Back to Gatefold#32 - "Opus Insert - Part I"
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Ever looked over the ledge and was able to catch the sun setting. Despite it’s reputation, Genosha was really a beautiful island. You just had to cut through all the strife to see it. Unfortunately, the former Gene National had a feeling that more strife was on the way.
<So they want me to lead that many mutants?>
<Yes, but I have reasons to suspect their decision.>
Ever was put off by that statement. Exodus was still treating him like a student and not an equal.
<Do you not think that I could handle it?>
<No Ever, that’s not it at all. I just know Rasputin is up to something. Ever since his mind was poisoned by Onset he’s had it out for you. I don’t doubt your ability in the slightest, but I am concerned.>
He believed Exodus and he did have a point about Mikhail. The man had been a bane to his existence for quite some time. Ever had a hard time hating the man, though. He was a good person who had just been plagued by dark influences. In truth, Ever owed his survival in the dangerous world of mutants to Mikhail’s ruthless training in The Hill.
<Sympathize for him, but don’t let that sympathy cloud you to what he’s become now.>
<Sometimes, I would appreciate it if you took up that Xavier motto and didn’t pick around in my head.>
<Then having me for a tutor wouldn’t be quite as fun, now would it?>
Ever rolled his eyes. <Lets not beat our back too hard.>
<Well, I must be doing something right. Look at the offer you just received. So have you decided what your answer will be?>
<That’s why I was trying to get some alone time, but to be honest, I don’t know. I would prefer for you to be there with me when I speak to Magneto. Where are you, by the way?>
<Headed to the old base. I do believe Mutant Forger and Osman are awakening from their comas.>
That was some of the best news Ever had heard in a while. He had grown close to Mutant Forger and Osman during his time with the Exiles. When the two of them fell in combat against Onset and Ramses Xavier it hurt Ever a great deal that he wasn’t able to help them. Exodus had seemed the most affected as he disbanded the team and threw himself into isolation. Of all the people to pull him out of a fit, Ever would never have said Magneto, but the world always kept you on your toes that way.
<If they are up give them my regards and get their asses over here ASAP!>
<Believe me, there is no place I would rather have them.>
<So, just what did Fontanelle tell you?>
<Seems I’m not the only snooping telepath.>
<Learned from the best.>
<You don’t need to tell me that!>
Ever laughed. <Just bring back our friends unharmed, huh?>
Eve pushed open the door to the boardroom gently and she stepped into a room of complete darkness. She had done so without thinking and when she tried to reach back and open the door, she was unable. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she hoped this was all only some silly test that the board was conducting.
“Hello? Is anyone there? Odysseus?” Sando asked as she searched for her cell phone within her purse. Having even the slightest bit of illumination would help calm her nerves.
Before she could find the cell phone a bright light shined down in the middle of the board table. Under the spotlight was a sinister looking man with shadow colored skin. No facial features could be made out on the intruder, except for his ghostly white eyes. A tattered blue cloak hung around his body. Sando looked at the man’s spiked hair and said, “I know a hairdresser that could do wonders for you.”
With that comment the boardroom became fully illuminated and Eve nearly gagged at the sight before her. All of the members of the board were seated in their individual chairs and had large gaping holes in their chests. Sando had always had a healthy amount of fear for the collection of Deviants and mutants that made up that board. Apparently, this man had none of that.
“Comments like those will have you in their state.”
“And why am I being kept alive anyway?”
She received her answer bluntly. “You’re useful. Nothing more.”
The man’s voice was like listening to sickening, overwhelming dirge. It frightened Eve with its haunting power. She was thanking every religious deity that she could think of for being of us to this man. Despite her cool exterior she was trembling like a scared child on the inside. The image of her mangled colleagues was etched thoroughly in her mind.
“Who are you?” Dr. Sando finally managed to ask. She honestly would have preferred silence but this situation was too tense for that. Eve knew her head wasn’t going to rolling across the floor, but this man didn’t look like he was very patient.
“I am Abyss and your work is well-known to me, Dr. Sando.”
“So I’m guessing this is where my usefulness comes in?”
“Yes. That and your influence in Genoshan politics.”
Sando had a feeling Genosha played a part in all of this. Being there had made her genetic operations know worldwide. She had relieved calls from nearly every European nation to do work for them. But she never figured that she would catch the attention of the elusive Abyss. The man had tried to assassinate her boss in Genosha and had slaughtered her superiors in America.
“Do not think you have a choice in this. You don’t! Not in the slightest. You are mine’s now and there is no way to escape this fate. Scream in frustration if you like. It’s all I will allow you.”
Roberto and his top allies had convened in large mansion in the San Marco countryside at the onset of the mutant rebellion in the tropical country. For a while, Roberto had his fill of war on Genosha. The Magistrate riots still stuck firm in the young man’s mind. The memories of those riots were why Sunspot allowed himself to be drawn into the politics of San Marco. He would not see the slaughter of Genosha happen anywhere else.
Within a matter of hours, Sunpsot had been able to quell the mutant rebellion’s oppressors. Never did he imagine that he would be made President of the country because of it. Surprisingly, the people of San Marco were sympathetic to the mutant plight bought on by the government.
“Do you feel it, Roberto?” Elias Bogan, Sunspot’s biggest ally, asked. “The air is energized with the hope of change. Change we need to take hold of.”
Sunspot sighed. “Why am I here, Bogan? What purpose do I serve in your schemes?”
“You’ve seen what a mutant led country should not be. Hopefully, you’ll use that experience and be different from Magneto,” Elias replied, his last word holding a bit of venom in it.
Sunspot glared resentfully at Elias. “Don’t try to use my disdain for Magneto to manipulate me.”
Elias pretended to be wounded by the comment. “I would do no such thing Roberto, but let’s not kid ourselves here. Magneto won’t let you sit in such a seat of power for long. He pretends to have changed, but Magneto’s pride comes first and foremost. He’ll come for you eventually.”
Sunspot rolled his eyes. “Then let him come. You and your organization are suppose to be packing power, right? Or do you not trust them to defend me from Magneto?”
Bogan chuckled. Sunspot hated his laugh. The man already looked like an out and out deceiver. His skin was jet black, his eyes glowing orange and full of mischievous intent. Every time he smiled it seemed like a hundred thoughts were poured into that smile. “We will be fine, Roberto, but I just want you to be aware of the realities facing us. Genosha will not let San Marco be ruled by your hand for long.”
“Be careful Elias,” Selene warned as she seductively walked into the room. “You might frighten the boy with all this big, bad Genoshan mumbo jumbo.”
Sunspot groaned at the sight of the woman. “I would hope that you would make the effort not to see me.”
“Such nastiness. I thought old friends greeted each other in a more civilized manner.”
The thought of Selene considering him a friend made Sunspot’s stomach turn. The woman was as treacherous as they came and her deceit had been sculpted to perfection throughout the ages. She was a friend only to darkness.
Clearing his throat, Elias said, “Well, that was a lovely reunion. Selene and I will leave you to your thoughts, Roberto. Just remember we have a press conference tonight. It’s time to let the world know of San Marco’s new destiny.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Roberto said sarcastically.
Exodus made his way down the hallway towards the infirmary room where Osman and Mutant Forger awaited him, hopefully. Bennet could have simply teleported himself into the room, but something compelled him from doing it. Besides, it would probably not startle them as much if he walked into the room as opposed to teleporting into it.
The closer he got to the door the more Exodus felt an ominous sensation grip his chest. Something was wrong. He couldn’t put his finger on what. Walking a little faster, he came upon the windows of the infirmary and found them to be black.
What is going on here, Exodus thought to himself as he tried to reach out with his telepathy to see if Osman and Mutant Forger were in good health. He didn’t get any response. Either someone was blocking his powers or they were simply gone. Now he began to run and he snatched open the door.
The sight in the room startled him. Mutant Forger was floating in the air with an unconscious Osman in his grip. The Viceroy was stunned for just a moment, but he quickly erected a telekinetic barrier around himself.
“What are you doing Forger?! Put him down!”
“Forger? That pathetic fool is no more! There is only Ragnarok now,” the floating mutant said as his mind suddenly connected with Exodus’. The pathway between them was only maintained for a few brief moments, but it was enough to enliven Exodus with all the information he needed to know.
With a deep scowl born of regret and hatred, Exodus said, “Let Osman go, you fiend. Let him go now!”
Ragnarok tossed Osman to the ground and laughed arrogantly. “You can have the fool! It’ll make my chase all the more interesting.”
After that proclamation, Ragnarok took a bow and was gone. Exodus quickly ran to the body of Osman and cradled it in his arms. With a sigh he said, “What has been unleashed upon this world?”
Glance was happy to finally have a new set of duds. He knew that when he agreed to come to Genohsa he would be getting some benefits. A custom made uniform was a good way to start that off. His attire consisted of a sleeveless black shirt, fingerless black gloves, and black fatigues trimmed in pink. Two royal blue strips ran down the center of his shirt and split to travel down the side of his pants. He no longer felt like the ragtag he was under Cortez. Being here in Genosha made him feel like he was part of something important. With Sinister, he was an expendable experiment. With Cortez, he was an aimless warrior. In Genosha, there was a sense of direction that Glance had never had in his life.
Babylon was feeling the same way that his companion was. He wasn’t quite sure if he fully trusted Dr. Sando, but Genosha was better than being locked up in a SHIELD prison. At least he had finally replaced the uncomfortable armor Sinister had given him. He now wore a golden V-cut long sleeve shirt and black pants. Far simpler attire.
“Looking spiffy guys,” Meltdown said as she entered the room while they were staring into separate mirrors. Tabitha had set the two newest Fallen Angels up at her apartment until more suitable living arrangements could be made. Besides, having two hot guys to look at didn’t exactly hurt.
Babylon looked back to his leader and said, “Thank you. Though I assume there’s a reason we’re trying these on.”
Meltdown nodded. “Yep. The new team has their first battle exercise today.”
Suddenly, Glance looked like he had just own the lottery and said, “Who do we get to train with? Mikhail?”
“Naw. He doesn’t get his hands dirty like that anymore. Too much politicking to do,” Meltdown said, squashing Glance’s hopes for a tasking fight. Seeing his disappointment she quickly added, “We get to bust up some of Amadeus’ robots instead. Amelia Voght personally asked me to make sure we rip those li’l bastards to pieces. Honestly, we need to impress today. I think Magneto is starting to lose faith in the team.”
Babylon was puzzled by Tabitha’s statement. “Have the Fallen Angels not long defended Genosha?”
Tabitha smirked at the mutant’s naivety. “We haven’t been here that long and honestly, we haven’t done a great job protecting this island. The Magistrates and Zemo whupped our asses. I was surprised he didn’t outright disband us.”
“Believe me when I say there will be no asses kicked today,” Glance said. “Sinister doesn’t breed bad stock.”
Meltdown rolled her eyes and giggled. “Tell that to those Marauder clones of his.”
“I deny any and all association with those guys!”
“I don’t blame you,” Meltdown said as she began to move towards the door. “Don’t take too long. We got some folks to impress.”
After she had left the room Glance patted Babylon on the shoulder and said, “I think I’m going to like it here.”
Babylon nodded. “As do I.”
Orphan and Volcana had been the first to arrive to the large stadium where the Fallen Angels were set to duel with Amadeus’ robots. The two Angels hadn’t spoken to each other since they arrived, but Orphan finally decided to break the ice, “So you were with Baron Zemo, right?”
Volcana nodded grimly, “Yes, I was. Anything else you wanna know?”
Orphan smiled. “Yeah. How many sex acts did you have to perform to keep Magneto from ripping your ass in half?”
Guy didn’t have time to react before Marsha’s hand was around his throat and lifting him up into the air. Despite her new form, she was still a strong woman and she had completely caught Orphan off guard. His hyper senses gave him all the indication he needed that he had set Volcana off. Gasping for breath he said, “It was just a joke.”
“Put him down Volcana,” Metallique said as she came around the corner. “Or I shove my hand straight through your chest.”
Meltdown sighed as she interrupted her warring teammates. She eyed Volcana with fury and said, “Put him down now!”
Volcana dropped Orphan to the ground. He quickly grasped at his throat as if that would somehow return breath to him quicker. The former Thunderbolt looked to Meltdown and said, “The bum made a joke he shouldn’t have.”
“I’m well aware of that, but that doesn’t mean you choke the shit out of him. Honestly, I don’t want you on this team. I think you should have been ripped to pieces by Feral, but I trust Magneto, so I’m going to put up with you,” Meltdown said as she came within inches from Volcana’s face. “But if you put my team at risk over some trivial bullshit, I’ll have enough bombs in your ass to send your chunks to the moon. We clear?”
Folding her arms across her chest Volcana kept a cold stare and said, “Crystal.”
Abruptly, Meltdown smiled, backed away from Volcana and said, “Good. Now let’s make scrap metal out of Amadeus’ li’l toys!”
Iman Madras sat by his phone with sweat dripping steadily from his forehead and his left hand shaking ever so slightly. His silk violet shirt was slightly damp and he was rubbing the bridge of his nose with his right hand. She was supposed to have called over an hour ago. Was it possible that Magneto had discovered her deception? If so, then he could kiss his alliance with the Genoshans good-bye. Without Magneto at his side then none of the European nations would take him seriously.
Finally, the phone rung. Pure instinct made Madras rush the phone to his ear and answer, “Dr. Sando?”
A shaky voice answered. “Yes, it’s me. Sorry about the delay.”
Madras was nearly floored. Sando never apologized for anything. Something really was bothering her and that scared Iman. Eve had been the most cold, calculated, unfeeling woman he had ever met. Whatever had gotten to her had to be major.
“What is wrong, Dr. Sando?” Madras asked, dreading the answer.
The distress was obvious in her voice. “Nothing, Iman. Did Magneto believe you?”
“He didn’t have reason not to. When should I be seeing my cargo?” Iman asked wanting to get back to business and away from what was bothering Sando.
“It’ll be arriving shortly. I am quite positive it will put you on more equal footing with Magneto.”
“Good. I want Genosha as an ally, but a man must keep his dignity.”
Dr. Sando laughed. “You don’t need to give me an explanation. I was just happy to do business with you.”
That cold laugh seemed to fill Madras’ entire room. The woman was using him as just another pawn in her plot. Iman knew that, but he wasn’t without maneuvers himself. The web of politics was a complicated one involving many layers and stitches, but he was no fool at interpreting it. Eve’s day was coming to her soon and Madras would sit back and watch.
The robots stood at seven feet each and they were all a translucent blue. At the center of their bulky chests were silver diamonds and knives of the same color were protruding from the tops of their hands. Tiny guns were mounted on the foreheads of the robots and at their knees. On their backs was a map of Genosha with Magneto’s face plastered in the center of it.
There were twenty robots that the Fallen Angels were going to have to face. Staring down their opponents Anarchist leaned over in Orphan’s ear and whispered, “Does that guy know how to suck up or what?”
“If Magneto didn’t have the cape in the way I think Amadeus would have shoved his head up his ass a long time ago,” Orphan joked.
Mana was behind the two men and rolled her eyes at their joking. Madrox was next to her and smiled at her reaction to the two men. “They’re just trying to work off their nerves, Mana.”
“Yea, well it’s a good thing Magneto doesn’t have super hearing or else we’d all be in space by now.”
The President was seated along with the rest of his cabinet in a skybox that was far away from the battle. Meltdown was glad for it. That meant he didn’t have to see her team act like fools before the battle. She knew that her guys meant well, but Magneto wasn’t a man for immaturity. Looking back at her team, but specifically her two jokers, she said, “Ok. Get ready guys. We’re about to start this exercise.”
Amadeus’ voice came over a large intercom and said, “Prepare yourselves, Fallen Angels. The exercise begins in 3… 2… 1… GO!”
Meltdown made the first move by creating as many tiny plasma globules in her hand as possible and flinging them at the oncoming robots. They hadn’t taken to the air so Tabitha was hoping that the machines didn’t have flight capabilities. The bombs went off and knocked two of the robots back and disoriented the crowd of them. Knowing what the response would be Meltdown yelled, “Mana now!”
The elemental mutant quickly erected a rock wall in front of the Fallen Angels as the robots unleashed their energy blasts. Meltdown smiled and gave Mana a thumbs up.
“Okay, that was close. We know where their guns are. Heads and knees. Babylon, use your power to make them blind to us,” Meltdown commanded. “When I give the signal drop the wall, Mana.”
Tabitha held up an open palm and after a few moments closed it into a tight fist. The wall was dropped and Glance created hundreds of tiny teleportation portals to capture each bullet and re-direct it at the droids. The robots were quickly littered with bullet holes as Volcana and Anarchist pressed the attack with lava balls and volleys of acidic sweat.
Babylon rose into the air and used his abilities to block all light from reaching the robot’s sensors. They were completely and utterly blind. Then he flung his head back as spears of solid light came raining down from the sky and stabbed the droids through the head with searing heat. With each connecting spear the droids sizzled into shutdown mode.
Meltdown looked at the robotic hunks and then looked up at Amelia Voght with a large grin. The Cabinet member returned the smile and said to Magneto, “I think the efficiency of these robots has been proven. Not a scratch was laid on the Fallen Angels.”
Amadeus was seething in his seat, but could say nothing to Magneto or any of the other Cabinet members. The Lord of Magnetism nodded his head, looked briefly at the angered Amadeus and said, “Yes, you are right. I will not allow such machines to defend my island if they are that easily disabled.”
Before Amadeus could offer some promise of improvement, there was a bright light that appeared behind Magneto and from it appeared Exodus. He quickly offered an explanation for his intrusion, obviously startled.
“Magneto… I fear that not only this island, but the entire world, may be in grave danger!”
known as Troy)
TO BE CONTINUED
<So they want me to lead that many mutants?>
<Yes, but I have reasons to suspect their decision.>
Ever was put off by that statement. Exodus was still treating him like a student and not an equal.
<Do you not think that I could handle it?>
<No Ever, that’s not it at all. I just know Rasputin is up to something. Ever since his mind was poisoned by Onset he’s had it out for you. I don’t doubt your ability in the slightest, but I am concerned.>
He believed Exodus and he did have a point about Mikhail. The man had been a bane to his existence for quite some time. Ever had a hard time hating the man, though. He was a good person who had just been plagued by dark influences. In truth, Ever owed his survival in the dangerous world of mutants to Mikhail’s ruthless training in The Hill.
<Sympathize for him, but don’t let that sympathy cloud you to what he’s become now.>
<Sometimes, I would appreciate it if you took up that Xavier motto and didn’t pick around in my head.>
<Then having me for a tutor wouldn’t be quite as fun, now would it?>
Ever rolled his eyes. <Lets not beat our back too hard.>
<Well, I must be doing something right. Look at the offer you just received. So have you decided what your answer will be?>
<That’s why I was trying to get some alone time, but to be honest, I don’t know. I would prefer for you to be there with me when I speak to Magneto. Where are you, by the way?>
<Headed to the old base. I do believe Mutant Forger and Osman are awakening from their comas.>
That was some of the best news Ever had heard in a while. He had grown close to Mutant Forger and Osman during his time with the Exiles. When the two of them fell in combat against Onset and Ramses Xavier it hurt Ever a great deal that he wasn’t able to help them. Exodus had seemed the most affected as he disbanded the team and threw himself into isolation. Of all the people to pull him out of a fit, Ever would never have said Magneto, but the world always kept you on your toes that way.
<If they are up give them my regards and get their asses over here ASAP!>
<Believe me, there is no place I would rather have them.>
<So, just what did Fontanelle tell you?>
<Seems I’m not the only snooping telepath.>
<Learned from the best.>
<You don’t need to tell me that!>
Ever laughed. <Just bring back our friends unharmed, huh?>
Eve pushed open the door to the boardroom gently and she stepped into a room of complete darkness. She had done so without thinking and when she tried to reach back and open the door, she was unable. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she hoped this was all only some silly test that the board was conducting.
“Hello? Is anyone there? Odysseus?” Sando asked as she searched for her cell phone within her purse. Having even the slightest bit of illumination would help calm her nerves.
Before she could find the cell phone a bright light shined down in the middle of the board table. Under the spotlight was a sinister looking man with shadow colored skin. No facial features could be made out on the intruder, except for his ghostly white eyes. A tattered blue cloak hung around his body. Sando looked at the man’s spiked hair and said, “I know a hairdresser that could do wonders for you.”
With that comment the boardroom became fully illuminated and Eve nearly gagged at the sight before her. All of the members of the board were seated in their individual chairs and had large gaping holes in their chests. Sando had always had a healthy amount of fear for the collection of Deviants and mutants that made up that board. Apparently, this man had none of that.
“Comments like those will have you in their state.”
“And why am I being kept alive anyway?”
She received her answer bluntly. “You’re useful. Nothing more.”
The man’s voice was like listening to sickening, overwhelming dirge. It frightened Eve with its haunting power. She was thanking every religious deity that she could think of for being of us to this man. Despite her cool exterior she was trembling like a scared child on the inside. The image of her mangled colleagues was etched thoroughly in her mind.
“Who are you?” Dr. Sando finally managed to ask. She honestly would have preferred silence but this situation was too tense for that. Eve knew her head wasn’t going to rolling across the floor, but this man didn’t look like he was very patient.
“I am Abyss and your work is well-known to me, Dr. Sando.”
“So I’m guessing this is where my usefulness comes in?”
“Yes. That and your influence in Genoshan politics.”
Sando had a feeling Genosha played a part in all of this. Being there had made her genetic operations know worldwide. She had relieved calls from nearly every European nation to do work for them. But she never figured that she would catch the attention of the elusive Abyss. The man had tried to assassinate her boss in Genosha and had slaughtered her superiors in America.
“Do not think you have a choice in this. You don’t! Not in the slightest. You are mine’s now and there is no way to escape this fate. Scream in frustration if you like. It’s all I will allow you.”
Roberto and his top allies had convened in large mansion in the San Marco countryside at the onset of the mutant rebellion in the tropical country. For a while, Roberto had his fill of war on Genosha. The Magistrate riots still stuck firm in the young man’s mind. The memories of those riots were why Sunspot allowed himself to be drawn into the politics of San Marco. He would not see the slaughter of Genosha happen anywhere else.
Within a matter of hours, Sunpsot had been able to quell the mutant rebellion’s oppressors. Never did he imagine that he would be made President of the country because of it. Surprisingly, the people of San Marco were sympathetic to the mutant plight bought on by the government.
“Do you feel it, Roberto?” Elias Bogan, Sunspot’s biggest ally, asked. “The air is energized with the hope of change. Change we need to take hold of.”
Sunspot sighed. “Why am I here, Bogan? What purpose do I serve in your schemes?”
“You’ve seen what a mutant led country should not be. Hopefully, you’ll use that experience and be different from Magneto,” Elias replied, his last word holding a bit of venom in it.
Sunspot glared resentfully at Elias. “Don’t try to use my disdain for Magneto to manipulate me.”
Elias pretended to be wounded by the comment. “I would do no such thing Roberto, but let’s not kid ourselves here. Magneto won’t let you sit in such a seat of power for long. He pretends to have changed, but Magneto’s pride comes first and foremost. He’ll come for you eventually.”
Sunspot rolled his eyes. “Then let him come. You and your organization are suppose to be packing power, right? Or do you not trust them to defend me from Magneto?”
Bogan chuckled. Sunspot hated his laugh. The man already looked like an out and out deceiver. His skin was jet black, his eyes glowing orange and full of mischievous intent. Every time he smiled it seemed like a hundred thoughts were poured into that smile. “We will be fine, Roberto, but I just want you to be aware of the realities facing us. Genosha will not let San Marco be ruled by your hand for long.”
“Be careful Elias,” Selene warned as she seductively walked into the room. “You might frighten the boy with all this big, bad Genoshan mumbo jumbo.”
Sunspot groaned at the sight of the woman. “I would hope that you would make the effort not to see me.”
“Such nastiness. I thought old friends greeted each other in a more civilized manner.”
The thought of Selene considering him a friend made Sunspot’s stomach turn. The woman was as treacherous as they came and her deceit had been sculpted to perfection throughout the ages. She was a friend only to darkness.
Clearing his throat, Elias said, “Well, that was a lovely reunion. Selene and I will leave you to your thoughts, Roberto. Just remember we have a press conference tonight. It’s time to let the world know of San Marco’s new destiny.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Roberto said sarcastically.
Exodus made his way down the hallway towards the infirmary room where Osman and Mutant Forger awaited him, hopefully. Bennet could have simply teleported himself into the room, but something compelled him from doing it. Besides, it would probably not startle them as much if he walked into the room as opposed to teleporting into it.
The closer he got to the door the more Exodus felt an ominous sensation grip his chest. Something was wrong. He couldn’t put his finger on what. Walking a little faster, he came upon the windows of the infirmary and found them to be black.
What is going on here, Exodus thought to himself as he tried to reach out with his telepathy to see if Osman and Mutant Forger were in good health. He didn’t get any response. Either someone was blocking his powers or they were simply gone. Now he began to run and he snatched open the door.
The sight in the room startled him. Mutant Forger was floating in the air with an unconscious Osman in his grip. The Viceroy was stunned for just a moment, but he quickly erected a telekinetic barrier around himself.
“What are you doing Forger?! Put him down!”
“Forger? That pathetic fool is no more! There is only Ragnarok now,” the floating mutant said as his mind suddenly connected with Exodus’. The pathway between them was only maintained for a few brief moments, but it was enough to enliven Exodus with all the information he needed to know.
With a deep scowl born of regret and hatred, Exodus said, “Let Osman go, you fiend. Let him go now!”
Ragnarok tossed Osman to the ground and laughed arrogantly. “You can have the fool! It’ll make my chase all the more interesting.”
After that proclamation, Ragnarok took a bow and was gone. Exodus quickly ran to the body of Osman and cradled it in his arms. With a sigh he said, “What has been unleashed upon this world?”
Glance was happy to finally have a new set of duds. He knew that when he agreed to come to Genohsa he would be getting some benefits. A custom made uniform was a good way to start that off. His attire consisted of a sleeveless black shirt, fingerless black gloves, and black fatigues trimmed in pink. Two royal blue strips ran down the center of his shirt and split to travel down the side of his pants. He no longer felt like the ragtag he was under Cortez. Being here in Genosha made him feel like he was part of something important. With Sinister, he was an expendable experiment. With Cortez, he was an aimless warrior. In Genosha, there was a sense of direction that Glance had never had in his life.
Babylon was feeling the same way that his companion was. He wasn’t quite sure if he fully trusted Dr. Sando, but Genosha was better than being locked up in a SHIELD prison. At least he had finally replaced the uncomfortable armor Sinister had given him. He now wore a golden V-cut long sleeve shirt and black pants. Far simpler attire.
“Looking spiffy guys,” Meltdown said as she entered the room while they were staring into separate mirrors. Tabitha had set the two newest Fallen Angels up at her apartment until more suitable living arrangements could be made. Besides, having two hot guys to look at didn’t exactly hurt.
Babylon looked back to his leader and said, “Thank you. Though I assume there’s a reason we’re trying these on.”
Meltdown nodded. “Yep. The new team has their first battle exercise today.”
Suddenly, Glance looked like he had just own the lottery and said, “Who do we get to train with? Mikhail?”
“Naw. He doesn’t get his hands dirty like that anymore. Too much politicking to do,” Meltdown said, squashing Glance’s hopes for a tasking fight. Seeing his disappointment she quickly added, “We get to bust up some of Amadeus’ robots instead. Amelia Voght personally asked me to make sure we rip those li’l bastards to pieces. Honestly, we need to impress today. I think Magneto is starting to lose faith in the team.”
Babylon was puzzled by Tabitha’s statement. “Have the Fallen Angels not long defended Genosha?”
Tabitha smirked at the mutant’s naivety. “We haven’t been here that long and honestly, we haven’t done a great job protecting this island. The Magistrates and Zemo whupped our asses. I was surprised he didn’t outright disband us.”
“Believe me when I say there will be no asses kicked today,” Glance said. “Sinister doesn’t breed bad stock.”
Meltdown rolled her eyes and giggled. “Tell that to those Marauder clones of his.”
“I deny any and all association with those guys!”
“I don’t blame you,” Meltdown said as she began to move towards the door. “Don’t take too long. We got some folks to impress.”
After she had left the room Glance patted Babylon on the shoulder and said, “I think I’m going to like it here.”
Babylon nodded. “As do I.”
Orphan and Volcana had been the first to arrive to the large stadium where the Fallen Angels were set to duel with Amadeus’ robots. The two Angels hadn’t spoken to each other since they arrived, but Orphan finally decided to break the ice, “So you were with Baron Zemo, right?”
Volcana nodded grimly, “Yes, I was. Anything else you wanna know?”
Orphan smiled. “Yeah. How many sex acts did you have to perform to keep Magneto from ripping your ass in half?”
Guy didn’t have time to react before Marsha’s hand was around his throat and lifting him up into the air. Despite her new form, she was still a strong woman and she had completely caught Orphan off guard. His hyper senses gave him all the indication he needed that he had set Volcana off. Gasping for breath he said, “It was just a joke.”
“Put him down Volcana,” Metallique said as she came around the corner. “Or I shove my hand straight through your chest.”
Meltdown sighed as she interrupted her warring teammates. She eyed Volcana with fury and said, “Put him down now!”
Volcana dropped Orphan to the ground. He quickly grasped at his throat as if that would somehow return breath to him quicker. The former Thunderbolt looked to Meltdown and said, “The bum made a joke he shouldn’t have.”
“I’m well aware of that, but that doesn’t mean you choke the shit out of him. Honestly, I don’t want you on this team. I think you should have been ripped to pieces by Feral, but I trust Magneto, so I’m going to put up with you,” Meltdown said as she came within inches from Volcana’s face. “But if you put my team at risk over some trivial bullshit, I’ll have enough bombs in your ass to send your chunks to the moon. We clear?”
Folding her arms across her chest Volcana kept a cold stare and said, “Crystal.”
Abruptly, Meltdown smiled, backed away from Volcana and said, “Good. Now let’s make scrap metal out of Amadeus’ li’l toys!”
Iman Madras sat by his phone with sweat dripping steadily from his forehead and his left hand shaking ever so slightly. His silk violet shirt was slightly damp and he was rubbing the bridge of his nose with his right hand. She was supposed to have called over an hour ago. Was it possible that Magneto had discovered her deception? If so, then he could kiss his alliance with the Genoshans good-bye. Without Magneto at his side then none of the European nations would take him seriously.
Finally, the phone rung. Pure instinct made Madras rush the phone to his ear and answer, “Dr. Sando?”
A shaky voice answered. “Yes, it’s me. Sorry about the delay.”
Madras was nearly floored. Sando never apologized for anything. Something really was bothering her and that scared Iman. Eve had been the most cold, calculated, unfeeling woman he had ever met. Whatever had gotten to her had to be major.
“What is wrong, Dr. Sando?” Madras asked, dreading the answer.
The distress was obvious in her voice. “Nothing, Iman. Did Magneto believe you?”
“He didn’t have reason not to. When should I be seeing my cargo?” Iman asked wanting to get back to business and away from what was bothering Sando.
“It’ll be arriving shortly. I am quite positive it will put you on more equal footing with Magneto.”
“Good. I want Genosha as an ally, but a man must keep his dignity.”
Dr. Sando laughed. “You don’t need to give me an explanation. I was just happy to do business with you.”
That cold laugh seemed to fill Madras’ entire room. The woman was using him as just another pawn in her plot. Iman knew that, but he wasn’t without maneuvers himself. The web of politics was a complicated one involving many layers and stitches, but he was no fool at interpreting it. Eve’s day was coming to her soon and Madras would sit back and watch.
The robots stood at seven feet each and they were all a translucent blue. At the center of their bulky chests were silver diamonds and knives of the same color were protruding from the tops of their hands. Tiny guns were mounted on the foreheads of the robots and at their knees. On their backs was a map of Genosha with Magneto’s face plastered in the center of it.
There were twenty robots that the Fallen Angels were going to have to face. Staring down their opponents Anarchist leaned over in Orphan’s ear and whispered, “Does that guy know how to suck up or what?”
“If Magneto didn’t have the cape in the way I think Amadeus would have shoved his head up his ass a long time ago,” Orphan joked.
Mana was behind the two men and rolled her eyes at their joking. Madrox was next to her and smiled at her reaction to the two men. “They’re just trying to work off their nerves, Mana.”
“Yea, well it’s a good thing Magneto doesn’t have super hearing or else we’d all be in space by now.”
The President was seated along with the rest of his cabinet in a skybox that was far away from the battle. Meltdown was glad for it. That meant he didn’t have to see her team act like fools before the battle. She knew that her guys meant well, but Magneto wasn’t a man for immaturity. Looking back at her team, but specifically her two jokers, she said, “Ok. Get ready guys. We’re about to start this exercise.”
Amadeus’ voice came over a large intercom and said, “Prepare yourselves, Fallen Angels. The exercise begins in 3… 2… 1… GO!”
Meltdown made the first move by creating as many tiny plasma globules in her hand as possible and flinging them at the oncoming robots. They hadn’t taken to the air so Tabitha was hoping that the machines didn’t have flight capabilities. The bombs went off and knocked two of the robots back and disoriented the crowd of them. Knowing what the response would be Meltdown yelled, “Mana now!”
The elemental mutant quickly erected a rock wall in front of the Fallen Angels as the robots unleashed their energy blasts. Meltdown smiled and gave Mana a thumbs up.
“Okay, that was close. We know where their guns are. Heads and knees. Babylon, use your power to make them blind to us,” Meltdown commanded. “When I give the signal drop the wall, Mana.”
Tabitha held up an open palm and after a few moments closed it into a tight fist. The wall was dropped and Glance created hundreds of tiny teleportation portals to capture each bullet and re-direct it at the droids. The robots were quickly littered with bullet holes as Volcana and Anarchist pressed the attack with lava balls and volleys of acidic sweat.
Babylon rose into the air and used his abilities to block all light from reaching the robot’s sensors. They were completely and utterly blind. Then he flung his head back as spears of solid light came raining down from the sky and stabbed the droids through the head with searing heat. With each connecting spear the droids sizzled into shutdown mode.
Meltdown looked at the robotic hunks and then looked up at Amelia Voght with a large grin. The Cabinet member returned the smile and said to Magneto, “I think the efficiency of these robots has been proven. Not a scratch was laid on the Fallen Angels.”
Amadeus was seething in his seat, but could say nothing to Magneto or any of the other Cabinet members. The Lord of Magnetism nodded his head, looked briefly at the angered Amadeus and said, “Yes, you are right. I will not allow such machines to defend my island if they are that easily disabled.”
Before Amadeus could offer some promise of improvement, there was a bright light that appeared behind Magneto and from it appeared Exodus. He quickly offered an explanation for his intrusion, obviously startled.
“Magneto… I fear that not only this island, but the entire world, may be in grave danger!”
known as Troy)
TO BE CONTINUED