“Some operation you got here Worthington. You super types sure like to go all out don’t you?”
Warren Worthington III, known to the world as the high flying Archangel, smirked and shook his head at the comments. They were spoken by the man walking along the paths of the island beside him, one Nick Fury, longtime soldier and head of SHIELD and a longtime ally of super heroes the world over. The man chomped on the end of his cigar as the stern look that never left his face remained just right. It was always helped by the eye patch which most people didn’t let their eyes wander to, figuring it was rude to do so which always helped in putting people off in Nick’s book.
“Well Nick, when the fate of the world is on your shoulders you gotta live in style don’t you think? Some might call the hellicarriers a bit much.”
With a grunt, Fury pulled the cigar from his lips. “You can’t critique what works.”
“I suppose not.”
The two men reached the building they had been heading for and moments later were well on their way down the elevator into the center of the facility. “Quite the view you got here.”
“Some of the others seem to think so. I could do with a clearer view myself.”
“Cute, real cute.”
With a ding the lift opened and the two men moved through the metallic hallway coming to a junction with a large door with an ‘X’ etched through the center.
“Real subtle there,” Fury spoke as his head shook at the sight.
“Subtly is last century. Computer, confirm identity.” A retinal scanner popped out as Warren spoke and his face was placed against it. A small beep sounded as his identity was confirmed.
“What’s to stop someone like Mystique or another shifter from getting past that?”
Warren smiled. “While it scans my eye it also is doing a full body scan down the DNA. Not even Raven is that good.”
Fury grunted. “Never underestimate your foes. First rule of what we do kid.”
“No worries, no one is being underestimated. There are enough security measures within the facility and the upper island to bring the Hulk to his knees.” As Warren spoke the door slid open to reveal another hallway that the men began to progress down.
“I’m gonna wager that was never field tested.”
Warren shrugged. “Mostly theory, perhaps, but I trust Henry, Forge and Dr. Richards.”
“Richards was in on this? Maybe this operation isn’t as half-assed as I figured.”
Warren shook his head and smiled slightly. “Don’t underestimate your allies, Colonel. Another good rule.”
Another large door stood before them and it opened to reveal a room behind. Located dead center was a large circular table with another ‘X’ in the middle and over a dozen black leather backed chairs, secured to the floor by gleaming silver metallic columns. Large monitors were upon the walls and at the same time various displays were being projected into the air around the table with information and newsfeeds scrolling across them.
Three figures were within the room, seated at the table. Scott sat at a chair that was a bit bigger than the others to indicate the head spot of the table, with Jean to his right and Bobby to his left. Warren gestured for a seat for Fury as he took his own completing the seating of four out of the five original X-Men.
“Greeted by the old hands, I see.”
Scott gave a nod. “Welcome to Graymalkin Island, Colonel Fury, I believe we have a lot to discuss.”
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#2
FEB 09 |
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Warped Sensibilities, Part One:
“Astonishing”
“Astonishing”
“We weren’t sure who to call for something like this, so you all stopping by is really helpful. Thanks for that.”
Officer Benton held the door open as the figures he had been speaking to entered the room. With a brown trench coat tail trailing behind him, Jamie Madrox entered first and glanced around. It was actually one of Jamie Madrox’s dupes to be more precise…with the original Jamie working for the X-Corporation and having been sending dupes around to learn for him, a decision had been reached between Jamie and the heads of the X-Corporation to place a stable duplicate of Jamie on each authorized team. The one that had come to Chicago had seemingly spent a lot of time working on the NYPD and for Interpol, as well as SHIELD for some time.
Longshot followed closely behind with Kitty pulling up the rear. An odor filled the small apartment they entered and Kitty wrinkled her nose before covering it with her hand.
“Well that isn’t a pleasant smell.”
Longshot’s head tilted for a moment. “It reminds me of the Tar’gohol Swamps back on Mojoworld. Sulfurous and reeking of death; they were my second favorite place for filming.”
“That says so much about you that I didn’t need to know,” said Kitty as she shook her head and moved past the man. “What do we got here anyways?”
Officer Benton pointed into the kitchen and something that was upon the ground there surrounded by other officers. “Right in there, that’s where the Super found the body.”
Jamie entered the small kitchen and knelt down by the body, or what was left of a body. All skin had been flayed away and the body was decayed beyond belief. It looked like someone had dropped an ancient mummy sans the wraps into the room.
“Time of death?” Jamie asked as he lifted the weak arm up, causing a bit of dust to drift up into the air in a cloud.
“Well, from what the neighbors said about last seeing the victim, probably around eight hours ago.”
More dust flew into the air as Jamie dropped the arm and turned to stare at the officer. “Eight hours? This body has gone through full decay. That’s not possible.”
Benton nodded. “I know, sir, that’s why we called in for you guys. This is way beyond what we deal with. We figured things this odd were more up the alley of the professionals.”
Kitty gave a soft chuckle. “I’d hardly call us the experts on anything weird, officer.”
“I recall a beast back home that would devour its prey and defecate it out within a short time causing such rapid decay and death, though it was a rare creature.” Longshot knelt beside Jamie as he spoke and began to rub his chin.
“Okay, never mind. Weird is right up our alley,” Kitty said with a sigh.
Ignoring the young woman and the officer, Jamie began to look the body over. “Longshot, can you sense anything?”
“Sense anything? Jamie, I’m pretty sure you left the psychic back on the island,” said Kitty.
“Psychometrics, Kitty,” Longshot said as he showed his fingers now free from the black glove that had been on his hand. “With a touch I can get a sense of things, read psychic imprints and gain thoughts that were had when the items were handled.”
“Oh yeah, that. Not my fault I forgot you got so many powers.”
Longshot just smiled as he reached down and wrapped his fingers around the decayed corpse’s arm. His eye flashed and began to glow for a few moments before it stopped. “I am picking up nothing.” There was concern upon the man’s face as the smile faded away.
“Is that good or bad?” asked Benton as he looked between each of the mutants quit confused.
“It’s strange. Usually I should be able to pick up something, such as an imprint, which tend to stick around for a day or two. But there is nothing here.”
Kitty rubbed at her chin in thought. “So we’re dealing with something or someone that can kill and decay a body in quick time as well as apparently negate things like psychic imprint.”
“The killer is a mutant.” Jamie said as he rose. “Looks like this is our case after all officer.”
Danger Room
A deep breath entered and then exited the body through the mouth as Angelica Jones floated within the large room, a ball of fire set right within her palm. What was once a normal tennis ball was now a searing ball of flames bombarded with the microwave energy only she could control.
“Push more, add to the temperature.” Beside her was a man hovering with different flames around him, known to the world as Sunfire or one Shiro Yoshida.
Sweat began to pool as Angelica nodded and closed her eyes tightly. The ball of flame began to flare up some as she concentrated.
“Keep your focus, control it.”
Angelica began to breathe harder as the flames around the ball began to waver and spike out in intensity.
“Control it. Do not falter.”
“I…I can’t!” she managed to gasp out as the flames continued to grow.
“You can, you are simply choosing not to. Do not let your weakness control you.”
Without warning the ball flared up again and then exploded, sending chunks of flaming rubber all across the room. A pink shield appeared around them all to ward off the chunks, as the creator of the shield left his place on the ground to hover near the others. Justice did not look happy. “Angelica are you all right?” Vance spoke to her while glaring daggers at the Japanese mutant who seemed indifferent to all happening.”
“I’m…I’m fine Vance. I just couldn’t hold it and started to get tired is all. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re pushing her too hard,” hissed Vance as he moved into Shiro’s space.
“And you weaken her as you coddle her. A true warrior lies within her, her powers are vast. Pity the same cannot be said for you as well.”
Vance grabbed Shiro by the collar as at the same time Shiro’s flames began to grow and the two men were about to duke it out.
“Enough!” Angelica flew over and pulled the two men apart. “What the hell is gotten into you two?”
Vance grumbled and moved away from Shiro. “Angel, I was just…”
“I know what you were doing and it’s not necessary. I’m a big girl,” said Angelica as her gaze turned towards Shiro. “I agreed to your teaching me, Shiro, as I want to get better and expand my powers but I will put you down if you hurt my fiancé. Are we clear?”
Shiro just smirked. “Very well.” Angelica had fiery passion and courage, which was something Shiro could respect; it was only a shame that as long as she was with Vance it would never be fully realized.
“You all done with the pissing contest in here? I can always come back later with a mop and bucket if you need it.” All three glanced down to notice Jubilee wandering into the room.
“It is over, Jubilee, I’ve got them under control.” Angelica brought herself lower as Jubilee came to a stop below them. “We’re you hoping to use the Danger Room?”
“Nah, just bored. Thought I’d see what others were up to and if anyone wanted to hit the mall. I hear they got some wicked sales going on.”
Shiro rolled his eyes. “Typical American youth.”
A flash came off Jubilee’s hand and her middle finger in particular as she raised it up in Shiro’s direction. “Bite me fire boy. By the way, that white mask thing you got going on is freaking creepy. Makes you look like you probably got some deformed face under there.”
“Jubilee!” Angelica said as she placed a hand on the young woman’s shoulder. “I’d love to go shopping with you later but right now I’m training with Shiro.”
“You were training, but you are clearly exhausted now.” Vance laid a hand upon her shoulder.
“Vance, I’ll tell you when I’m exhausted. Right now I’m ready to train more. Are you ready Shiro?”
“Only if they leave.”
“Gladly,” Jubilee said with a shrug as she moved over and grabbed Vance’s arm. “Come on, boy scout, looks like it’s just you and I for this outing.”
“What? No, I have to...” The words died off as he watched Angelica and Shiro rise back up into the air as another tennis ball found its way to her palm. Sighing, he shook his head. “Yeah, okay, let’s go.” With a soft sound the large doors of the room closed securely behind them.
Wannabe’s
Since the arrival of the X-Men in the city, Chicago had begun to experience some changes. From shops selling merchandise with the X-Men on it or things affiliated with Xavier, to more mutants coming into the city, there was a lot changing. One of the biggest was a club that had opened up fairly rapidly that embraced mutant culture and figures.
Wannabe’s was a club for mutants and humans and especially for those that wanted to dress up like or experience the mutant ‘lifestyle’. Mutants were the VIP’s of the club and many of the patrons would show up in costumes of mutant figures from the X-Men or Avengers or even the Brotherhood at times. Mutants were the new ‘in’ thing within society it seemed.
Loud music pumped through speakers throughout the club and bodies grinded together or withered upon the dance floor, keeping in time to the music. Some were hawking merchandise on one side of the club. Drinks were flowing and scantily clad women were looking for the next free drink to scam off a man or for companionship or just for fun with their friends.
In such establishments it was always easy to tell who didn’t belong. Someone would be wearing something or doing something that set them apart from the others within the area. That night a man in a fine black suit and Italian loafers was the one that was set off from the rest. A briefcase was snugly within his grasp as he moved through the crowds.
A table in the back was his destination. A lone figure was seated there. Short dark spiked hair, a net shirt and leather pants and jacket set the figure being approached off from others. What really set him apart was not the piercings in his face and ears but the large black M that was tattooed upon his face.
“You are the one known as Warp Savant?” the business suited man asked as he reached the table.
The young man leaned back with a shit-eating grin, hands upon the table with one wrapped around the large stein of beer before him. “Depends on who’s asking. You’re not a lawyer I hope.”
The man placed the briefcase upon the table and took a seat. “Not a lawyer. I’m here on behalf of my employers.”
“And they would be?”
“Very interested in the particular set of skills that you possess, Mr. Savant.”
“I don’t work for cheap.”
With a click the briefcase was opened and stacks of cash were visible. “Five million here and now, up front, and another five when the job is finished.”
“Ten million cash, eh? Must be something big, especially if you want me to do it. So what am I gonna do for your esteemed clients?”
A photo was pushed across the table taken from the debut of the X-Men in Chicago taken not long before. Warp’s eyebrows rose and then a huge grin covered his face. The man in the suit released the photo. “Can you handle this?”
“Oh, I can handle it. It would be a pleasure, in fact. I’m the biggest fan of the X-Men and this will be my greatest piece of art.”
“Very well. We wait to hear from you on your success.” With a snap the briefcase was closed and slid across the table and the man rose and was gone within the crowd.
Drinking from the large stein, Warp Savant kept smiling. It was time for the X-Men to meet their number one biggest fan.
To Be Continued...
Next: In Astonishing X-Men #3: Warp Savant vs. the X-Men!
Previous Issue | Next Issue
Officer Benton held the door open as the figures he had been speaking to entered the room. With a brown trench coat tail trailing behind him, Jamie Madrox entered first and glanced around. It was actually one of Jamie Madrox’s dupes to be more precise…with the original Jamie working for the X-Corporation and having been sending dupes around to learn for him, a decision had been reached between Jamie and the heads of the X-Corporation to place a stable duplicate of Jamie on each authorized team. The one that had come to Chicago had seemingly spent a lot of time working on the NYPD and for Interpol, as well as SHIELD for some time.
Longshot followed closely behind with Kitty pulling up the rear. An odor filled the small apartment they entered and Kitty wrinkled her nose before covering it with her hand.
“Well that isn’t a pleasant smell.”
Longshot’s head tilted for a moment. “It reminds me of the Tar’gohol Swamps back on Mojoworld. Sulfurous and reeking of death; they were my second favorite place for filming.”
“That says so much about you that I didn’t need to know,” said Kitty as she shook her head and moved past the man. “What do we got here anyways?”
Officer Benton pointed into the kitchen and something that was upon the ground there surrounded by other officers. “Right in there, that’s where the Super found the body.”
Jamie entered the small kitchen and knelt down by the body, or what was left of a body. All skin had been flayed away and the body was decayed beyond belief. It looked like someone had dropped an ancient mummy sans the wraps into the room.
“Time of death?” Jamie asked as he lifted the weak arm up, causing a bit of dust to drift up into the air in a cloud.
“Well, from what the neighbors said about last seeing the victim, probably around eight hours ago.”
More dust flew into the air as Jamie dropped the arm and turned to stare at the officer. “Eight hours? This body has gone through full decay. That’s not possible.”
Benton nodded. “I know, sir, that’s why we called in for you guys. This is way beyond what we deal with. We figured things this odd were more up the alley of the professionals.”
Kitty gave a soft chuckle. “I’d hardly call us the experts on anything weird, officer.”
“I recall a beast back home that would devour its prey and defecate it out within a short time causing such rapid decay and death, though it was a rare creature.” Longshot knelt beside Jamie as he spoke and began to rub his chin.
“Okay, never mind. Weird is right up our alley,” Kitty said with a sigh.
Ignoring the young woman and the officer, Jamie began to look the body over. “Longshot, can you sense anything?”
“Sense anything? Jamie, I’m pretty sure you left the psychic back on the island,” said Kitty.
“Psychometrics, Kitty,” Longshot said as he showed his fingers now free from the black glove that had been on his hand. “With a touch I can get a sense of things, read psychic imprints and gain thoughts that were had when the items were handled.”
“Oh yeah, that. Not my fault I forgot you got so many powers.”
Longshot just smiled as he reached down and wrapped his fingers around the decayed corpse’s arm. His eye flashed and began to glow for a few moments before it stopped. “I am picking up nothing.” There was concern upon the man’s face as the smile faded away.
“Is that good or bad?” asked Benton as he looked between each of the mutants quit confused.
“It’s strange. Usually I should be able to pick up something, such as an imprint, which tend to stick around for a day or two. But there is nothing here.”
Kitty rubbed at her chin in thought. “So we’re dealing with something or someone that can kill and decay a body in quick time as well as apparently negate things like psychic imprint.”
“The killer is a mutant.” Jamie said as he rose. “Looks like this is our case after all officer.”
Danger Room
A deep breath entered and then exited the body through the mouth as Angelica Jones floated within the large room, a ball of fire set right within her palm. What was once a normal tennis ball was now a searing ball of flames bombarded with the microwave energy only she could control.
“Push more, add to the temperature.” Beside her was a man hovering with different flames around him, known to the world as Sunfire or one Shiro Yoshida.
Sweat began to pool as Angelica nodded and closed her eyes tightly. The ball of flame began to flare up some as she concentrated.
“Keep your focus, control it.”
Angelica began to breathe harder as the flames around the ball began to waver and spike out in intensity.
“Control it. Do not falter.”
“I…I can’t!” she managed to gasp out as the flames continued to grow.
“You can, you are simply choosing not to. Do not let your weakness control you.”
Without warning the ball flared up again and then exploded, sending chunks of flaming rubber all across the room. A pink shield appeared around them all to ward off the chunks, as the creator of the shield left his place on the ground to hover near the others. Justice did not look happy. “Angelica are you all right?” Vance spoke to her while glaring daggers at the Japanese mutant who seemed indifferent to all happening.”
“I’m…I’m fine Vance. I just couldn’t hold it and started to get tired is all. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re pushing her too hard,” hissed Vance as he moved into Shiro’s space.
“And you weaken her as you coddle her. A true warrior lies within her, her powers are vast. Pity the same cannot be said for you as well.”
Vance grabbed Shiro by the collar as at the same time Shiro’s flames began to grow and the two men were about to duke it out.
“Enough!” Angelica flew over and pulled the two men apart. “What the hell is gotten into you two?”
Vance grumbled and moved away from Shiro. “Angel, I was just…”
“I know what you were doing and it’s not necessary. I’m a big girl,” said Angelica as her gaze turned towards Shiro. “I agreed to your teaching me, Shiro, as I want to get better and expand my powers but I will put you down if you hurt my fiancé. Are we clear?”
Shiro just smirked. “Very well.” Angelica had fiery passion and courage, which was something Shiro could respect; it was only a shame that as long as she was with Vance it would never be fully realized.
“You all done with the pissing contest in here? I can always come back later with a mop and bucket if you need it.” All three glanced down to notice Jubilee wandering into the room.
“It is over, Jubilee, I’ve got them under control.” Angelica brought herself lower as Jubilee came to a stop below them. “We’re you hoping to use the Danger Room?”
“Nah, just bored. Thought I’d see what others were up to and if anyone wanted to hit the mall. I hear they got some wicked sales going on.”
Shiro rolled his eyes. “Typical American youth.”
A flash came off Jubilee’s hand and her middle finger in particular as she raised it up in Shiro’s direction. “Bite me fire boy. By the way, that white mask thing you got going on is freaking creepy. Makes you look like you probably got some deformed face under there.”
“Jubilee!” Angelica said as she placed a hand on the young woman’s shoulder. “I’d love to go shopping with you later but right now I’m training with Shiro.”
“You were training, but you are clearly exhausted now.” Vance laid a hand upon her shoulder.
“Vance, I’ll tell you when I’m exhausted. Right now I’m ready to train more. Are you ready Shiro?”
“Only if they leave.”
“Gladly,” Jubilee said with a shrug as she moved over and grabbed Vance’s arm. “Come on, boy scout, looks like it’s just you and I for this outing.”
“What? No, I have to...” The words died off as he watched Angelica and Shiro rise back up into the air as another tennis ball found its way to her palm. Sighing, he shook his head. “Yeah, okay, let’s go.” With a soft sound the large doors of the room closed securely behind them.
Wannabe’s
Since the arrival of the X-Men in the city, Chicago had begun to experience some changes. From shops selling merchandise with the X-Men on it or things affiliated with Xavier, to more mutants coming into the city, there was a lot changing. One of the biggest was a club that had opened up fairly rapidly that embraced mutant culture and figures.
Wannabe’s was a club for mutants and humans and especially for those that wanted to dress up like or experience the mutant ‘lifestyle’. Mutants were the VIP’s of the club and many of the patrons would show up in costumes of mutant figures from the X-Men or Avengers or even the Brotherhood at times. Mutants were the new ‘in’ thing within society it seemed.
Loud music pumped through speakers throughout the club and bodies grinded together or withered upon the dance floor, keeping in time to the music. Some were hawking merchandise on one side of the club. Drinks were flowing and scantily clad women were looking for the next free drink to scam off a man or for companionship or just for fun with their friends.
In such establishments it was always easy to tell who didn’t belong. Someone would be wearing something or doing something that set them apart from the others within the area. That night a man in a fine black suit and Italian loafers was the one that was set off from the rest. A briefcase was snugly within his grasp as he moved through the crowds.
A table in the back was his destination. A lone figure was seated there. Short dark spiked hair, a net shirt and leather pants and jacket set the figure being approached off from others. What really set him apart was not the piercings in his face and ears but the large black M that was tattooed upon his face.
“You are the one known as Warp Savant?” the business suited man asked as he reached the table.
The young man leaned back with a shit-eating grin, hands upon the table with one wrapped around the large stein of beer before him. “Depends on who’s asking. You’re not a lawyer I hope.”
The man placed the briefcase upon the table and took a seat. “Not a lawyer. I’m here on behalf of my employers.”
“And they would be?”
“Very interested in the particular set of skills that you possess, Mr. Savant.”
“I don’t work for cheap.”
With a click the briefcase was opened and stacks of cash were visible. “Five million here and now, up front, and another five when the job is finished.”
“Ten million cash, eh? Must be something big, especially if you want me to do it. So what am I gonna do for your esteemed clients?”
A photo was pushed across the table taken from the debut of the X-Men in Chicago taken not long before. Warp’s eyebrows rose and then a huge grin covered his face. The man in the suit released the photo. “Can you handle this?”
“Oh, I can handle it. It would be a pleasure, in fact. I’m the biggest fan of the X-Men and this will be my greatest piece of art.”
“Very well. We wait to hear from you on your success.” With a snap the briefcase was closed and slid across the table and the man rose and was gone within the crowd.
Drinking from the large stein, Warp Savant kept smiling. It was time for the X-Men to meet their number one biggest fan.
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To Be Continued...
Next: In Astonishing X-Men #3: Warp Savant vs. the X-Men!
Previous Issue | Next Issue