Back to Gatefold#34 - "Last Pieces of the Puzzles"
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Roberto’s first political envoy was on its way and it was from the most obvious place. Gomi would be arriving soon with Amelia Voght and the newly appointed, General Ever. One could pull out a variety of meanings from a high military official being sent in a political “message of diplomacy”. For now, Roberto would play nice with Magneto’s government.
The envoy arrived exactly on time and surprisingly, to little fanfare. It seemed the meeting of the two mutant nations wasn’t newsworthy enough for the journalists of the world. Honestly, Roberto didn’t mind that fact. The role of President was extremely new to him and he had to rely on the guidance of X-Nation to govern effectively. He didn’t want that fact being picked up on by the journalists.
He had bought Elias and Selene with him to greet the Genoshans. As much as he despised Selene, she was powerful and sent a message in the same way Ever sent one.
Both of the parties met on the airstrip of San Marco’s airport. Roberto and Gomi were at the head of their parties and were the first to shake hands. Elias kissed the hand of Amelia while Selene and Ever entered into a contest of the most iron stare. Neither was backing down…just like a good weapon should.
“President DaCosta was hardly a title I ever expected to one day to call you,” Gomi said as they broke away their handshake. Sunspot may have led a team, but leading a country was an entirely different matter especially, when that country was a volatile hotbed of human/mutant politics. Roberto, while a strong combat leader, lacked the finesse required for diplomatic affairs. Gomi hated to write him off so soon, but he knew what it was like to be thrust into the world of politics. His time as Genosha’s Head Ambassador had shown him the complex webs of the political world. From what he could remember of Sunspot, he didn’t do well with overly complex situations.
“Believe me, it’s a title that has been long overdue,” Roberto smiled. He heard the doubt in Gomi’s voice. He was as transparent as a bubble. Perhaps, it was intentionally done to make him underestimate Gomi. The man was physically unimpressive and was timid during the time Roberto had known him. At least one of those things had changed. Gomi was far from timid. He had been sculpted by the weather of politics and negotiation.
“It’s good to know your confidence hasn’t faded any,” Gomi replied as the groups began to intermingle and Roberto walked alongside the cyborg.
Amelia looked around the ragged airport and said, “Surprised a few shots haven’t been fired yet.”
“Unlike most places, humans and mutants get along quite well with each other. It’s other matters that have sadly torn this country apart,” Roberto replied.
“But, President DaCosta will soon begin the process of healing this broken region. He shall be a beacon of hope for all to use as an example,” Elias Bogan praised.
Amelia rolled her eyes. “As if change were ever that simple.”
“We’re mutants Ms. Voght. Change comes naturally for us,” Selene said. Her comment deadened the conversation like a rotting log. It had not been Selene’s intended effect, but she wasn’t complaining. The talk of diplomats was like the talk of mice. The External had learned to deal with it, but she tried to avoid it where possible. Which made her question herself all the more. Why had she joined with the likes of Bogan? It wasn’t at all like her to join such men without getting her piece of the pie, but something about Elias just felt right.
“And don’t let its looks deceive you. San Marco is a country poised for change,” Bogan finally added with a fatherly oversight that would normally have angered Selene, but he was able to keep her docile. Keep her tamed. He would never have attempted such a gamble if he didn’t have Abyss behind him.
Gomi took Bogan’s claim in stride and said, “That’s precisely why we’re here. Genosha is striving to build relationships with blooming nations like ourselves.”
<He doesn’t trust us. Not for a moment.>
Ever’s message was clear and to the point. Gomi had knew the fact already, but hearing it spelled out for him reminded him of the true difficulty of this mission. Working with the Chinese had been one thing. Gomi had something they needed. Not a single trump card was available to the Head Ambassador in this venture. He would have to rely solely on his own abilities of persuasion.
The group moved in the Airport’s terminal when Sunspot broke the overeager silence. “Look. I’ll be honest here. I don’t like Magneto and he doesn’t like me. Fine?”
“Of course it is. World leaders often do not get along, but they work together to achieve much.”
Amelia smirked. “Not too many world leaders have attempted to kill each other though.”
Gomi gave Voght a dark glance and then said, “But the past is behind us. So I hear Rictor is here with you? I haven’t seen him in quite some time.”
“Yes, he is. For now I have him in charge of the few security forces I do have. As we continue to build forward I’ll be delving him more responsibilities.”
Elias felt a tingle in the back of his head and knew that Abyss was about to deliver him a message. Hopefully, he decided to keep the volume down as Bogan couldn’t take anymore of his screaming.
Keep them occupied! Exodus is being moved against as we speak.
Exodus walked to his office reading through a stack of papers given to him by Amelia Voght. It contained various outlines and blueprints on Genosha’s new mutant detection tower system. As of new the project was thirty percent complete. Exodus was looking at the papers trying to find ways to use the Psi-Corps in speeding up the project. The sooner it was done the sooner Genosha became a safer nation. They would be able to keep track of every mutant leaving and entering the island nation. That was a feat far nobler than Sando’s dream of a massive Genoshan military force or Shaw’s dream of an enormous defense system.
He entered into his office and floated over to his desk. Laying his paperwork down he looked behind him and said, “To what do I owe the pleasure gentlemen? I wasn’t due for another meeting for an hour.”
The “gentlemen” that Bennet was addressing were the omnipath, Gamemaster, and the former Russian patriot, Mikhail Rasputin. They were just two pieces of the government that Exodus was beginning to lose more and more faith in. He could only guess as to why they had both decided to come directly to his office. Especially, given the current state of affairs in Genosha’s cabinet.
“You actually don’t have to worry about attending that meeting, Mikhail said as he casually leaned up against Exodus’ dorr. Bennet tried to telepathically discern Mikhail’s meaning, but he wasn’t able to. Why did Rasputin have psi-blocks now? He never had them before.
Keeping his cool the Viceroy asked, “And what would you know of my schedule Defense Minister?”
“Because we’re the ones changing it!” Gamemaster said as he launched a psi-bolt into Exodus’ back. Bennet yelled out in pain and he was quickly wrapped into the arms of Rasputin. Exodus was too disoriented to do anything against his grip. Mikhail wasn’t letting Exodus go from his embrace until the task was complete.
As the world began to shake and contort around the two men, Mikhail said with a cruel laugh, “Get ready for a ride!”
By the time the shaking stopped the three men were in a world of rolling purple hills, skeletal orange trees, and a burning red sky. Exodus looked around and groaned as he regained his footing. Then he asked, “Where the hell are we?”
Mikhail backed away from exodus and spread his arms out wide. “Ever since you and The Exiles severed my connection with The Hill, I’ve been searching for a new place to call home. What do you think?”
“You don’t want to know what I’m thinking right about now,” Exodus replied with tempered rage. Not only had his so-called allies attacked him, but they drug him to some twisted world. Bennet struggled to kept himself composed as he was feeling the same anger that had mind-wiped the Tan family and had been so ruthless against The Neo.
“Don’t take it so personal Exodus. Sando and Magneto just need you out of the picture,” Gamemaster said.
Red telekinetic energy began to flow over Exodus’ body. His eyes were leaking with crimson telekinesis as he said, “If you think to kill me I suggest you tread carefully.”
Gamemaster laughed. “Whoever said anything about killing you.”
“We just intend to put you through a great deal of pain comrade!”
Bennet cried out as his molecules and mind were simultaneously attacked. In that sea of pain Bennet tried to reach out and take out Gamemaster, but instead what he saw was the truth. Taken aback by what he saw Exodus lost his concentration and any chance he had against the two mutants was gone. As he slipped into unconsciousness one thought plagued his mind. Magneto had played him from the start.
Greenland was a place of absolutely cold boredom. It was the exact opposite of the fiery, always chaotic nature of the visitor, Ragnarok. The other dimensional mutant had specifically chosen this sloppy cold land as the meeting place for a number of reasons. First, he needed to see if the man was as willing to strike up an alliance as he claimed. Secondly, he needed to be sure that this wasn’t some set-up. If it were, he would be able to better hold his own out in the open rather than in close quarters. The powers he currently wielded were better dealt in wider fields of battle.
His abilities were linked to those, which he created. After finally destroying the mind of Mutant Forger, he was able to take hold of what was his. Shortly afterward, he created seven mutants to not only serve him, but to empower him. At this point he didn’t see the need for having anymore.
The man he was supposed to see was late and Ragnarok expected as much. He wouldn’t put it past this figure to keep him waiting. Especially, if his reputation was to believed. Dark and mysterious types liked to make a grand entrance and when you least expected it.
“You know me too well,” a voice called out as Ragnarok turned behind him and saw a large puff of blue smoke erupting from the ground.
“I don’t like to be left waiting.”
As the smoke shaped into the form of Abyss he apologized, “I had other business to attend to. A man like myself has many things they have to be concerned with.”
“I assume there is an important reason you’ve decided to contact me and meet me in this desolate cold,” Ragnarok said with icy viciousness to the barely floating Abyss.
“Important and interesting. It has to do with your true origins and how these play into the future.”
The mutant’s attention was captured at that point, but he did his best not to show it. The only indication of his interest was the slightest widening of his brown eyes. “Continue Abyss. What you have to say better be worth my time.”
“What if I told you that your creation was not the result of Onset? What if I told you that your existence was owed to an alliance between Magneto and myself?”
Ragnarok’s lower lip twitched slightly and he said, “Then perhaps I may owe something to you. But first I need to hear this little tale. Your potential for truth is in question.”
“You may not like my methods, but I keep my honor,” Abyss replied sternly. Then he continued, “I’m sure you are aware of the attack on Genosha by Justin Hammer. It was shortly after that time-
“I thought Magneto said it was Baron Zemo,” Ragnarok cut off. Abyss shrugged and said, “Perhaps. I cannot be certain. But, it was after that time that the two of us struck a deal with each other. I agreed to help Genosha return to power if Magneto agreed to use his country in a few endeavors of mine.”
The mutant snarled and exclaimed, “What does all of this have to do with me?! Get to the point!”
“You believe yourself to be born from Onset when in truth your creation was devised by Magneto and myself. Our plans for Exodus at the time required that his allies began to turn on him. Seeing as how you and your friend were in Exodus’ care you were the most likely candidates,” Abyss revealed.
“Then it does seem I owe something to you,” Ragnarok smirked. “And what of Osman? What was done to him?”
“Nothing…as far as Magneto knows anyway. See, our alliance began to crumble before our plans began to see fruition. He got far more out of the deal than myself so I feel the need for payback. I’m sure you can understand?”
Ragnarok remained silent for a few moments and then finally shook his head. His black locks shook gracefully along with it. “You want my help with that then? If I agree to assist you then I want to know absolutely everything. 100% disclosure on all of your activities, not just those related to Magneto.”
“You drive a hard bargain my friend, but I know of your power and I would be foolish to pass it up. Welcome to my circle…partner.”
Mystique arrived at the center of the station along with Multiple Man. Upon arriving there they were quickly met by Forge and the other Fallen Angels. Looking to the shapeshifter, Forge asked, “So did you encounter any resistance?”
“None…and that’s the problem,” Raven replied. Things were going too smoothly. Someone wanted them to get to the MEPs. But the questions were who and why?
Forge moved to the main computer console that had buttons still blinking in various hues of red and blue. He placed his bionic hand over the console’s hard drive. Suddenly, a tiny metal wire came down from a slit that opened from his palm. At the end of the wire were four tiny hooks that latched themselves right around the console.
“What’re you doing?” Glance asked as he looked over Forge’s shoulder.
“Shut up and hold the perimeter!” Mystique hissed. Glance eyed the woman with just as much venom, but did as he was told. They couldn’t afford to be fighting with one another. It would just put them at risk for attack.
After a few minutes Forge pulled away from the computer and suddenly a face flashed on the screen above it. It was a beautiful Arabian woman with delicious skin and green eyes. She looked hard at the group, but Forge could tell from the time on the bottom left of the screen that it was pre-recorded.
<<I’m sure you’re all wondering how you got through this base so easily. You can thank my team for that. I am Jewel of the Saudi Arabian team, The Janissaries. We have had a vested interest in the MEPs for some time and launched our own investigation into the matter. Honestly, we would have left the matter to SHIELD, but we needed something to do. Forge has the information you’ll need to clear out the bases. In exchange for this all we ask is one thing. Tell Magneto the nations of OPEC have demanded that Magneto cease in his production of cheap oil or face the consequences.>>
The image faded off the screen and Forge said, “That answers everything pretty conveniently. I think we may need to leave Genosha now, Raven.”
Raven nodded. “Agreed. Glance, you remember what cell you were in while being stuck in the SHIELD Helicarrier?”
Glance stepped forward and nodded. “I”ll never forget it. I’ll teleport you there now if you want.”
“Thanks Glance. Explain the situation to Magneto for us will ya? And you might want to tell him about OPEC,” Forge said.
“Like we’d miss the chance to tell Mags we can beat up on a bunch of terrorists,” Volcana commented.
Multiple Man snickered. “Takes one to know one.”
Mystique crossed her eyes one last time at Madrox as Glance opened up the portal to the Helicarrier. Before she stepped through she said, “Play nice children.”
Interlude
Memories flooded through the mind of Crim Hunns as he looked over the balcony of his apartment at the crowning jewel of Genosha, Hammer Bay. He had arrived shortly before the invasion of Zemo’s scumbags. Truthfully, Genosha wasn’t exactly his first choice of places to live. Being outed as a mutant had forced him to retreat here. Before Genosha, he had been an engineer working for an urban development firm. He lost it all by making that fatal mistake all lovers do. He trusted.
It wasn’t like her could move mountains or blow up buildings. His only talent was to look at a machine and store all of its schematics in his brain like a database. Foolishly, he decided to reveal this secret to his lovely fiancé. He might as well have told her he was gay and had slept with her brother. Horrified, she let everyone in his family and at his job know. Needless to say he ended up on the other side of Africa.
Life was just starting to look up when Zemo struck. Crim had been right in the middle of the carnage caused by TESS-One, but fate decided for him to survive. After it all was over he had felt a great deal of fear, but then came immense anger. In that anger Crim realized something…TESS-One was in his head. Then he went to Magneto. One thing led to another and he was able to put his engineering skills to use.
On the moon.
Magneto sat at his desk and stared at one of the many memos on his desk. If everything had gone to plan then his endgame was in motion. All of his manipulations and planning were about to come to fruition. So much work and effort and having to play guessing games would soon come to a stop. He would have everything that he wanted. Gernosha would be stronger than it had ever been. The mutant community would be respected and if the day ever came…he would be able to wage war.
A knock came at his door and Dr. Sando entered into the office. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a belly riding white t-shirt. It was far different from her usual seductive business attire. Magneto looked at her sidewards and asked, “Is something wrong Doctor?”
Sando shook her head and took a seat in front of Magneto’s desk. “No. Nothing is wrong. In fact, everything is going according to plan. It’s not exactly fun experimenting on someone with heels. I’m sure you don’t walk around with that helmet on all the time.”
Magneto laughed. “No, it makes my head itch far too much. So, Exodus has been captured and processed then?”
Eve crossed her legs in the seat and relaxed her arms on the leather armrests. “Mikhail and Gamemaster handed Exodus in essentially undamaged. We’ve begun preliminary mind scans on him and have begun inserting the neuro-drugs. In a few days time he’ll be like Subjects Y and Z.”
The President’s face frowned up. “Don’t refer to them as that please. They do have names after all.”
“Not like it’ll matter much,” Eve laughed, but Magneto continued to frown. “Okay…Siena and Chance.”
Relaxing, Magneto said, “That’s better. So there’s something else I want to discuss with you Dr. Sando.”
“And that would be?”
“Your relationship with Abyss.”
Eve’s eyes widen and before she could open her mouth to explain Magneto held up a hand of silence. “You don’t need to explain yourself. I knew he would come to you before even you did. It was part of our plan months ago.”
“The two of you are working together?” Eve asked in pure shock.
In many ways Magneto wished that they were. “No, I cut off our bargain before he could get his part of the deal in. He’s not at all happy with the fact I used him for what I needed and left him dry. Unfortunately, his philosophy did not quite match up with my own. One piece of our plan was for him to infiltrate the Damocles Foundation and make sure that you were allied to us. I surmised he would carry this plan out on his own.”
Somewhat calming down Eve asked, “He massacred the board. The man is a monster. How could you work with him?”
“Genosha was severely wounded after Zemo’s attack. I needed assistance and Abyss was on his way to achieving power. He thought through me he could multiply that power. He was sorely wrong.”
Dr. Sando folded her arms across her chest. “That didn’t answer my question.”
Magneto sighed. “Desperate times call for desperate measures my dear. And you would have attitude after betraying me? You’re lucky you’re still alive.”
“Maybe,” Dr. Sando shrugged. “But you’re keeping me alive for a reason. You need your military force to stay strong and I’m a key component in that.”
Smiling smugly Magneto said, “You overestimate your importance Sando, but I do enjoy your spunk. Though you know nothing of my moon base and the forces that lie within it.”
Barely able to stand another shock Eve muttered, “A Moon base?”
“Yes and it is full of TESS-One robots. Vehicles of destruction that perfectly complements the Genoshan Military Squadrons and the Psi-Corps. So while you may be needed you aren’t anywhere near as needed as you think young lady.”
“So we’ve all been pawns? Why are you telling me this now?”
Magneto didn’t like to think of his fellow mutants as pawns in some kind of game, but in this case it was a true analogy. He had only done it in the name of Genosha. A country for all of mutantkind could not be allowed to fade away, especially by the hands of someone as despicable as Baron Helmut Zemo. He would have done anything to protect his country and make sure it rose to prominence.
“I’m telling you this now because there is nothing anyone can do to stop my plans. Besides that I need you to know everything because I need your trust. The future is hurtling towards us fast and we all have to be prepared for it.”
Eve pushed in her lower lip and was silent, but finally she said, “Fine. Better under you than anywhere near Abyss. But what are you going to do about him? He’s plotting to bring you down.”
Laughing meekly Magneto said, “Yes, I already know that. I have no doubt he’s responsible for Sunspot being moved into his position in San Macro. I also have no doubt he was responsible for Iman Madras’ ward telling me my death would come at the hands of Exodus. Yet, I had to play along with all of this. I cannot let Abyss know I’m on to him. There is something else I need to know from you Eve.”
“I doubt you could ask anything else to surprise me today,” Eve sighed.
“What was it that you gave Iman Madras in exchange for that girl lying to me?”
“I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed but I avoided the presence of Mystique completely while she was on this island. There was a reason behind that. What Iman received from us were Ryan and Adam Darkholme, the long lost siblings of Mystique,” Eve revealed.
Magneto sat back in his chair and put a hand to his forehead. “You need to explain all of this to me. It may affect my plans.”
Unknown to both mutants a tiny orange mist seeped out from underneath his door.
2 Hours Later
“It’s as we feared,” Amelia Voght said into her black cellphone. “They’ve captured Exodus. I have no idea where they might have hidden him.”
“I knew it was going to happen, but unfortunately I couldn’t prevent it. It would alter too much. All we can hope to do is save him while we can.”
“Magneto has completely lost it. Exodus would stand by him when no one else would,” Amelia said in despair.
“He was bitter with Exodus for abandoning him and creating The Exiles. Magneto believes if Exodus had been on the island then Zemo would have never dared to attack it. Exodus trusted him, but Magneto long ago abandoned him.”
Amelia was at war within herself on what to say next. “Okay Fontanelle. I’ll help you save him, but after that we never knew each other. Understood?”
“Completely Voght. I just want to get Exodus the hell off of that island.”
“Agreed,” Amelia said as she hung up the cellphone and returned to her thoughts.
Next Issue: A rescue attempt is launched as Magneto and Abyss’ plans begin to reach their end stage!
TO BE CONTINUED
The envoy arrived exactly on time and surprisingly, to little fanfare. It seemed the meeting of the two mutant nations wasn’t newsworthy enough for the journalists of the world. Honestly, Roberto didn’t mind that fact. The role of President was extremely new to him and he had to rely on the guidance of X-Nation to govern effectively. He didn’t want that fact being picked up on by the journalists.
He had bought Elias and Selene with him to greet the Genoshans. As much as he despised Selene, she was powerful and sent a message in the same way Ever sent one.
Both of the parties met on the airstrip of San Marco’s airport. Roberto and Gomi were at the head of their parties and were the first to shake hands. Elias kissed the hand of Amelia while Selene and Ever entered into a contest of the most iron stare. Neither was backing down…just like a good weapon should.
“President DaCosta was hardly a title I ever expected to one day to call you,” Gomi said as they broke away their handshake. Sunspot may have led a team, but leading a country was an entirely different matter especially, when that country was a volatile hotbed of human/mutant politics. Roberto, while a strong combat leader, lacked the finesse required for diplomatic affairs. Gomi hated to write him off so soon, but he knew what it was like to be thrust into the world of politics. His time as Genosha’s Head Ambassador had shown him the complex webs of the political world. From what he could remember of Sunspot, he didn’t do well with overly complex situations.
“Believe me, it’s a title that has been long overdue,” Roberto smiled. He heard the doubt in Gomi’s voice. He was as transparent as a bubble. Perhaps, it was intentionally done to make him underestimate Gomi. The man was physically unimpressive and was timid during the time Roberto had known him. At least one of those things had changed. Gomi was far from timid. He had been sculpted by the weather of politics and negotiation.
“It’s good to know your confidence hasn’t faded any,” Gomi replied as the groups began to intermingle and Roberto walked alongside the cyborg.
Amelia looked around the ragged airport and said, “Surprised a few shots haven’t been fired yet.”
“Unlike most places, humans and mutants get along quite well with each other. It’s other matters that have sadly torn this country apart,” Roberto replied.
“But, President DaCosta will soon begin the process of healing this broken region. He shall be a beacon of hope for all to use as an example,” Elias Bogan praised.
Amelia rolled her eyes. “As if change were ever that simple.”
“We’re mutants Ms. Voght. Change comes naturally for us,” Selene said. Her comment deadened the conversation like a rotting log. It had not been Selene’s intended effect, but she wasn’t complaining. The talk of diplomats was like the talk of mice. The External had learned to deal with it, but she tried to avoid it where possible. Which made her question herself all the more. Why had she joined with the likes of Bogan? It wasn’t at all like her to join such men without getting her piece of the pie, but something about Elias just felt right.
“And don’t let its looks deceive you. San Marco is a country poised for change,” Bogan finally added with a fatherly oversight that would normally have angered Selene, but he was able to keep her docile. Keep her tamed. He would never have attempted such a gamble if he didn’t have Abyss behind him.
Gomi took Bogan’s claim in stride and said, “That’s precisely why we’re here. Genosha is striving to build relationships with blooming nations like ourselves.”
<He doesn’t trust us. Not for a moment.>
Ever’s message was clear and to the point. Gomi had knew the fact already, but hearing it spelled out for him reminded him of the true difficulty of this mission. Working with the Chinese had been one thing. Gomi had something they needed. Not a single trump card was available to the Head Ambassador in this venture. He would have to rely solely on his own abilities of persuasion.
The group moved in the Airport’s terminal when Sunspot broke the overeager silence. “Look. I’ll be honest here. I don’t like Magneto and he doesn’t like me. Fine?”
“Of course it is. World leaders often do not get along, but they work together to achieve much.”
Amelia smirked. “Not too many world leaders have attempted to kill each other though.”
Gomi gave Voght a dark glance and then said, “But the past is behind us. So I hear Rictor is here with you? I haven’t seen him in quite some time.”
“Yes, he is. For now I have him in charge of the few security forces I do have. As we continue to build forward I’ll be delving him more responsibilities.”
Elias felt a tingle in the back of his head and knew that Abyss was about to deliver him a message. Hopefully, he decided to keep the volume down as Bogan couldn’t take anymore of his screaming.
Keep them occupied! Exodus is being moved against as we speak.
Exodus walked to his office reading through a stack of papers given to him by Amelia Voght. It contained various outlines and blueprints on Genosha’s new mutant detection tower system. As of new the project was thirty percent complete. Exodus was looking at the papers trying to find ways to use the Psi-Corps in speeding up the project. The sooner it was done the sooner Genosha became a safer nation. They would be able to keep track of every mutant leaving and entering the island nation. That was a feat far nobler than Sando’s dream of a massive Genoshan military force or Shaw’s dream of an enormous defense system.
He entered into his office and floated over to his desk. Laying his paperwork down he looked behind him and said, “To what do I owe the pleasure gentlemen? I wasn’t due for another meeting for an hour.”
The “gentlemen” that Bennet was addressing were the omnipath, Gamemaster, and the former Russian patriot, Mikhail Rasputin. They were just two pieces of the government that Exodus was beginning to lose more and more faith in. He could only guess as to why they had both decided to come directly to his office. Especially, given the current state of affairs in Genosha’s cabinet.
“You actually don’t have to worry about attending that meeting, Mikhail said as he casually leaned up against Exodus’ dorr. Bennet tried to telepathically discern Mikhail’s meaning, but he wasn’t able to. Why did Rasputin have psi-blocks now? He never had them before.
Keeping his cool the Viceroy asked, “And what would you know of my schedule Defense Minister?”
“Because we’re the ones changing it!” Gamemaster said as he launched a psi-bolt into Exodus’ back. Bennet yelled out in pain and he was quickly wrapped into the arms of Rasputin. Exodus was too disoriented to do anything against his grip. Mikhail wasn’t letting Exodus go from his embrace until the task was complete.
As the world began to shake and contort around the two men, Mikhail said with a cruel laugh, “Get ready for a ride!”
By the time the shaking stopped the three men were in a world of rolling purple hills, skeletal orange trees, and a burning red sky. Exodus looked around and groaned as he regained his footing. Then he asked, “Where the hell are we?”
Mikhail backed away from exodus and spread his arms out wide. “Ever since you and The Exiles severed my connection with The Hill, I’ve been searching for a new place to call home. What do you think?”
“You don’t want to know what I’m thinking right about now,” Exodus replied with tempered rage. Not only had his so-called allies attacked him, but they drug him to some twisted world. Bennet struggled to kept himself composed as he was feeling the same anger that had mind-wiped the Tan family and had been so ruthless against The Neo.
“Don’t take it so personal Exodus. Sando and Magneto just need you out of the picture,” Gamemaster said.
Red telekinetic energy began to flow over Exodus’ body. His eyes were leaking with crimson telekinesis as he said, “If you think to kill me I suggest you tread carefully.”
Gamemaster laughed. “Whoever said anything about killing you.”
“We just intend to put you through a great deal of pain comrade!”
Bennet cried out as his molecules and mind were simultaneously attacked. In that sea of pain Bennet tried to reach out and take out Gamemaster, but instead what he saw was the truth. Taken aback by what he saw Exodus lost his concentration and any chance he had against the two mutants was gone. As he slipped into unconsciousness one thought plagued his mind. Magneto had played him from the start.
Greenland was a place of absolutely cold boredom. It was the exact opposite of the fiery, always chaotic nature of the visitor, Ragnarok. The other dimensional mutant had specifically chosen this sloppy cold land as the meeting place for a number of reasons. First, he needed to see if the man was as willing to strike up an alliance as he claimed. Secondly, he needed to be sure that this wasn’t some set-up. If it were, he would be able to better hold his own out in the open rather than in close quarters. The powers he currently wielded were better dealt in wider fields of battle.
His abilities were linked to those, which he created. After finally destroying the mind of Mutant Forger, he was able to take hold of what was his. Shortly afterward, he created seven mutants to not only serve him, but to empower him. At this point he didn’t see the need for having anymore.
The man he was supposed to see was late and Ragnarok expected as much. He wouldn’t put it past this figure to keep him waiting. Especially, if his reputation was to believed. Dark and mysterious types liked to make a grand entrance and when you least expected it.
“You know me too well,” a voice called out as Ragnarok turned behind him and saw a large puff of blue smoke erupting from the ground.
“I don’t like to be left waiting.”
As the smoke shaped into the form of Abyss he apologized, “I had other business to attend to. A man like myself has many things they have to be concerned with.”
“I assume there is an important reason you’ve decided to contact me and meet me in this desolate cold,” Ragnarok said with icy viciousness to the barely floating Abyss.
“Important and interesting. It has to do with your true origins and how these play into the future.”
The mutant’s attention was captured at that point, but he did his best not to show it. The only indication of his interest was the slightest widening of his brown eyes. “Continue Abyss. What you have to say better be worth my time.”
“What if I told you that your creation was not the result of Onset? What if I told you that your existence was owed to an alliance between Magneto and myself?”
Ragnarok’s lower lip twitched slightly and he said, “Then perhaps I may owe something to you. But first I need to hear this little tale. Your potential for truth is in question.”
“You may not like my methods, but I keep my honor,” Abyss replied sternly. Then he continued, “I’m sure you are aware of the attack on Genosha by Justin Hammer. It was shortly after that time-
“I thought Magneto said it was Baron Zemo,” Ragnarok cut off. Abyss shrugged and said, “Perhaps. I cannot be certain. But, it was after that time that the two of us struck a deal with each other. I agreed to help Genosha return to power if Magneto agreed to use his country in a few endeavors of mine.”
The mutant snarled and exclaimed, “What does all of this have to do with me?! Get to the point!”
“You believe yourself to be born from Onset when in truth your creation was devised by Magneto and myself. Our plans for Exodus at the time required that his allies began to turn on him. Seeing as how you and your friend were in Exodus’ care you were the most likely candidates,” Abyss revealed.
“Then it does seem I owe something to you,” Ragnarok smirked. “And what of Osman? What was done to him?”
“Nothing…as far as Magneto knows anyway. See, our alliance began to crumble before our plans began to see fruition. He got far more out of the deal than myself so I feel the need for payback. I’m sure you can understand?”
Ragnarok remained silent for a few moments and then finally shook his head. His black locks shook gracefully along with it. “You want my help with that then? If I agree to assist you then I want to know absolutely everything. 100% disclosure on all of your activities, not just those related to Magneto.”
“You drive a hard bargain my friend, but I know of your power and I would be foolish to pass it up. Welcome to my circle…partner.”
Mystique arrived at the center of the station along with Multiple Man. Upon arriving there they were quickly met by Forge and the other Fallen Angels. Looking to the shapeshifter, Forge asked, “So did you encounter any resistance?”
“None…and that’s the problem,” Raven replied. Things were going too smoothly. Someone wanted them to get to the MEPs. But the questions were who and why?
Forge moved to the main computer console that had buttons still blinking in various hues of red and blue. He placed his bionic hand over the console’s hard drive. Suddenly, a tiny metal wire came down from a slit that opened from his palm. At the end of the wire were four tiny hooks that latched themselves right around the console.
“What’re you doing?” Glance asked as he looked over Forge’s shoulder.
“Shut up and hold the perimeter!” Mystique hissed. Glance eyed the woman with just as much venom, but did as he was told. They couldn’t afford to be fighting with one another. It would just put them at risk for attack.
After a few minutes Forge pulled away from the computer and suddenly a face flashed on the screen above it. It was a beautiful Arabian woman with delicious skin and green eyes. She looked hard at the group, but Forge could tell from the time on the bottom left of the screen that it was pre-recorded.
<<I’m sure you’re all wondering how you got through this base so easily. You can thank my team for that. I am Jewel of the Saudi Arabian team, The Janissaries. We have had a vested interest in the MEPs for some time and launched our own investigation into the matter. Honestly, we would have left the matter to SHIELD, but we needed something to do. Forge has the information you’ll need to clear out the bases. In exchange for this all we ask is one thing. Tell Magneto the nations of OPEC have demanded that Magneto cease in his production of cheap oil or face the consequences.>>
The image faded off the screen and Forge said, “That answers everything pretty conveniently. I think we may need to leave Genosha now, Raven.”
Raven nodded. “Agreed. Glance, you remember what cell you were in while being stuck in the SHIELD Helicarrier?”
Glance stepped forward and nodded. “I”ll never forget it. I’ll teleport you there now if you want.”
“Thanks Glance. Explain the situation to Magneto for us will ya? And you might want to tell him about OPEC,” Forge said.
“Like we’d miss the chance to tell Mags we can beat up on a bunch of terrorists,” Volcana commented.
Multiple Man snickered. “Takes one to know one.”
Mystique crossed her eyes one last time at Madrox as Glance opened up the portal to the Helicarrier. Before she stepped through she said, “Play nice children.”
Interlude
Memories flooded through the mind of Crim Hunns as he looked over the balcony of his apartment at the crowning jewel of Genosha, Hammer Bay. He had arrived shortly before the invasion of Zemo’s scumbags. Truthfully, Genosha wasn’t exactly his first choice of places to live. Being outed as a mutant had forced him to retreat here. Before Genosha, he had been an engineer working for an urban development firm. He lost it all by making that fatal mistake all lovers do. He trusted.
It wasn’t like her could move mountains or blow up buildings. His only talent was to look at a machine and store all of its schematics in his brain like a database. Foolishly, he decided to reveal this secret to his lovely fiancé. He might as well have told her he was gay and had slept with her brother. Horrified, she let everyone in his family and at his job know. Needless to say he ended up on the other side of Africa.
Life was just starting to look up when Zemo struck. Crim had been right in the middle of the carnage caused by TESS-One, but fate decided for him to survive. After it all was over he had felt a great deal of fear, but then came immense anger. In that anger Crim realized something…TESS-One was in his head. Then he went to Magneto. One thing led to another and he was able to put his engineering skills to use.
On the moon.
Magneto sat at his desk and stared at one of the many memos on his desk. If everything had gone to plan then his endgame was in motion. All of his manipulations and planning were about to come to fruition. So much work and effort and having to play guessing games would soon come to a stop. He would have everything that he wanted. Gernosha would be stronger than it had ever been. The mutant community would be respected and if the day ever came…he would be able to wage war.
A knock came at his door and Dr. Sando entered into the office. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a belly riding white t-shirt. It was far different from her usual seductive business attire. Magneto looked at her sidewards and asked, “Is something wrong Doctor?”
Sando shook her head and took a seat in front of Magneto’s desk. “No. Nothing is wrong. In fact, everything is going according to plan. It’s not exactly fun experimenting on someone with heels. I’m sure you don’t walk around with that helmet on all the time.”
Magneto laughed. “No, it makes my head itch far too much. So, Exodus has been captured and processed then?”
Eve crossed her legs in the seat and relaxed her arms on the leather armrests. “Mikhail and Gamemaster handed Exodus in essentially undamaged. We’ve begun preliminary mind scans on him and have begun inserting the neuro-drugs. In a few days time he’ll be like Subjects Y and Z.”
The President’s face frowned up. “Don’t refer to them as that please. They do have names after all.”
“Not like it’ll matter much,” Eve laughed, but Magneto continued to frown. “Okay…Siena and Chance.”
Relaxing, Magneto said, “That’s better. So there’s something else I want to discuss with you Dr. Sando.”
“And that would be?”
“Your relationship with Abyss.”
Eve’s eyes widen and before she could open her mouth to explain Magneto held up a hand of silence. “You don’t need to explain yourself. I knew he would come to you before even you did. It was part of our plan months ago.”
“The two of you are working together?” Eve asked in pure shock.
In many ways Magneto wished that they were. “No, I cut off our bargain before he could get his part of the deal in. He’s not at all happy with the fact I used him for what I needed and left him dry. Unfortunately, his philosophy did not quite match up with my own. One piece of our plan was for him to infiltrate the Damocles Foundation and make sure that you were allied to us. I surmised he would carry this plan out on his own.”
Somewhat calming down Eve asked, “He massacred the board. The man is a monster. How could you work with him?”
“Genosha was severely wounded after Zemo’s attack. I needed assistance and Abyss was on his way to achieving power. He thought through me he could multiply that power. He was sorely wrong.”
Dr. Sando folded her arms across her chest. “That didn’t answer my question.”
Magneto sighed. “Desperate times call for desperate measures my dear. And you would have attitude after betraying me? You’re lucky you’re still alive.”
“Maybe,” Dr. Sando shrugged. “But you’re keeping me alive for a reason. You need your military force to stay strong and I’m a key component in that.”
Smiling smugly Magneto said, “You overestimate your importance Sando, but I do enjoy your spunk. Though you know nothing of my moon base and the forces that lie within it.”
Barely able to stand another shock Eve muttered, “A Moon base?”
“Yes and it is full of TESS-One robots. Vehicles of destruction that perfectly complements the Genoshan Military Squadrons and the Psi-Corps. So while you may be needed you aren’t anywhere near as needed as you think young lady.”
“So we’ve all been pawns? Why are you telling me this now?”
Magneto didn’t like to think of his fellow mutants as pawns in some kind of game, but in this case it was a true analogy. He had only done it in the name of Genosha. A country for all of mutantkind could not be allowed to fade away, especially by the hands of someone as despicable as Baron Helmut Zemo. He would have done anything to protect his country and make sure it rose to prominence.
“I’m telling you this now because there is nothing anyone can do to stop my plans. Besides that I need you to know everything because I need your trust. The future is hurtling towards us fast and we all have to be prepared for it.”
Eve pushed in her lower lip and was silent, but finally she said, “Fine. Better under you than anywhere near Abyss. But what are you going to do about him? He’s plotting to bring you down.”
Laughing meekly Magneto said, “Yes, I already know that. I have no doubt he’s responsible for Sunspot being moved into his position in San Macro. I also have no doubt he was responsible for Iman Madras’ ward telling me my death would come at the hands of Exodus. Yet, I had to play along with all of this. I cannot let Abyss know I’m on to him. There is something else I need to know from you Eve.”
“I doubt you could ask anything else to surprise me today,” Eve sighed.
“What was it that you gave Iman Madras in exchange for that girl lying to me?”
“I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed but I avoided the presence of Mystique completely while she was on this island. There was a reason behind that. What Iman received from us were Ryan and Adam Darkholme, the long lost siblings of Mystique,” Eve revealed.
Magneto sat back in his chair and put a hand to his forehead. “You need to explain all of this to me. It may affect my plans.”
Unknown to both mutants a tiny orange mist seeped out from underneath his door.
2 Hours Later
“It’s as we feared,” Amelia Voght said into her black cellphone. “They’ve captured Exodus. I have no idea where they might have hidden him.”
“I knew it was going to happen, but unfortunately I couldn’t prevent it. It would alter too much. All we can hope to do is save him while we can.”
“Magneto has completely lost it. Exodus would stand by him when no one else would,” Amelia said in despair.
“He was bitter with Exodus for abandoning him and creating The Exiles. Magneto believes if Exodus had been on the island then Zemo would have never dared to attack it. Exodus trusted him, but Magneto long ago abandoned him.”
Amelia was at war within herself on what to say next. “Okay Fontanelle. I’ll help you save him, but after that we never knew each other. Understood?”
“Completely Voght. I just want to get Exodus the hell off of that island.”
“Agreed,” Amelia said as she hung up the cellphone and returned to her thoughts.
Next Issue: A rescue attempt is launched as Magneto and Abyss’ plans begin to reach their end stage!
TO BE CONTINUED