Back to GatefoldIssue #9 by John Cheese
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“DOWN TIME”
Isla Rohas, 20 Miles off the Coast of Costa Verda, Central America
Spear leaned back on the deck-chair as the tropical sun beat down on the gorgeous white sands of the islands beach. Every mission had its perks, and for this one it was the sea, sun and sand in addition to the insane amount of money they were being paid. The island itself was almost untouched, save for a wooden maisonette that sat just off the beach.
”So how did you find this place?” Spear asked the woman sitting under the large beach umbrella next to him.
“Former client needed to liquidate some assets. Turns out his assets ended up liquidating him.” Headhunter replied as she poked her incredibly pale face out from under the umbrella. “I co-own the house with Doctor Faustus since he was involved in the actual process.”
“Nice,” Chemistro commented as he flicked the end of his cigar towards one of the myriad of hermit crabs scampering up and down the beach. Before it could land a metallic arm darted out of the sand and caught the ashes before extinguishing the spark. “And that’s less nice. Hey Makro what are you doing down there?” He called as the woman buried in the sand excavated herself. In response to his question Marko just glowered at him before scuttling back towards the house, almost knocking the Mauler over in the process as he brought out a tray of margaritas.
“Oh come on Doyle it’s not even past the yard arm yet?” Chemistro taunted as the large man pushed Spear off the chair and slumped down in it.
“Somewhere it is, and since the boss isn’t here I say we relax.” Doyle answered as Spear shook himself and shot the Scotsman a withering glare.
“You just had to jinx it.” The Headhunter sighed as Shockwave came stomping out of the house, dressed in full armour. “Let me guess he wants us in the ‘Pool’ for a mission debrief.”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” Shockwave answered as he kicked the Mauler off the chair. “All I know is that he doesn’t sound happy.” He added as the assorted villains walked back towards the house.
The ‘Pool’ was just what it sounded like, except that instead of water it contained a polymorphic liquid metal slaved to a communications node. By the time the villains had assembled there was a liquid metal duplicate of Crossfire standing on the surface of the pool waiting for them, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
“I know, I know.” Shockwave moaned, “We’re late.”
“Hardly.” Crossfire replied. “Some of the money for the Costa Verde job has arrived, I hope you convinced the rebel faction that the offer to supply super villain tech is a limited time offer, guerrilla groups seldom pay the whole asking price.”
“That’s why I convinced them the asking price was higher; they’ll pay the Russians, who in turn send some of the profit our way to cover the ‘negotiation fee’. Likewise the political government will do he same with the Americans.” The Headhunter told him. “As for the tech it was easy to get a wide selection of weaponry and equipment from all those villains Scourge killed a while back.”
*As seen in Steve Crosby and Chris Munn’s) Thunderbolts Series
“What about Roxxon Blackridge?” Chemistro asked as a ripple run down Crossfire’s arm before extending the hand into a flat computer screen.
“Paid in full.” Crossfire told them. “And that brings me onto your next mission.”
“So soon?” Spear mumbled as a map appeared on the computer screen, lines of creeping red snaking from continent to continent. “And what’s that?”
“This map reveals the fruits of our efforts; we are close to getting the computing power we need.” Crossfire explained as the screen collapsed and sloshed back into the pool. “That’s why I need you all to do one last thing before we finalise our plans.”
”And that is?” Shockwave asked as tiny sparks of electricity arched off of his gloves.
”Simple. Very simple, Ladies, Gentlemen take two days and finish whatever outstanding business you have. I need focused minds going into this; I fear we have bigger worries then the usual super heroes who interfere with our work.” Crossfire told them. “There is a force arrayed against us, one whose numbers and strength are hidden, even from me.” He added as the liquid metal proxy collapsed into the pool leaving the villains standing around the edge standing there in shock.
“48 Hours.” Headhunter whispered as the team tensed up and looked over to the gunship parked out on the helipad. Looking back at the team she saw that they were already running for the vehicle, their thoughts no longer focused on rest and relaxation.”
# # # # #
Los Angeles, California
Somewhat cautiously Lodestone stepped into the alleyway opposite the Chinese Theatre, the sense of dread growing the further she got away from the bustling street outside. It wasn’t the thought of what could be waiting for her that made fear gnaw at the edges of her mind but the memory of what had happened already. This alleyway had been the backdrop of her worst nightmares, ones that were still fresh in her mind, even if her body had long since healed.
*As seen in MAX: 32 - Natural Magnetism
Bending down Lodestone pushed some of the mud away and removed a folded over scrap of paper bound by a single slither of purple hair. Gently she opened the paper and smiled as she saw the picture of the small boy looking back at her.
“That’s your brother.” She softly told the bulge in her belly. “In a few days you will be princes of the entire world. Everyone will love you and nobody would dare hurt you.” She added in a calm, almost loving voice.
“Yo hoochie mama!” A voice behind her called, the words causing Lodestone to slip the photo in her boot before turning round to see the crowd of seven street hoods staring at her. “You chose the wrong alley bitch, we killed the mutant who was slumming here and we’ll do the same to you.” The leader of the gang, a short man with rat like teeth squeaked as he removed the safety of the P90 he was carrying.
“Really, I heard that some elderly Nazi chased you away.” Lodestone answered as the thugs looked on with wide frightened eyes, “But you’re welcome to the alley.” She added as she turned off the holographic inducer she wore, her enhanced crystalline appearance now revealed for all the thugs to see.
”Shoot her!!” Rat Boy yelled, the thugs opening fire only for their rounds to drop to the floor before they got even halfway to their target. With an unspoken command Lodestone reached out to one of the abandoned lean-tos that were lined along the alleyway and pulled the metal around her fists to form foot long hooks from the sharpest pieces, the rest forming a barricade behind the thugs cutting off their escape.
“Okay so who wants to help me first?” Lodestone asked as she walked up to Rat Boy and levitated him just enough to look her in the eyes.
“Never, no one tells us what to do!!” Rat Boy protested as he squirmed in her grasp. If he had anything else to protest was unknown, unheard as Lodestone sliced through his neck, the head falling to the floor before being magnetically pushed towards his allies.
“Anyone else want to say no?” Lodestone asked in a sweet voice before throwing Rat Boy’s body against the wall.
“No Ma’am.” The thugs all stated in unison.
“Good because we have a lot of work to do, and a short time to do it in.” Lodestone purred as she melted the metal of her hooks, the liquid pouring into Rat Boy’s body until it was tainted red with blood before slithering back towards her. Looking on with disgust and fear the thugs shuddered at her next words, blood stained liquid metal dripping from her lips. “Who’s next to feed the baby?”
# # # # #
Chicago, Illinois
“So what’s the plan?” Spear asked as he sat in the booth of the grotty Italian American Restaurant. “And why the fuck aren’t we eating caviar and drinking finally aged Scotch old enough to order its own Scotch?” He asked as he jabbed the slice of pizza left on his plate with a filthy fork.
“Beats the fuck out of me?” Chemistro answered. “Dam it; you made me do it again!” He swore as he passed Spear a five dollar bill which Slyde slid into his quiver. “You chose the fuc…the fudging restaurant.” He stated as a massive dark skinned man dressed in a yellow shirt and black trousers walked up to the counter.
“Hey Benny you forgot to remove the chilli beef from Danny’s pizza.” He told the man behind the bar. “And I don’t want to listen to the thirty minute lecture on why he can’t eat this when I get back.”
“I’ll get right on it Mr Cage.” Benny stated as he threw the pizza in the trash. “It should be ready in five minutes.” He added.
“Is that?” Spear asked as he squinted at the man at the bar.
“It is.” Chemistro answered in a glum voice as he counted down on his fingers. He got to three when Spear uttered his response in a loud voice that caused everyone in the restaurant to glare at him.
“Sweet Christmas Calvin, I know what we’re going to do today!!”
# # # # #
Manhattan, New York City
“Okay this one I got from a failed demolition attempt.” Shockwave announced as he ran his hand along a foot long burn running up his arm. “Beat that!” He said triumphantly as he took a sip of coffee.
“This mark here.” Makro purred pointing to a healed puncture wound on her palm. “That’s the mark from a ritual blood letting ceremony. Three days it lasted, not so much as flash and substance as cold and callous.”
“I’ll give you that.” Shockwave admitted as he looked at the two women he was sitting at the trendy roof-top garden café with. “Ah this,” He announced proudly as tapped the gaunt space under his nose, the skin recessed and cracked. “I got that about a year ago from Sang Chi whilst on an op for the Yellow Claw.”
*As seen very briefly in Curt Ferlund’s Black Widow #25
“I’m surprised you’re not gunning for him now Crossfire has given us free reign to settle out issues.” Headhunter replied absent mindedly as she swirled her spoon in the cup of tea she was drinking.
“Revenge trips are for idiots.” Shockwave stated as he tossed the remaining coffee on the floor. “And they always end badly.” He finished as Makro looked down at her feet slightly. “So what do you have planned Gillette?” He asked as the waiter came to collect their cups and deliver the bill.
“One second.” Headhunter told him as she stood up and took her glasses off. “I believe we pre-paid for our drinks.” She purred as the waiter nodded and tore up the bill before taking away the empty cups. “Me I’ve got some paper work to fill in.”
“If you want we can wait up before hitting the release expo of the new Stark-Tech Hydrogen Fuel Cell.” Makro told her as she got to her feet just as Shockwave handed both women their jackets.
“No have fun; I won’t be at work long.” Headhunter answered as the trio headed for the lift. “In fact I’m fairly certain that I’ll just be collecting my things and never stepping foot in the building again.”
“That bad?” Shockwave asked as Headhunter slipped her glasses back on and put a finger on his lips.
“I’ll never tell, now you kids have fun and I’ll meet you back here tomorrow when Doyle comes and picks us up.” Headhunter told him, a genuine smile stretched across her face. “Assuming he doesn’t crash it of course.” She added as the lift arrived and the three of them stepped inside. After a brief trip they had reached the ground floor and Headhunter left Shockwave and Makro to head towards the docks, while she crossed the road to the gleaming ivory tower, its pristine façade a cover for a sub-branch of HYDRA. Heading through the double doors she went to the reception desk and placed her hands on the desk before looking into the eyes of the receptionist.
“Any messages for me?” She asked as the Receptionist looked at her, wide eyed and full of fear.
“Mr Whitehall gave an executive order Ms Wilkinson. Your contract with Echidna Finance and Resource Management is to be terminated on re-entry to the building.” The Receptionist stated as she reached for a handgun concealed under the desk. “Please return you’re…” Before she could finish a razor sharp disc, concealed against the Headhunter’s palm, flew towards her and embedded in her throat. With a coy smile Headhunter strode away as a pair of security guards moved to block her path, hands resting on pistols as they finally made the intercept.
“Get out of my way.” Headhunter said in a low voice, a touch of malice resting on her words. Unmoving the guards stood stock still as the lithe woman walked up to them and took off her glasses. “I said move out the way!” The Headhunter ordered, as the guards quivered and stepped aside. “Good, if Whitehall wants to find me, tell him that I’ll be down in Soho drinking.” She stated before flicking her hands backwards as another pair of discs flew out of her palm launchers and scythed through the guard’s necks.
Turning she look back at the headless HYDRA agents. “On the other hand just keep your mouths shut.” She ordered before walking back out into the throng of passers-by, until she was just another body in a seemingly endless crowd.
# # # # #
Chicago, Illinois
Spear stood on the edge of the Tribune Building looking out westwards towards the setting sun. Not that the city would ever go dark, the amount of neon and sky glow kept the streets bathed in a state of twilight even in its darkest hours. Behind him the door creaked open and Chemistro walked in, a thick brown envelope in his hand.
“I got them, was easy too.” Chemistro stated as he threw the envelope to Spear who opened the flap and pulled out several A4 photographs, each one showing a dead police officer or paramedic lying on the street with an arrow in their gut.
“These real?” Spear asked as he removed a spear from his quiver and unscrewed the head.
“Nah I’ve got nothing against Chicago PD so I hired some art students to pose for me.” Chemistro told him. “They were awfully egger to work with me when I flashed a grand’s worth of cash in their faces.
”Well they look convincing that’s for sure.” Spear answered as he placed the photos inside the spear and screwed the blunt head on. “So should I send it through a window or place it in the door?” He asked.
“The window defiantly.” Chemistro told him. “Wait, wait.” He called as he wrapped a piece of cloth around Spear’s head and covering his eyes. “You know our deal. You miss and you give me back my money, you hit anything in the house and I will double what I’ve already given you.”
“Sounds cool.” Spear stated, “Okay am I at least pointing towards the building?” He asked before pulling the trigger and sending the spear flying down towards a third story window across the street. As it hit the window the blunt head of the spear shattered, the force cracking the glass enough for the rest of the projectile to slip through into the building, it’s flight terminated as it hit a glowing yellow fist.
“Oh shit.” Chemistro whispered. “We have to go.” He added as he pulled Spear towards the edge of the building and fired up his alchemy pistol, an icy ramp forming as the pair of villains slid away.
“So did I hit something?” Spear asked happily as the pair skidded down to street level where they had parked their rented set of wheels. “Also give me my money.” He added his hand out stretched as Chemistro pushed him into the car.
“Sure I just put it in your quiver.” Chemistro lied as he started up the engine and drove out of the car park. “We’re really doing this?” He asked.
“Of course, those guys beat us up so many times.” Spear answered as he removed his blindfold. “It’s time to return the favour.”
# # # # #
Casablanca, Morocco
The café bar on the waterfront didn’t serve alcohol but that didn’t matter to the man clad in blue power armour. Contrary to what his team-mates believed his drinking was a façade, as was the identity of the man inside the suit of armour. His allegiance while real at the beginning had changed with the identity of the pilot when the man now using his name and suit took over his life. The other man at the table knew this since he had been the one who had hired him to take Francis Doyle AKA the Mauler’s place.
“So Dr Black, you want to hear what Cross and co is up to?” The Impostor asked the man dressed in a metallic suit of armour that covered everything save the dark skin of his face.
“As always Façade.” The man answered. “They are close to fruition aren’t they?”
“Yeah they are, so now would be the time to start the killing. Anyone you have in mind for first target?” Façade asked as he cracked his knuckles.
“Remove those who you can overpower without drawing suspicion if you have a chance, as we speak Firepower is training our latest recruits to counter Crossfire’s pathetic crew of misfits. He believes himself to be superior yet the company he keeps shows him to be nothing more then a thug in a suit.” Dr Black stated. “But he has shown that he’s a danger to the Conspiracy and for that he and his comrades must be silenced.”
TO BE CONTINUED...
Spear leaned back on the deck-chair as the tropical sun beat down on the gorgeous white sands of the islands beach. Every mission had its perks, and for this one it was the sea, sun and sand in addition to the insane amount of money they were being paid. The island itself was almost untouched, save for a wooden maisonette that sat just off the beach.
”So how did you find this place?” Spear asked the woman sitting under the large beach umbrella next to him.
“Former client needed to liquidate some assets. Turns out his assets ended up liquidating him.” Headhunter replied as she poked her incredibly pale face out from under the umbrella. “I co-own the house with Doctor Faustus since he was involved in the actual process.”
“Nice,” Chemistro commented as he flicked the end of his cigar towards one of the myriad of hermit crabs scampering up and down the beach. Before it could land a metallic arm darted out of the sand and caught the ashes before extinguishing the spark. “And that’s less nice. Hey Makro what are you doing down there?” He called as the woman buried in the sand excavated herself. In response to his question Marko just glowered at him before scuttling back towards the house, almost knocking the Mauler over in the process as he brought out a tray of margaritas.
“Oh come on Doyle it’s not even past the yard arm yet?” Chemistro taunted as the large man pushed Spear off the chair and slumped down in it.
“Somewhere it is, and since the boss isn’t here I say we relax.” Doyle answered as Spear shook himself and shot the Scotsman a withering glare.
“You just had to jinx it.” The Headhunter sighed as Shockwave came stomping out of the house, dressed in full armour. “Let me guess he wants us in the ‘Pool’ for a mission debrief.”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” Shockwave answered as he kicked the Mauler off the chair. “All I know is that he doesn’t sound happy.” He added as the assorted villains walked back towards the house.
The ‘Pool’ was just what it sounded like, except that instead of water it contained a polymorphic liquid metal slaved to a communications node. By the time the villains had assembled there was a liquid metal duplicate of Crossfire standing on the surface of the pool waiting for them, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
“I know, I know.” Shockwave moaned, “We’re late.”
“Hardly.” Crossfire replied. “Some of the money for the Costa Verde job has arrived, I hope you convinced the rebel faction that the offer to supply super villain tech is a limited time offer, guerrilla groups seldom pay the whole asking price.”
“That’s why I convinced them the asking price was higher; they’ll pay the Russians, who in turn send some of the profit our way to cover the ‘negotiation fee’. Likewise the political government will do he same with the Americans.” The Headhunter told him. “As for the tech it was easy to get a wide selection of weaponry and equipment from all those villains Scourge killed a while back.”
*As seen in Steve Crosby and Chris Munn’s) Thunderbolts Series
“What about Roxxon Blackridge?” Chemistro asked as a ripple run down Crossfire’s arm before extending the hand into a flat computer screen.
“Paid in full.” Crossfire told them. “And that brings me onto your next mission.”
“So soon?” Spear mumbled as a map appeared on the computer screen, lines of creeping red snaking from continent to continent. “And what’s that?”
“This map reveals the fruits of our efforts; we are close to getting the computing power we need.” Crossfire explained as the screen collapsed and sloshed back into the pool. “That’s why I need you all to do one last thing before we finalise our plans.”
”And that is?” Shockwave asked as tiny sparks of electricity arched off of his gloves.
”Simple. Very simple, Ladies, Gentlemen take two days and finish whatever outstanding business you have. I need focused minds going into this; I fear we have bigger worries then the usual super heroes who interfere with our work.” Crossfire told them. “There is a force arrayed against us, one whose numbers and strength are hidden, even from me.” He added as the liquid metal proxy collapsed into the pool leaving the villains standing around the edge standing there in shock.
“48 Hours.” Headhunter whispered as the team tensed up and looked over to the gunship parked out on the helipad. Looking back at the team she saw that they were already running for the vehicle, their thoughts no longer focused on rest and relaxation.”
# # # # #
Los Angeles, California
Somewhat cautiously Lodestone stepped into the alleyway opposite the Chinese Theatre, the sense of dread growing the further she got away from the bustling street outside. It wasn’t the thought of what could be waiting for her that made fear gnaw at the edges of her mind but the memory of what had happened already. This alleyway had been the backdrop of her worst nightmares, ones that were still fresh in her mind, even if her body had long since healed.
*As seen in MAX: 32 - Natural Magnetism
Bending down Lodestone pushed some of the mud away and removed a folded over scrap of paper bound by a single slither of purple hair. Gently she opened the paper and smiled as she saw the picture of the small boy looking back at her.
“That’s your brother.” She softly told the bulge in her belly. “In a few days you will be princes of the entire world. Everyone will love you and nobody would dare hurt you.” She added in a calm, almost loving voice.
“Yo hoochie mama!” A voice behind her called, the words causing Lodestone to slip the photo in her boot before turning round to see the crowd of seven street hoods staring at her. “You chose the wrong alley bitch, we killed the mutant who was slumming here and we’ll do the same to you.” The leader of the gang, a short man with rat like teeth squeaked as he removed the safety of the P90 he was carrying.
“Really, I heard that some elderly Nazi chased you away.” Lodestone answered as the thugs looked on with wide frightened eyes, “But you’re welcome to the alley.” She added as she turned off the holographic inducer she wore, her enhanced crystalline appearance now revealed for all the thugs to see.
”Shoot her!!” Rat Boy yelled, the thugs opening fire only for their rounds to drop to the floor before they got even halfway to their target. With an unspoken command Lodestone reached out to one of the abandoned lean-tos that were lined along the alleyway and pulled the metal around her fists to form foot long hooks from the sharpest pieces, the rest forming a barricade behind the thugs cutting off their escape.
“Okay so who wants to help me first?” Lodestone asked as she walked up to Rat Boy and levitated him just enough to look her in the eyes.
“Never, no one tells us what to do!!” Rat Boy protested as he squirmed in her grasp. If he had anything else to protest was unknown, unheard as Lodestone sliced through his neck, the head falling to the floor before being magnetically pushed towards his allies.
“Anyone else want to say no?” Lodestone asked in a sweet voice before throwing Rat Boy’s body against the wall.
“No Ma’am.” The thugs all stated in unison.
“Good because we have a lot of work to do, and a short time to do it in.” Lodestone purred as she melted the metal of her hooks, the liquid pouring into Rat Boy’s body until it was tainted red with blood before slithering back towards her. Looking on with disgust and fear the thugs shuddered at her next words, blood stained liquid metal dripping from her lips. “Who’s next to feed the baby?”
# # # # #
Chicago, Illinois
“So what’s the plan?” Spear asked as he sat in the booth of the grotty Italian American Restaurant. “And why the fuck aren’t we eating caviar and drinking finally aged Scotch old enough to order its own Scotch?” He asked as he jabbed the slice of pizza left on his plate with a filthy fork.
“Beats the fuck out of me?” Chemistro answered. “Dam it; you made me do it again!” He swore as he passed Spear a five dollar bill which Slyde slid into his quiver. “You chose the fuc…the fudging restaurant.” He stated as a massive dark skinned man dressed in a yellow shirt and black trousers walked up to the counter.
“Hey Benny you forgot to remove the chilli beef from Danny’s pizza.” He told the man behind the bar. “And I don’t want to listen to the thirty minute lecture on why he can’t eat this when I get back.”
“I’ll get right on it Mr Cage.” Benny stated as he threw the pizza in the trash. “It should be ready in five minutes.” He added.
“Is that?” Spear asked as he squinted at the man at the bar.
“It is.” Chemistro answered in a glum voice as he counted down on his fingers. He got to three when Spear uttered his response in a loud voice that caused everyone in the restaurant to glare at him.
“Sweet Christmas Calvin, I know what we’re going to do today!!”
# # # # #
Manhattan, New York City
“Okay this one I got from a failed demolition attempt.” Shockwave announced as he ran his hand along a foot long burn running up his arm. “Beat that!” He said triumphantly as he took a sip of coffee.
“This mark here.” Makro purred pointing to a healed puncture wound on her palm. “That’s the mark from a ritual blood letting ceremony. Three days it lasted, not so much as flash and substance as cold and callous.”
“I’ll give you that.” Shockwave admitted as he looked at the two women he was sitting at the trendy roof-top garden café with. “Ah this,” He announced proudly as tapped the gaunt space under his nose, the skin recessed and cracked. “I got that about a year ago from Sang Chi whilst on an op for the Yellow Claw.”
*As seen very briefly in Curt Ferlund’s Black Widow #25
“I’m surprised you’re not gunning for him now Crossfire has given us free reign to settle out issues.” Headhunter replied absent mindedly as she swirled her spoon in the cup of tea she was drinking.
“Revenge trips are for idiots.” Shockwave stated as he tossed the remaining coffee on the floor. “And they always end badly.” He finished as Makro looked down at her feet slightly. “So what do you have planned Gillette?” He asked as the waiter came to collect their cups and deliver the bill.
“One second.” Headhunter told him as she stood up and took her glasses off. “I believe we pre-paid for our drinks.” She purred as the waiter nodded and tore up the bill before taking away the empty cups. “Me I’ve got some paper work to fill in.”
“If you want we can wait up before hitting the release expo of the new Stark-Tech Hydrogen Fuel Cell.” Makro told her as she got to her feet just as Shockwave handed both women their jackets.
“No have fun; I won’t be at work long.” Headhunter answered as the trio headed for the lift. “In fact I’m fairly certain that I’ll just be collecting my things and never stepping foot in the building again.”
“That bad?” Shockwave asked as Headhunter slipped her glasses back on and put a finger on his lips.
“I’ll never tell, now you kids have fun and I’ll meet you back here tomorrow when Doyle comes and picks us up.” Headhunter told him, a genuine smile stretched across her face. “Assuming he doesn’t crash it of course.” She added as the lift arrived and the three of them stepped inside. After a brief trip they had reached the ground floor and Headhunter left Shockwave and Makro to head towards the docks, while she crossed the road to the gleaming ivory tower, its pristine façade a cover for a sub-branch of HYDRA. Heading through the double doors she went to the reception desk and placed her hands on the desk before looking into the eyes of the receptionist.
“Any messages for me?” She asked as the Receptionist looked at her, wide eyed and full of fear.
“Mr Whitehall gave an executive order Ms Wilkinson. Your contract with Echidna Finance and Resource Management is to be terminated on re-entry to the building.” The Receptionist stated as she reached for a handgun concealed under the desk. “Please return you’re…” Before she could finish a razor sharp disc, concealed against the Headhunter’s palm, flew towards her and embedded in her throat. With a coy smile Headhunter strode away as a pair of security guards moved to block her path, hands resting on pistols as they finally made the intercept.
“Get out of my way.” Headhunter said in a low voice, a touch of malice resting on her words. Unmoving the guards stood stock still as the lithe woman walked up to them and took off her glasses. “I said move out the way!” The Headhunter ordered, as the guards quivered and stepped aside. “Good, if Whitehall wants to find me, tell him that I’ll be down in Soho drinking.” She stated before flicking her hands backwards as another pair of discs flew out of her palm launchers and scythed through the guard’s necks.
Turning she look back at the headless HYDRA agents. “On the other hand just keep your mouths shut.” She ordered before walking back out into the throng of passers-by, until she was just another body in a seemingly endless crowd.
# # # # #
Chicago, Illinois
Spear stood on the edge of the Tribune Building looking out westwards towards the setting sun. Not that the city would ever go dark, the amount of neon and sky glow kept the streets bathed in a state of twilight even in its darkest hours. Behind him the door creaked open and Chemistro walked in, a thick brown envelope in his hand.
“I got them, was easy too.” Chemistro stated as he threw the envelope to Spear who opened the flap and pulled out several A4 photographs, each one showing a dead police officer or paramedic lying on the street with an arrow in their gut.
“These real?” Spear asked as he removed a spear from his quiver and unscrewed the head.
“Nah I’ve got nothing against Chicago PD so I hired some art students to pose for me.” Chemistro told him. “They were awfully egger to work with me when I flashed a grand’s worth of cash in their faces.
”Well they look convincing that’s for sure.” Spear answered as he placed the photos inside the spear and screwed the blunt head on. “So should I send it through a window or place it in the door?” He asked.
“The window defiantly.” Chemistro told him. “Wait, wait.” He called as he wrapped a piece of cloth around Spear’s head and covering his eyes. “You know our deal. You miss and you give me back my money, you hit anything in the house and I will double what I’ve already given you.”
“Sounds cool.” Spear stated, “Okay am I at least pointing towards the building?” He asked before pulling the trigger and sending the spear flying down towards a third story window across the street. As it hit the window the blunt head of the spear shattered, the force cracking the glass enough for the rest of the projectile to slip through into the building, it’s flight terminated as it hit a glowing yellow fist.
“Oh shit.” Chemistro whispered. “We have to go.” He added as he pulled Spear towards the edge of the building and fired up his alchemy pistol, an icy ramp forming as the pair of villains slid away.
“So did I hit something?” Spear asked happily as the pair skidded down to street level where they had parked their rented set of wheels. “Also give me my money.” He added his hand out stretched as Chemistro pushed him into the car.
“Sure I just put it in your quiver.” Chemistro lied as he started up the engine and drove out of the car park. “We’re really doing this?” He asked.
“Of course, those guys beat us up so many times.” Spear answered as he removed his blindfold. “It’s time to return the favour.”
# # # # #
Casablanca, Morocco
The café bar on the waterfront didn’t serve alcohol but that didn’t matter to the man clad in blue power armour. Contrary to what his team-mates believed his drinking was a façade, as was the identity of the man inside the suit of armour. His allegiance while real at the beginning had changed with the identity of the pilot when the man now using his name and suit took over his life. The other man at the table knew this since he had been the one who had hired him to take Francis Doyle AKA the Mauler’s place.
“So Dr Black, you want to hear what Cross and co is up to?” The Impostor asked the man dressed in a metallic suit of armour that covered everything save the dark skin of his face.
“As always Façade.” The man answered. “They are close to fruition aren’t they?”
“Yeah they are, so now would be the time to start the killing. Anyone you have in mind for first target?” Façade asked as he cracked his knuckles.
“Remove those who you can overpower without drawing suspicion if you have a chance, as we speak Firepower is training our latest recruits to counter Crossfire’s pathetic crew of misfits. He believes himself to be superior yet the company he keeps shows him to be nothing more then a thug in a suit.” Dr Black stated. “But he has shown that he’s a danger to the Conspiracy and for that he and his comrades must be silenced.”
TO BE CONTINUED...