that dint' mean she felt like taking on Dr. Doom. So it was with great apprehension that she waited to see what Magneto had to say.
"You're going to be having a new member added to your ranks and there might be more to come in the future. I want the Fallen Angels to be Genosha's Avengers in a sense and that will require power. That is why Volcana will be joining the Fallen Angels," Magneto explained quite poorly in the eyes of a shocked and disgusted Tabitha.
Barely able to hide her anger Tabitha said, "You mean the woman who helped Zemo attack us? You actually want me to have her on my team?!! What the hell are you thinking Magneto!!"
Magneto's face snarled up at Meltdown's response, "You would do well to watch your tone with me young lady! Volcana is a tool and a damn useful one. I have her by the throat and I will take the fullest advantage of her. My poetic justice should not be lost on you Tabitha. Volcana can help us."
"There is no justice in her working for us. Whatever happened to the vengeful Magneto? The one that would sink submarines and not think twice about it! Did he go and hide after Zemo?"
The President's face seemed to grow angrier, but quickly softened, "My child Volcana might save one of your teammates from dying. If she saves Madrox, Anarchist, or Feral does her past even matter? I want my Fallen Angels strong, but I also want them alive. Understand this please."
Tabitha took a deep breath, "Fine. I'll take her. Just don't try to add Squirrel Girl to the team or something. So is that all because I really have to pee!"
She got a smile out of Magneto. Tabitha had been hoping for a laugh, but a smile was good enough, "One last thing. Be mindful of how you act towards the Cabinet members. I don't want tension floating through the air," Magneto said. Tabitha knew that he was referring to her little clash with Mikhail in China. The bastard shouldn't have tried to grab her for one thing and secondly he needed to show her the proper amount of respect. He might have pushed Ever around, that wasn't going to be the case with her.
"Do you think everything will go over well in Lichtenbad?" Ever asked his former leader.
Exodus' mind was still on the Cabinet meeting from earlier this morning so he was slow to answer the former Morlock, "I hope everything goes over alright. We need to strengthen our international image after the China incident. The countries of the world are just itching for a chance to come after us. The Lichtenbad address should help in that affair."
"I'll make sure that Magneto is protected. No one will get to him," Ever promised. With the back up of the 1st GMS he'd be able to better protect the President. He knew Magneto was a man that was entirely capable of taking care of himself, but the privilege of acting as one of his bodyguards was one he took pride in.
Exodus smiled, "I helped in your training Ever. I know your worth."
"Can you believe we're on this island? I never expected myself to be here. After the Exiles fell apart I really didn't know where to go," Ever said solemnly.
"That no longer matters. What matters is the present. Protect Magneto. If we're lucky I just might be able to accompany you," Exodus replied.
"Lets hope. I'm not sure if I could handle working with anymore of those Sando created soldiers. They make me uneasy."
Volcana laid down on the cool metal table in her bra and a pair of black underwear. She never saw herself as having a supermodel body so she was a bit uncomfortable laying out on some examining table with barely anything on, but if Magneto was really going to keep good on her promise then she'd be a brand new person. As much as she hated to admit it if there was anybody who could protect her from Hammer it would be Magneto. When Feral came barreling into her tore down apartment Marsha was pretty sure that things were over for her. How in the world this ended up being a new chance was something that still had her baffled. In the end though things had worked out in her favor. Hopefully, they continued going that way.
The clicking of high heels bought Marsha's attention back to the real world. Dr. Sando was Rosyln Sanchez with a bit more of a sassy thrown in. She was a beautiful woman and wasn't afraid to show it. Her short red skirt and very high red heels was enough to intimidate even the biggest of playboys.
"You ready to get this operation started honey?" Eve asked.
"Anytime. I have no intention of looking like this with Hammer running around," Volcana replied.
"You don't have too. We're going to make you over something spectacular."
"So you figure out a new name for me?"
"I came up with Rose Synder. How does that sound?"
Volcana laughed, "Works for me. I don't think I could have went on with the name Marsha for long anyway. You wouldn't believe the jokes!"
Moving her hands to a table next to Volcana the Head of Genetic Operations pulled out a syringe, "This won't hurt a bit."
Marsha closed her eyes as the syringe moved over her body and hoped for a new, better future.
Since Magneto was the last to enter the room he closed the doors behind him, but of course he didn't use his hands. With his always-powerful magnetic abilities he slammed the door shut. Looking at the Cabinet he was once again proud of the collection he had sent his Fallen Angels out to assemble. Ever since the situation with China he had been picking up on the tension that was developing between the officials. Magneto didn't need Charles to see that. Every great empire had rough beginnings and he was sure that things would work out in the end. If not then he'd make it work.
"Welcome. Today Shinobi Shaw has something to discuss with all of us. Keep an open mind in all respects," Magneto said as he sat down and directed a hand to Shinobi indicating him to speak.
Tugging at his tie Shinobi smiled like the millionaire child he was, "Thank you Mr. President. I've been thinking of ways to get Genosha more money as acting Minister of Finance. As such I have invited a guest here today to help me explain my point further."
There was a brief silence and a slight pop as Vanisher made his presence known to the entire cabinet. If anyone was surprised by his presence they didn't let it be known. Exodus and Amelia kept cool expressions while Rasputin and Amadeus seemed greatly intrigued at what Vanisher might have to bring to the table. Magneto was no fool. He knew that Mr. Porter was a drug smuggler and was associated with the Hellfire Club that was based out of Chicago. As President he would allow Vanisher his time to speak no matter what it was he had to say.
"Glad to be here. Especially in the company of such great mutants," Vanisher said not getting a response to his compliment. So he continued on, "Shinobi has asked me to come to you today and propose an offer that will bring a major money flow into Genosha. There has never been a great gateway that went directly from Africa to Asia."
Rasputin got a feeling where Vanisher was going and smiled like a Cheshire cat, "And with that said I think Genosha would serve as the perfect gateway. Drugs are a human problem my friends. Channeling them through this country would do no harm to its citizens and the money earned from it would be phenomenal."
"How much money are we talking?" Mikhail asked.
"I'm willing to give Genosha 60% of profits. That's how confident I am that this will be a major money making venture," Vanisher replied.
Exodus laughed, "This is insane. Do you honestly think any of us could possibly accept this?"
"Why not? Like he said drugs are a human problem after all."
"Dr. Sando I know you don't believe that! Lets not forget that we aren't all that above humans," Amelia reminded.
"I have faith in my citizens to not fall to such weakness. We'll take this to a Cabinet vote. I shall be excluded from this vote. All those in favor of Vanisher's proposal raise your hands now," Magneto ordered.
Mikhail raised his hand along with Shinobi obviously. Dr. Sando and Gamemaster both raised their hand as well. There was no need to see who was against it. Exodus, Amelia, and Amadeus were outnumbered and Amadeus would have voted in favor of the plan if not for his dislike of Shinobi. It was just principle to vote against that man.
Magneto nodded his head, "The decision has been made. The Cabinet has spoken. Upon my return from Lichtenbad we will discuss the details further. I want this project to begin as soon as possible. Are there any immediate needs that need to be addressed?"
"Magneto if you would be so kind as to allow some of the Angels to accompany Vanisher on a major delivery as a show of good faith. It would be greatly appreciated," Shaw said.
"Your request is granted. The Angels could use some activity after the China debacle."
Exodus scowled at Magnus, but knew that he would have to approach Magneto in person and alone to really be able to express his opinions to him. He'd more than likely have to wait until after he came back from Lichtenbad. Maybe he could convince the President to allow him to accompany him to the European country. Then they could have some productive dialogue and turn this country back from the terrible path it had just taken.
Dr. Sando saw the anger written all over Exodus' face. He was a man of principle; well at least he was now. She was sure something of the old Exodus lied underneath this new one. Maybe in enough time she'd be able to get it out of him. Her superiors would enjoy that and it would make things in Genosha a lot easier for her at the end of the day.
Rising up from his seat Magneto said, "If there is nothing else I have one more thing to address before heading to Lichtenbad. Upon my return we will have work to get to."
Magneto was looking at the view of Genosha and had his hands tied around his back when Meltdown entered quiet as a mouse. Nonetheless Magnus knew she was there and said, "Running a bit late aren't we? Leaders must be punctual."
There was no way Tabitha was going to tell the President that she took too long shaving her legs so she simply chose to remain silent. The more time she spent with magneto the more he reminded her of the long dead Xavier. It had been after his funeral that Magneto had first approached her and the original Fallen Angels. That had seemed so long ago for Tabitha. Since that time she had lost five of her teammates. Two to banishment and three to death. As long as she was leader that would never happen. Not ever.
"Meltdown, I see great potential for you my child. Many challenges lie ahead for you. One of which I'm about to present to you," Magnus said turning to face the leader of his elite squadron.
Tabitha gulped at what the President had just said. What the hell could he possibly be talking about? She was flattened that he had confidence in her, but that dint' mean she felt like taking on Dr. Doom. So it was with great apprehension that she waited to see what Magneto had to say.
"You're going to be having a new member added to your ranks and there might be more to come in the future. I want the Fallen Angels to be Genosha's Avengers in a sense and that will require power. That is why Volcana will be joining the Fallen Angels," Magneto explained quite poorly in the eyes of a shocked and disgusted Tabitha.
Barely able to hide her anger Tabitha said, "You mean the woman who helped Zemo attack us? You actually want me to have her on my team?!! What the hell are you thinking Magneto!!"
Magneto's face snarled up at Meltdown's response, "You would do well to watch your tone with me young lady! Volcana is a tool and a damn useful one. I have her by the throat and I will take the fullest advantage of her. My poetic justice should not be lost on you Tabitha. Volcana can help us."
"There is no justice in her working for us. Whatever happened to the vengeful Magneto? The one that would sink submarines and not think twice about it! Did he go and hide after Zemo?"
The President's face seemed to grow angrier, but quickly softened, "My child Volcana might save one of your teammates from dying. If she saves Madrox, Anarchist, or Feral does her past even matter? I want my Fallen Angels strong, but I also want them alive. Understand this please."
Tabitha took a deep breath, "Fine. I'll take her. Just don't try to add Squirrel Girl to the team or something. So is that all because I really have to pee!"
She got a smile out of Magneto. Tabitha had been hoping for a laugh, but a smile was good enough, "One last thing. Be mindful of how you act towards the Cabinet members. I don't want tension floating through the air," Magneto said. Tabitha knew that he was referring to her little clash with Mikhail in China. The bastard shouldn't have tried to grab her for one thing and secondly he needed to show her the proper amount of respect. He might have pushed Ever around, that wasn't going to be the case with her.
"Do you think everything will go over well in Lichtenbad?" Ever asked his former leader.
Exodus' mind was still on the Cabinet meeting from earlier this morning so he was slow to answer the former Morlock, "I hope everything goes over alright. We need to strengthen our international image after the China incident. The countries of the world are just itching for a chance to come after us. The Lichtenbad address should help in that affair."
"I'll make sure that Magneto is protected. No one will get to him," Ever promised. With the back up of the 1st GMS he'd be able to better protect the President. He knew Magneto was a man that was entirely capable of taking care of himself, but the privilege of acting as one of his bodyguards was one he took pride in.
Exodus smiled, "I helped in your training Ever. I know your worth."
"Can you believe we're on this island? I never expected myself to be here. After the Exiles fell apart I really didn't know where to go," Ever said solemnly.
"That no longer matters. What matters is the present. Protect Magneto. If we're lucky I just might be able to accompany you," Exodus replied.
"Lets hope. I'm not sure if I could handle working with anymore of those Sando created soldiers. They make me uneasy."
Volcana laid down on the cool metal table in her bra and a pair of black underwear. She never saw herself as having a supermodel body so she was a bit uncomfortable laying out on some examining table with barely anything on, but if Magneto was really going to keep good on her promise then she'd be a brand new person. As much as she hated to admit it if there was anybody who could protect her from Hammer it would be Magneto. When Feral came barreling into her tore down apartment Marsha was pretty sure that things were over for her. How in the world this ended up being a new chance was something that still had her baffled. In the end though things had worked out in her favor. Hopefully, they continued going that way.
The clicking of high heels bought Marsha's attention back to the real world. Dr. Sando was Rosyln Sanchez with a bit more of a sassy thrown in. She was a beautiful woman and wasn't afraid to show it. Her short red skirt and very high red heels was enough to intimidate even the biggest of playboys.
"You ready to get this operation started honey?" Eve asked.
"Anytime. I have no intention of looking like this with Hammer running around," Volcana replied.
"You don't have too. We're going to make you over something spectacular."
"So you figure out a new name for me?"
"I came up with Rose Synder. How does that sound?"
Volcana laughed, "Works for me. I don't think I could have went on with the name Marsha for long anyway. You wouldn't believe the jokes!"
Moving her hands to a table next to Volcana the Head of Genetic Operations pulled out a syringe, "This won't hurt a bit."
Marsha closed her eyes as the syringe moved over her body and hoped for a new, better future.