Back to Gatefold#29 - "New business Avenues - Part II"
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Meltdown wiped the sweat off of her forehead. She hated being stuck in the jungle. The last time she remembered being in this region was when Magneto had sent the Fallen Angels to rescue Maria Campo who really turned out to be Siena Blaze. The thought of Siena still pained Tabitha. It was one among many deaths that would always be on her mind. She can't say that she ever particularly cared for Siena in any significant way but she was an Angel. As long as she was leader of the Angels every death would hurt her. Now she was starting to understand the burden Sam and Roberto were feeling.
"How long you think we're going to be caught up in this shithole?" Multiple Man asked. All they had been doing thus far was sitting around and watching Porter's people load shit up. Huge boxes full of cocaine and whatever other drugs that the Vanisher was transporting. He would vanish for a few seconds and pop right back up to pick up the next shipment. This had been going on for the past few hours.
"We were assigned to guard duty so we'll just sit here till he gets done. Just think how long it would take if this was some norm crimelord and not Vanisher," Meltdown replied.
"Fine, you got a point there. Mana at least seems to be loving this place," Jamie said pointing behind him with his thumb.
Every breath for Mana was reinvigorating in this place. It was as if she was being given new life. All her imperfections, insecurities, and problems were being wiped away in this environment. Her powers seemed to want to reach out and touch everything here. It was so primal and wild that her powers ached to be used unlike in Genosha where her abilities seemed to despair under the metal towers and burnt out vehicles.
Anarchist envied Mana and her happiness as he was dripping in sweat from the tropical heat. He didn't know how or why Vanisher put up this weather all year long. The man had to really love the money. Breathing was like trying to take in entire clouds.
"I'm glad I can't sweat," Metallique teased as she placed a cool hand on Tike's shoulder.
"Ahh fuck you!" Anarchist replied.
Orphan looked back at the two with his nose curled up, "At least you can't smell every damn animal for a two mile-radius. I don't think I've ever smelt anything so foul."
"Well then I guess you haven't smelt yourselves. You're under arrest Genoshans!" X-Cutioner exclaimed as he teleported in the midst of the Fallen Angels.
The noise of choppers could be heard from a far and one of Vanisher's men yelled, "We've been found!!"
Vanisher smirked, "Don't worry. That's why we have Magneto's men here! Take out whoever they sent to finish me off!"
"Not a problem. Lets get to work Angels!" Meltdown commanded.
"I know you were probably expecting Magneto, but he is out of country at the moment. So as the next highest official I'll be escorting you to your place of stay on Genosha," Exodus said as floated alongside the stairway that Mystique and Forge walked as they exited the airplane.
"Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't Magneto meeting us," Forge said as he made it down the last couple of steps with his luggage.
"Allow me," Bennet said as he grabbed Forge and Mystique's luggage with his telekinesis, "I'd be lying if I said I wanted the two of you on this island, but the President wants better relations so dealing with SHIELD can provide that."
"Nice to see you too," Mystique replied snidely.
"Lets not pretend to like each other terrorist. I can respect Forge, but you are worthless in my sight," the Viceroy said coldly.
"Now what just a minute Bennet! If we're going to work together we need to squash all past beef right now!" Forge protested. It was bad enough having to deal with Alex and Raven. He couldn't imagine the problems that would exist between Mystique and Exodus.
Exodus scowled at the Cheyenne, "I am perfectly capable of working with those I have no love lost for. Just ask Sinister, but do not expect me to act nice towards a woman who was there to help my team fall apart."
Mystique laughed, "Your team was already falling apart long before I got there. You were unstable and didn't know where the hell you was leading them. Whatever happened to the Exiles happened because of you."
"You're lucky I'm a man of restraint now Mystique. A couple of years ago and I would have simply flung you into the Indian Ocean," Exodus reminded coolly as he continued to float along the air and carrying the luggage of the two SHIELD Liaisons.
"Could you at least TRY to be civil," Forge hissed under his breath.
"I am being civil Forge. Trust me," Mystique replied with just as much venom in her voice.
Meltdown kicked the SHIELD agent in the face and sent him tumbling across the dirt. Then with a wink she set off two of her plasma bombs that she had attached to the heels of two female SHIELD officers. The women were sent flying up into the air no worse for the wear until they collided with the hard dirt. Both women were knocked unconscious by the impact.
Orphan zoomed over to the two unconscious agents and took their energy weapons into both of his hands. Looking to Tabitha he said, "Thanks for the gifts."
"I figured I owed you since I missed your birthday," Meltdown joked.
Before Orphan had the power amount of time to reply he was suddenly under intense gunfire and he was forced to drop the weapons in order to avoid being hit. He moved through the hail of energy fire like LeMarc moved through the security system in Ocean's Twelve. He gracefully and carefully dodged each attack even though he seemed to be moving erratically and out of control.
He was able to dodge the blasts long enough for Metallique to knock out his attackers with a hammer shaped fist. She smiled at the purple-skinned mutant, "At least we know you can move."
Orphan didn't respond with a smile, but instead a look of dread. Metallique could tell that he was looking behind her, but it was too late. Brent Jackson prodded her with the electric stick and the electricity coursed through Jessica's body. The liquid metal female dropped to the ground unconscious and glowing slightly from the voltage that had just been sent through her body.
It was Brent Jackson's turn to smile, "Anyone else want some?" ________________________________________________________________________
Anarchist ducked the staff of X-Cutioner and sent a shot of acid into the knees of Denti. As the acid sizzled through the metal the agent of SHIELD smacked Tike in the head and sent him falling sideways into the ground. As he was falling to the ground Anarchist threw forth some more acidic sweat into X-Cutioner's chest plate.
Denti looked down at the burning armor and pressed a button on his staff that unleashed a spike. He drove the weapon into the Fallen Angels' shoulder and penned him to the ground. Looking down menacingly on the Genoshan soldier he said, "I think its time you take a nap."
Pressing another button caused electricity to course from the staff and into Anarchist. There was a scream and violent jerking as Anarchist slipped into painful unconsciousness.
"You can't jab all of us!" a collection of Madroxes said as they dogpiled X-Cutioner.
"No, but I have other ways of handling Genoshans," Denti replied coldly as a sonic wave erupted from his armor and bust the eardrums of all the Madroxes and knocked them out.
X-Cutioner couldn't express his pleasure at the remaining Fallen Angels being pushed into a corner by the SHIELD agents. They had proven themselves to be easier targets than expected. Denti was about to pick up his fallen staff when his armor completely locked up on him.
"Sorry Denti. This has to be done," Brent Jackson said as he entrapped X-Cutioner in liquid vibranium bubble, which he had dispensed from a tiny pen. The wonders of technology never ceased to amaze Jackson.
Shaking his head at the near defeated Fallen Angels the agent pulled out four black discs from his pocket and flung them into the air. The discs went about 20 feet into the air and froze themselves. Red light glowed in the center of the discs and rained down on the SHIELD agents. Jackson had pre-recorded his targets in the discs and now the agents were paying for it as the red light sent their nervous systems array and made them fly into unconsciousness.
After the assault was complete Brent Jackson had some very confused stares to deal with, "Don't look so surprised. I'm not with SHIELD."
"Then just who the hell are you with?" Meltdown asked with a clipped tone.
"X-Nation. I've been working undercover in SHIELD. We're trying to look out for the best interests of humanity and mutantkind. Recently, SHIELD has proven itself untrustworthy in that affair, but that's not the point. I'm here to warn you of a fox in your barn."
"We're listening," Tabitha replied as she sat down on one of the unconscious SHIELD agents.
"Dr. Eve Sando and the Damocles Foundation have more in mind for Genosha than you might think. You can't trust them."
"And why should we trust you? You attacked our friends!" Mana snapped.
Brent Jackson shrugged, "All a part of the show, but truthfully do you really think I would go through all this effort to lie to ya?"
"He's telling the truth. That much I can tell," Ever said.
"Ahh I knew someone would listen to reason, but trust me on this. X-Nation is looking out for mutantkind. Don't worry. Now go so I can do some mindwiping and make this look like a defeat," Brent Jackson smiled.
Meltdown popped a piece of gum as she got to her feet, "We'll be watching you Jackson and if you ain't on the level you're going to regret it."
Two Hours Later
"So this Brent Jackson character claims to have Genosha's best interests in mind?" Amelia asked Magneto over the image communication machine.
"Yes, from what Tabitha told me he seems to be genuine so I have an order for you and Exodus. Watch Sando closely until I return from Lichtenbad. Unfortunately, my address was postponed due to a train explosion," Magneto replied.
"Be careful Magneto. Someone might be trying to target you," Exodus warned.
"That much is to be expected Bennet. I lead the world's only mutant country. Being a pioneer has always carried its consequences I'm afraid," Magneto groaned.
"Just be careful sir. We don't need to lose a President so early in the game," Amelia said.
NEXT ISSUE: Genosha continues to build its power and just what deal do they cut with China!
"How long you think we're going to be caught up in this shithole?" Multiple Man asked. All they had been doing thus far was sitting around and watching Porter's people load shit up. Huge boxes full of cocaine and whatever other drugs that the Vanisher was transporting. He would vanish for a few seconds and pop right back up to pick up the next shipment. This had been going on for the past few hours.
"We were assigned to guard duty so we'll just sit here till he gets done. Just think how long it would take if this was some norm crimelord and not Vanisher," Meltdown replied.
"Fine, you got a point there. Mana at least seems to be loving this place," Jamie said pointing behind him with his thumb.
Every breath for Mana was reinvigorating in this place. It was as if she was being given new life. All her imperfections, insecurities, and problems were being wiped away in this environment. Her powers seemed to want to reach out and touch everything here. It was so primal and wild that her powers ached to be used unlike in Genosha where her abilities seemed to despair under the metal towers and burnt out vehicles.
Anarchist envied Mana and her happiness as he was dripping in sweat from the tropical heat. He didn't know how or why Vanisher put up this weather all year long. The man had to really love the money. Breathing was like trying to take in entire clouds.
"I'm glad I can't sweat," Metallique teased as she placed a cool hand on Tike's shoulder.
"Ahh fuck you!" Anarchist replied.
Orphan looked back at the two with his nose curled up, "At least you can't smell every damn animal for a two mile-radius. I don't think I've ever smelt anything so foul."
"Well then I guess you haven't smelt yourselves. You're under arrest Genoshans!" X-Cutioner exclaimed as he teleported in the midst of the Fallen Angels.
The noise of choppers could be heard from a far and one of Vanisher's men yelled, "We've been found!!"
Vanisher smirked, "Don't worry. That's why we have Magneto's men here! Take out whoever they sent to finish me off!"
"Not a problem. Lets get to work Angels!" Meltdown commanded.
"I know you were probably expecting Magneto, but he is out of country at the moment. So as the next highest official I'll be escorting you to your place of stay on Genosha," Exodus said as floated alongside the stairway that Mystique and Forge walked as they exited the airplane.
"Honestly, I'm glad it wasn't Magneto meeting us," Forge said as he made it down the last couple of steps with his luggage.
"Allow me," Bennet said as he grabbed Forge and Mystique's luggage with his telekinesis, "I'd be lying if I said I wanted the two of you on this island, but the President wants better relations so dealing with SHIELD can provide that."
"Nice to see you too," Mystique replied snidely.
"Lets not pretend to like each other terrorist. I can respect Forge, but you are worthless in my sight," the Viceroy said coldly.
"Now what just a minute Bennet! If we're going to work together we need to squash all past beef right now!" Forge protested. It was bad enough having to deal with Alex and Raven. He couldn't imagine the problems that would exist between Mystique and Exodus.
Exodus scowled at the Cheyenne, "I am perfectly capable of working with those I have no love lost for. Just ask Sinister, but do not expect me to act nice towards a woman who was there to help my team fall apart."
Mystique laughed, "Your team was already falling apart long before I got there. You were unstable and didn't know where the hell you was leading them. Whatever happened to the Exiles happened because of you."
"You're lucky I'm a man of restraint now Mystique. A couple of years ago and I would have simply flung you into the Indian Ocean," Exodus reminded coolly as he continued to float along the air and carrying the luggage of the two SHIELD Liaisons.
"Could you at least TRY to be civil," Forge hissed under his breath.
"I am being civil Forge. Trust me," Mystique replied with just as much venom in her voice.
Meltdown kicked the SHIELD agent in the face and sent him tumbling across the dirt. Then with a wink she set off two of her plasma bombs that she had attached to the heels of two female SHIELD officers. The women were sent flying up into the air no worse for the wear until they collided with the hard dirt. Both women were knocked unconscious by the impact.
Orphan zoomed over to the two unconscious agents and took their energy weapons into both of his hands. Looking to Tabitha he said, "Thanks for the gifts."
"I figured I owed you since I missed your birthday," Meltdown joked.
Before Orphan had the power amount of time to reply he was suddenly under intense gunfire and he was forced to drop the weapons in order to avoid being hit. He moved through the hail of energy fire like LeMarc moved through the security system in Ocean's Twelve. He gracefully and carefully dodged each attack even though he seemed to be moving erratically and out of control.
He was able to dodge the blasts long enough for Metallique to knock out his attackers with a hammer shaped fist. She smiled at the purple-skinned mutant, "At least we know you can move."
Orphan didn't respond with a smile, but instead a look of dread. Metallique could tell that he was looking behind her, but it was too late. Brent Jackson prodded her with the electric stick and the electricity coursed through Jessica's body. The liquid metal female dropped to the ground unconscious and glowing slightly from the voltage that had just been sent through her body.
It was Brent Jackson's turn to smile, "Anyone else want some?" ________________________________________________________________________
Anarchist ducked the staff of X-Cutioner and sent a shot of acid into the knees of Denti. As the acid sizzled through the metal the agent of SHIELD smacked Tike in the head and sent him falling sideways into the ground. As he was falling to the ground Anarchist threw forth some more acidic sweat into X-Cutioner's chest plate.
Denti looked down at the burning armor and pressed a button on his staff that unleashed a spike. He drove the weapon into the Fallen Angels' shoulder and penned him to the ground. Looking down menacingly on the Genoshan soldier he said, "I think its time you take a nap."
Pressing another button caused electricity to course from the staff and into Anarchist. There was a scream and violent jerking as Anarchist slipped into painful unconsciousness.
"You can't jab all of us!" a collection of Madroxes said as they dogpiled X-Cutioner.
"No, but I have other ways of handling Genoshans," Denti replied coldly as a sonic wave erupted from his armor and bust the eardrums of all the Madroxes and knocked them out.
X-Cutioner couldn't express his pleasure at the remaining Fallen Angels being pushed into a corner by the SHIELD agents. They had proven themselves to be easier targets than expected. Denti was about to pick up his fallen staff when his armor completely locked up on him.
"Sorry Denti. This has to be done," Brent Jackson said as he entrapped X-Cutioner in liquid vibranium bubble, which he had dispensed from a tiny pen. The wonders of technology never ceased to amaze Jackson.
Shaking his head at the near defeated Fallen Angels the agent pulled out four black discs from his pocket and flung them into the air. The discs went about 20 feet into the air and froze themselves. Red light glowed in the center of the discs and rained down on the SHIELD agents. Jackson had pre-recorded his targets in the discs and now the agents were paying for it as the red light sent their nervous systems array and made them fly into unconsciousness.
After the assault was complete Brent Jackson had some very confused stares to deal with, "Don't look so surprised. I'm not with SHIELD."
"Then just who the hell are you with?" Meltdown asked with a clipped tone.
"X-Nation. I've been working undercover in SHIELD. We're trying to look out for the best interests of humanity and mutantkind. Recently, SHIELD has proven itself untrustworthy in that affair, but that's not the point. I'm here to warn you of a fox in your barn."
"We're listening," Tabitha replied as she sat down on one of the unconscious SHIELD agents.
"Dr. Eve Sando and the Damocles Foundation have more in mind for Genosha than you might think. You can't trust them."
"And why should we trust you? You attacked our friends!" Mana snapped.
Brent Jackson shrugged, "All a part of the show, but truthfully do you really think I would go through all this effort to lie to ya?"
"He's telling the truth. That much I can tell," Ever said.
"Ahh I knew someone would listen to reason, but trust me on this. X-Nation is looking out for mutantkind. Don't worry. Now go so I can do some mindwiping and make this look like a defeat," Brent Jackson smiled.
Meltdown popped a piece of gum as she got to her feet, "We'll be watching you Jackson and if you ain't on the level you're going to regret it."
Two Hours Later
"So this Brent Jackson character claims to have Genosha's best interests in mind?" Amelia asked Magneto over the image communication machine.
"Yes, from what Tabitha told me he seems to be genuine so I have an order for you and Exodus. Watch Sando closely until I return from Lichtenbad. Unfortunately, my address was postponed due to a train explosion," Magneto replied.
"Be careful Magneto. Someone might be trying to target you," Exodus warned.
"That much is to be expected Bennet. I lead the world's only mutant country. Being a pioneer has always carried its consequences I'm afraid," Magneto groaned.
"Just be careful sir. We don't need to lose a President so early in the game," Amelia said.
NEXT ISSUE: Genosha continues to build its power and just what deal do they cut with China!