The 'What If?' Marvel RPG - Season thread

[Byrd Man]

Two days.

That's how long I've been in the tree outside Xavier's mansion. I've been watching and waiting for my chance. So far I've seen some kind of man who looks like a hairless ape, a guy wearing some kind of red visor, and a silver haired kid running up and down the halls. There a bunch of freaks, goddamn muties every last one of them. I thank god that I wasn't born a mutie...I think I wasn't born a mutie.

To tell the truth I don't really remember much of my life after Weapon X. I think my name was Logan before I was designated by my code name, Wolverine. Since then I've been under the employment of diffrent goverments killing people they don't like. Death's my buisness and buisness is good. Speaking of which, It's time to go to work.

I leap from the tree and crash into a nearby window. I just no happen to land infront of the dork with the visor on.

"I got two words for ya, bub."

"Run and hide."

 

[Cyrusbales]

Two days.

That's how long I've been in the tree outside Xavier's mansion. I've been watching and waiting for my chance. So far I've seen some kind of man who looks like a hairless ape, a guy wearing some kind of red visor, and a silver haired kid running up and down the halls. There a bunch of freaks, goddamn muties every last one of them. I thank god that I wasn't born a mutie...I think I wasn't born a mutie.

To tell the truth I don't really remember much of my life after Weapon X. I think my name was Logan before I was designated by my code name, Wolverine. Since then I've been under the employment of diffrent goverments killing people they don't like. Death's my buisness and buisness is good. Speaking of which, It's time to go to work.

I leap from the tree and crash into a nearby window. I just no happen to land infront of the dork with the visor on.

"I got two words for ya, bub."

"Run and hide."

XAVIER

Sensing something untoward, I leave the X-men to assemble in the X-Jet, I feel Scott's distress, followed by his blast of power.

"MYSTIQUE, come outside, NOW!"

Wheeling myself outside, I find what could barely be described as a man, more of a feral creature, claws and all. I sense a huge deal of confusion in his mind.

He appears to be laughing at Scott, whilst a blast wound stitches itself back together with remarkable prowess.

"Mystique, keep him busy till I get a hold on him."

Mystique leaps into the frey to support Scott, while I try to edge my way into the mess that is his corrupted mind.

 

[Venom160]

Hobgoblin

"Origins"



"Norman please, the performance enhancers aren't ready. The data just doesn't justify this test. Now im asking you for the last time, we can't do this!"

Norman Osborn stare at his business partner and fellow scientist with a look of utter annoyance.

"Don't be a coward, risks are part of laboratory science."

Mendal Stromm's eyes bug out of his head alittle bit more as the doors to the large glass chamber before him opens.

"Please Norman, every other variation of the enhancers has driven the test animals insane! What makes you think this ones going to be any different!"

Norman wheels around and slams Stromm against a wall.

"Because I rewrote the entire formula!"

"What?"

"You heard me Mendal. We've been doing this your way and we've had nothing but failure! So I took your notes and had my personal scientists completely dismantle the formula and under my supervision assembled a formula that my scientists guarantee will work."

Mendal's entire body is shaking with rage.

"You bastard! You son of a....."

"Yeah yeah be pissed off after we test the enhancers."

Norman removes his shirt and injects the first stage of the enhancers into his bloodstream and than steps into the chamber.

Hobgoblin

"Origins"

Norman watches Stromm as the doors to the chamber closes. Stromm glares at Norman for a few minutes and than walks over to the computer. Norman grins to himself as a thick green fog starts to fill the chamber. He knew, as angry as Mendel was, his scientific curiosity would push him to see if this test will work.

'Who knows.' Norman thinks to himself. 'Maybe hes' hoping this'll kill me?'

The fog has almost completely enveloped the chamber. Norman closes his eyes and starts taking deep breathes. At first nothing happens, until Norman's vision starts blurry. Next thing he knows he finds himself standing in a large library, the book filled shelves going all the way up to the ceiling. He looks over to a chair sitting infront of a fireplace, small puffs of smoke rising from it.

"About time Norman, I thought you'd never show up."

The voice sounded high-pitched and inhuman. Norman walkes toward the chair and reaches out and forcefully turns the chair around revealing a Goblin creature. His facial features is hidden by an orange cloak, only a set of red eyes can be seen. Before Osborn can say or do anything he is being shaken awake by Stromm.

"Norman! Thank god!"

"Yeah yeah let me up."

As Norman gets to his feet he realizes that his body has changed, his semi chubby stomach and become a well toned six pack.

"Incredible."

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Two

The White House, The Oval Office

Tony Stark is sat with the president, drinking a glass of merlot after a quick flight from New York to Washington DC.

"You know, friend, I'm glad the first use of the Iron Men went well. There were few casualties and the blaze was put out quickly" Tony Stark says to the President.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about that, Tony." The President said, "The cabinet and I met on the day of the explosion, and, well, we decided that you're no longer needed in the Iron Men program."

"What do you mean, 'no longer needed'?"

"Tony, to be frank, the government simply wanted your technology. We needed Iron Man. Now, we don't have one, we have an entire army."

"What are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is this: You're a spent resource. We no longer require your services. So, the government is cutting you off. We're removing your security clearance and you will never again be able to gain access to the Iron Men program, nor will you be able to aid the military in ehancing our current Iron Men."

"Y-you can't possibly mean this, I mean, I created the Iron Men. I came up with the idea after 9/11. Who do you think you are? You can't just remove me from my creation! I have some authority!"

"Who do I think I am? Who do I think I am, Tony? I'm the President of these United States, and I can, and am, herein terminating your involvement with the Iron Men."

"Why?"

"Because, you think the Iron Men belong to you. They don't. They're soldiers. And they're under command of the military."

Upon hearing this, Stark had an idea.

"Then sign me up."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Sign me up to be an Iron man. I'm not just another Iron soldier, Mr. President"

"...George."

"...I'm not just another soldier, sir. I'm Iron Man. The original. And nobody is ever as good as the original."

"So, lemme get this straight. You want to be a member of the Iron Men. And, I'm assuming, lead them?"

"Not just lead them, sir. I'll train them. They' might even be worth of the name "Iron Men" by the end of my boot camp. I would take them on any mission you assigned."

"You... you would do anything I commanded?"

"I'm loyal to the country, the law, and the office of the Presidency, Sir. Not my armor or ambitions."

"Well, Mr. Stark, I believe that you have a deal."

 

[Brainiac 8]

Without turning around I say

"A'hm Rogue, you can call me Rogue. And generally, we're only polite to folks who don't break inta ahr houses"

We come up to Magneto's room. With his magnetic powers he can probably feel us approach.

I knock on the doot.

"Sir?"

Erik was sitting at his desk going over paperwork for the new mutants that have shown up lately when he sensed someone approaching his office...two someones to be exact. Then the inevitable knock came.

"Sir"

He got up from his work and went over to the door, and opened it to find Rogue and some other mutant...a ruffian of some kind from the looks of it.

"Hello Rogue, It's a little late for housecalls isn't it? I thought you would have been in bed by now."

He turned to the red eyed man standing slightly behind Rogue.

"And it looks like we have another guest. My name is Erik Magnus Lehnsherr, but most know me as Magneto. I am the caretaker and leader of this island. And who might you be?"

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Three

Presidential Mission One: Part 1

US Army Training Center, Washington D.C.


Tony Stark is in full Iron Man Armor and is reading a memo from the president...

"Tony,

There will be 50 recruits entering your training program within the next day. As your first mission, you are to train these recruits. I don't care how you do it, I don't care how much you put them through. Simply see to it that they are fit to combat terror, wherever it may lie. You have two weeks.

G.W.B. "

Stark looks up. He sees the 50 recruits, all in their assigned armor, and arranged neatly in rows, standing at attention. It was about time that they began bootcamp.

"You have been selected to take part in the Iron Men Program. You are the best of the best. But, no matter how good you are, or how good you think you are, no one among you is yet ready to wield the technology and power that you have been given. It is my job, under order of the President of the United States, to make sure that you are able to do so in two weeks."

It was at this point that Stark heard someone say, quite softly,:

"what a drama queen"

Iron Man paused. He used his armor to triangulate the vibrations from the soundwaves and located the kid who had spoken. Using his neural interface he accessed his armor's newly installed cloaking device and engaged it, and proceeded to continue with his speech.

"You need to be ready for anything..." The invisible Iron man began moving towards the rude recruit.

"You need to expect the unexpected..." He was closer.

"If I attack any of you, realize it's an excercise and fight back! Do you understand me?!" "YES, SIR." Only feet away....

"And most importantly..." Iron man was right behind the recruit; and, after a dramatic pause, disengaged the cloak and turned off his voice modifier.



"...Never call me a drama queen again." The recruit wheeled around, and was staring Iron Man in the face. Iron man reeled back, engaged his jet-boots, and nailed the kid in the jaw with a rocket uppercut. He flew into the air and landed in a stack of empty oil drums with a crash. Iron Man slowly approached the boy.

Rembmering what Iron Man had said about self defense, the Iron-Recruit fumbled with his wrist-mounted control panel. Finally locating the unibeam button, the recruit opened fire. Iron Man didn't even need to dodge the boy's blasts, as they were poorly aimed. Finally reaching the recruit, Iron Man leaned over and started pummeling him.


Stark was holding back, but he certainly wasn't being soft.

After several minutes of beating, Iron Man picked the recruit up by the throat and ripped his faceplate off. The recruit's nose was bleeding, and his face was cut in several places.


"...got it?" Iron man said.

"yes sir." Iron Man threw the recruit to the ground.

"Now, get to your quarters and get some rest. All of you. You're going to need it."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Erik was sitting at his desk going over paperwork for the new mutants that have shown up lately when he sensed someone approaching his office...two someones to be exact. Then the inevitable knock came.

"Sir"

He got up from his work and went over to the door, and opened it to find Rogue and some other mutant...a ruffian of some kind from the looks of it.

"Hello Rogue, It's a little late for housecalls isn't it? I thought you would have been in bed by now."

He turned to the red eyed man standing slightly behind Rogue.

"And it looks like we have another guest. My name is Erik Magnus Lehnsherr, but most know me as Magneto. I am the caretaker and leader of this island. And who might you be?"

Gambit bows before the leader of the Brotherhood.

"Mon sieur Lensherr, my name is Remy LaBeau, but ya may call me Gambit."

Gambit grins with a smile befitting of the worst supervillian.

"Ah offer you a proposition Mr. Lensherr, but mind showing me a 'lil Southern hospitality an' lettin' me come on in?"

Gambit walks into Magneto's chambers.

"Now, ah won't be takin' much of your time. Ah know this is a non profit organization and all, but ah can't help but wonder what kind of a financial stress that must put on all of ya'll here. I broke into your 'lil citadel without any problems. That should show that ah've got skills. On the table in the front rec room is a bag. Now within' 'dat bag is $75,000. Ah would like ta' offer that money ta' you. I know you must be t'inking 'ol Gambit must be crazy. Well, let me assure you Mr. Lensherr, I am quite sane. If ya can't tell by my body, ah been through alot. My powers what done 'dis ta me. I hear you just 'da man to help in 'dat situation. 'Dat dere leaves me wit' at least a thing or two 'ta be hangin' round for. Let me spell it out for ya Mr. Lensherr. 'Da Brotherhood get 'da money, and Gambit gets salvation. 'Dat's more then any God fearing Cajun could ever ask for. So....'dere a place on 'da Brotherhood for a man like Gambit?"

 

[Byrd Man]

XAVIER

Sensing something untoward, I leave the X-men to assemble in the X-Jet, I feel Scott's distress, followed by his blast of power.

"MYSTIQUE, come outside, NOW!"

Wheeling myself outside, I find what could barely be described as a man, more of a feral creature, claws and all. I sense a huge deal of confusion in his mind.

He appears to be laughing at Scott, whilst a blast wound stitches itself back together with remarkable prowess.

"Mystique, keep him busy till I get a hold on him."

Mystique leaps into the frey to support Scott, while I try to edge my way into the mess that is his corrupted mind.

Some blue skinned ***** jumps in and changes her form to look like me.

"What the hell?"

I barley dodge a blast from that dork's visor. The blue skinned woman it's as lucky. It hits her in the guy and blows her back on a wall.

"Mystique!"

While he's distracted, I slap off his fancy visor. Causing him to close his eyes and drop to the floor. While he's down I kick him in the head, causing him to blackout.

"Looks like it's just you and me now, crip."

 

[Brainiac 8]

Gambit bows before the leader of the Brotherhood.

"Mon sieur Lensherr, my name is Remy LaBeau, but ya may call me Gambit."

Gambit grins with a smile befitting of the worst supervillian.

"Ah offer you a proposition Mr. Lensherr, but mind showing me a 'lil Southern hospitality an' lettin' me come on in?"

Gambit walks into Magneto's chambers.

"Now, ah won't be takin' much of your time. Ah know this is a non profit organization and all, but ah can't help but wonder what kind of a financial stress that must put on all of ya'll here. I broke into your 'lil citadel without any problems. That should show that ah've got skills. On the table in the front rec room is a bag. Now within' 'dat bag is $75,000. Ah would like ta' offer that money ta' you. I know you must be t'inking 'ol Gambit must be crazy. Well, let me assure you Mr. Lensherr, I am quite sane. If ya can't tell by my body, ah been through alot. My powers what done 'dis ta me. I hear you just 'da man to help in 'dat situation. 'Dat dere leaves me wit' at least a thing or two 'ta be hangin' round for. Let me spell it out for ya Mr. Lensherr. 'Da Brotherhood get 'da money, and Gambit gets salvation. 'Dat's more then any God fearing Cajun could ever ask for. So....'dere a place on 'da Brotherhood for a man like Gambit?"

Erik's eyes grew hard as the cajun stopped talking.

"Gambit, let me get something straight with you..right here, right now. You cannot buy your way into a sanctuary that is offered free of charge. You cannot buy your way into the brotherhood either, you must prove yourself."

"I appreciate that you are eager, but you must realize one thing, and that is the life of a brotherhood member is not easy. There are dangers out there that could very well end your life. You must be willing to dive head first into the fray, be willing to sacrafice yourself for your team, and you must make sure you put others before yourself. No amount of money will prove that, only you can by your actions."

Magneto stopped for a moment and looked over at Rogue. He took a deep breath and his demeanor softened.

"I built this sanctuary, formed the brotherhood for an ideal..and dream if you will. I have seen many atrocities in my life because of racial hatred. But if there is one thing that I have learned in my days, it is that humans have the capability to change if given the chance. I don't know if you agree or not, but we fight to protect that dream."

"I did not mean to be so harsh a moment ago Gambit. What I am trying to say is you do not need to feel that you needed to buy a place here in the sanctuary. You are welcome here, of course. I will make sure a room is made available to you, and I would be more than willing to help you with the affects of your abilities."

"As far as being on the brotherhood goes, It is not out of the question. How about this, after you settle into your room, I will have someone take you to our training arena. There you will spar with someone of my choosing, and you will let me see what you are capable of. Then I will make that decision. Is that agreeable to you?"

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Erik's eyes grew hard as the cajun stopped talking.

"Gambit, let me get something straight with you..right here, right now. You cannot buy your way into a sanctuary that is offered free of charge. You cannot buy your way into the brotherhood either, you must prove yourself."

"I appreciate that you are eager, but you must realize one thing, and that is the life of a brotherhood member is not easy. There are dangers out there that could very well end your life. You must be willing to dive head first into the fray, be willing to sacrafice yourself for your team, and you must make sure you put others before yourself. No amount of money will prove that, only you can by your actions."

Magneto stopped for a moment and looked over at Rogue. He took a deep breath and his demeanor softened.

"I built this sanctuary, formed the brotherhood for an ideal..and dream if you will. I have seen many atrocities in my life because of racial hatred. But if there is one thing that I have learned in my days, it is that humans have the capability to change if given the chance. I don't know if you agree or not, but we fight to protect that dream."

"I did not mean to be so harsh a moment ago Gambit. What I am trying to say is you do not need to feel that you needed to buy a place here in the sanctuary. You are welcome here, of course. I will make sure a room is made available to you, and I would be more than willing to help you with the affects of your abilities."

"As far as being on the brotherhood goes, It is not out of the question. How about this, after you settle into your room, I will have someone take you to our training arena. There you will spar with someone of my choosing, and you will let me see what you are capable of. Then I will make that decision. Is that agreeable to you?"

"Lensherr, ah want you to take the money anyway. Gambit got no need for it; however, let me explain something to you. Ah've spent the past 4 years at the bottom of a mausoleum in New Orleans. Ah've become a monster once already. Ah received a microscopic taste of redemption, but 'dat was all taken from me. Ah see hope in 'dis place. Ah see...destiny. Besides, after spending 4 years at the bottom of a pit, dying for another person don't seem 'dat bad."

Gambit walks by Rogue on his way out. In the doorway he turns.

"Oh, and Mags....no need ta find 'dat room first. Ain't no sense in cleaning up then getting all sweaty again from whippin' one of your lackeys."

Gambit then turns to Rogue.

"Ah sure hope he picks you chere. Ah'll be in the hallway waiting, and if ya want your carpet to stay looking pretty, ah suggest you get Gambit an ashtray."

 

[Mr. Marko]

[Let's try that again...]

 

[Brainiac 8]

"Lensherr, ah want you to take the money anyway. Gambit got no need for it; however, let me explain something to you. Ah've spent the past 4 years at the bottom of a mausoleum in New Orleans. Ah've become a monster once already. Ah received a microscopic taste of redemption, but 'dat was all taken from me. Ah see hope in 'dis place. Ah see...destiny. Besides, after spending 4 years at the bottom of a pit, dying for another person don't seem 'dat bad."

Gambit walks by Rogue on his way out. In the doorway he turns.

"Oh, and Mags....no need ta find 'dat room first. Ain't no sense in cleaning up then getting all sweaty again from whippin' one of your lackeys."

Gambit then turns to Rogue.

"Ah sure hope he picks you chere. Ah'll be in the hallway waiting, and if ya want your carpet to stay looking pretty, ah suggest you get Gambit an ashtray."

Erik smirked for a moment.

There may be hope with this one.

He walked out of the room and into the hallway where Remy stood.

"If your ready then, follow me...I'll lead you to our training area, and give you a rundown on the sactuary as we walk." He touched a com-link on the wall outside his room, which caused a slight beep. "Vulcan...this is magneto. Please meet me in the training sector."

Ok, Gambit...right this way...

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Erik smirked for a moment.

There may be hope with this one.

He walked out of the room and into the hallway where Remy stood.

"If your ready then, follow me...I'll lead you to our training area, and give you a rundown on the sactuary as we walk." He touched a com-link on the wall outside his room, which caused a slight beep. "Vulcan...this is magneto. Please meet me in the training sector."

Ok, Gambit...right this way...

Gambit takes out a cigarette and lights it. He takes a long drag.

"After you mon sieur. Ah say 'dis much Lensherr, you got good taste. What de' story on 'dat ravishing Southern belle wit' de' skunk stripe? 'Dat ta ward evil men like me off?"

Gambit can't help but laugh a little inside. There are few things he enjoys more then playing good guy/bad guy all by himself.

 

[Brainiac 8]

Gambit takes out a cigarette and lights it. He takes a long drag.

"After you mon sieur. Ah say 'dis much Lensherr, you got good taste. What de' story on 'dat ravishing Southern belle wit' de' skunk stripe? 'Dat ta ward evil men like me off?"

Gambit can't help but laugh a little inside. There are few things he enjoys more then playing good guy/bad guy all by himself.

Magneto looked sideways at Remy.

"She is known simply as Rogue. She is a sweet girl, and is not one that I would like to see hurt. I will advise you to be careful. She is but one of many who are here because they believe as I do, that there is a better way to a unified world. She is an asset to the team, and always is ready to jump in and help."

"If you are indeed sencere about joining the brotherhood, then I welcome you. Hopefully in a few minutes you will get to meet the leader of the Brotherhood team. His name is Vulcan. He is the one I hope to have you spar with...I would like to get an idea of what you are capable of."

"That leads me to wonder more about you Gambit. What exactly do you do?"

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Magneto looked sideways at Remy.

"She is known simply as Rogue. She is a sweet girl, and is not one that I would like to see hurt. I will advise you to be careful. She is but one of many who are here because they believe as I do, that there is a better way to a unified world. She is an asset to the team, and always is ready to jump in and help."

"If you are indeed sencere about joining the brotherhood, then I welcome you. Hopefully in a few minutes you will get to meet the leader of the Brotherhood team. His name is Vulcan. He is the one I hope to have you spar with...I would like to get an idea of what you are capable of."

"That leads me to wonder more about you Gambit. What exactly do you do?"

Gambit smirks to himself.

"An' ruin 'da surprise? Gambit t'ink not. You a gamblin' man Lensherr? Me personally, ah always bet on black."

 

[Noon]

Gambit smirks to himself.

"An' ruin 'da surprise? Gambit t'ink not. You a gamblin' man Lensherr? Me personally, ah always bet on black."

I watch them walk away towards the training levels, curiosity blooming in my mind.

Quickly I head back to my room and slip into my uniform. I head back in the direction I came and go to the observation deck of the training room.I want to see what this 'Gambit' is all about.

 

[Apprentice]

What If...Captain America: Future Imperfect, Part One

It was a strange feeling. Even after years of his crusade, the weapons ahd not yet moulded themselves to his gloved digits. The tarnished machete he held in one hand felt too hefty, the M-14 firearm he clutched in the other too bulky and awkward. Steve had never used them. Perhaps that was why he was having trouble? The hardened soldier straightened up, casting the musings aside. A true warrior had no time for such things. A dark, masked gaze wandered across the impromptu battlefield the alleyway had become, the motionless figures silent as ever. Many were plagued with holes that were still seeping a familiar damson liquid. The cobbles were tinted with scarlet, and the light evening breeze roused a faint coppery smell.

Another thing that he had never become accustomed to: the aroma of another's blood, blended with the knowledge that it was his responsibility for it.

Holstering the M-14 and sheathing the machete, he slipped across the pathway and tore his shield free from its lodgings in a wall. The hammering rain had finally reduced to a light drizzle; although such weather was not uncommon in New York City, it often drove the public away from the outside, especially dimming its nightlife. James Barnes was glad. He liked the rain, and he liked going about his 'work' without an audience. He was Captain America - or at least, he bore the name. The true star-spangled hero was long dead, and the same image of his still body bobbing in the water still sent a shiver striking down Barnes' spine. There was no way to replace him, in any sense of the term. And James did not intend to. Strapping the stocky shield to his back, he swivelled on one booted heel and stalked from the alley.

BLAM BLAM BLAM!

Barnes spun immediately, the shield snapping down to his arm impossibly fast.

"Whose lucky day is it today?" he rasped. His voice was hoarse, aged by emotions so fierce that they seemed almost tangible in his tone. "Who wants to feel my shield in their chest?"

"That would be me."

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Cyrusbales]

Some blue skinned ***** jumps in and changes her form to look like me.

"What the hell?"

I barley dodge a blast from that dork's visor. The blue skinned woman it's as lucky. It hits her in the guy and blows her back on a wall.

"Mystique!"

While he's distracted, I slap off his fancy visor. Causing him to close his eyes and drop to the floor. While he's down I kick him in the head, causing him to blackout.

"Looks like it's just you and me now, crip."

XAVIER

As his clenched fist edged toards my face, centimeters away from my face, his hand stops. Those claws of his just a minute distance from my face.

"You see, whilst your mind and memories is much like a ball of razor wire, your motor functions are somewhat more accessible to me."

I make him place his arm back down by his side, his bemused expression amuses me. It must be a rare thing for this wild animal to be tamed, even if only in the minor sense.

"Now, what exactly is it that you think you're doing here?"

 

[Byrd Man]

XAVIER

As his clenched fist edged toards my face, centimeters away from my face, his hand stops. Those claws of his just a minute distance from my face.

"You see, whilst your mind and memories is much like a ball of razor wire, your motor functions are somewhat more accessible to me."

I make him place his arm back down by his side, his bemused expression amuses me. It must be a rare thing for this wild animal to be tamed, even if only in the minor sense.

"Now, what exactly is it that you think you're doing here?"

I try to resist, but this bald headed bastard's probing my mind.

"I...I came here...to....to kill you."

 

[Cyrusbales]

I try to resist, but this bald headed bastard's probing my mind.

"I...I came here...to....to kill you."

XAVIER

"And why exactly are you trying to do that? I don't need to read your mind to figure out your not the brains of this little plan."

Whilst I'm still in control, I feel a great urge of resistance from him, whatever has happened to his mind is clearly something incomprehendable.

 

[Cyrusbales]

PUNSIHER

Stepping onto the platform, leaving the train behind, I emerge onto the streets, the dark and dangerous streets of New York.

My head begins to pulse, even now I still suffer. The grinding in my head get's worse as I slump against a wall. A trickle of blood runs out my nose as a high pitch squeel rings through my skull. Building. Throbbing. Screeching. As things start to go a bit hazy, I shut my eyes to concentrate through the pain.

Once I open my eyes, I'm in a room. And I'm not alone.

At least the pain is gone. As their eyes stare at me, I forget about the mystery of getting here. All that matters now is the punsihment.

KER-CHING

 

[Byrd Man]

XAVIER

"And why exactly are you trying to do that? I don't need to read your mind to figure out your not the brains of this little plan."

Whilst I'm still in control, I feel a great urge of resistance from him, whatever has happened to his mind is clearly something incomprehendable.

Okay, Logan. Time to to shine. I project my worst memories of Project X to the front of my mind, people experimenting on me and using large neddles and hacksaws to cut open my body.

"I'm doing this because I was forced to. They tortured me and made me into their little guinea pig. The humans did this, I'm a mutant just like you."

I try to motion to my claws. Even though their implants, he doesn't know that. All he sees are the bad thoughts I'm projecting.

 

[Cyrusbales]

Okay, Logan. Time to to shine. I project my worst memories of Project X to the front of my mind, people experimenting on me and using large neddles and hacksaws to cut open my body.

"I'm doing this because I was forced to. They tortured me and made me into their little guinea pig. The humans did this, I'm a mutant just like you."

I try to motion to my claws. Even though their implants, he doesn't know that. All he sees are the bad thoughts I'm projecting.

XAVIER

Whislt I'm fully used to the twisted psyche of serial killer and madmen, the sheer ferocity of this disturbed little creature's mind begins to seep into my own. Losing my grip of control, I send a signal for help.

As this man's claws begin to press their way ever closer to my face, assistance arrives, and I find myself a good ten yards off in another direction, with a companion beside me.

"Thanks you Blink."

"Now, as you are a mutant, you're reasons for trying to kill me seem even more curious. Whilst your torture does seem rather explicit, would you not want to seek revenge on those who did this to you? Rather than becoming a simple pawn?"

He staggers towards me, it doesn't take a psychic to see the lust for death in his eyes.

"May I remind you of what just happened? If my colleague can teleport me, I'm sure even you can work out that he can teleport you, and a great deal further. I have business to attend to, if you'd like to discuss this later, wait here with Blink, or you can try to attack me again and find yourself on Liberty Island. The choice is yours."

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Four

Presidential Mission One: Part 2

US Army Training Center, Washington D.C.


Tony Stark is in full Iron Man Armor and has gone through several days training with his first batch of 50 troops. He's hovering and sees his 50 recruits, all in their assigned armor, and arranged neatly in rows, standing at attention. After two long weeks, full of flight simulations, armor usage training, combat courses, intelligence tests, and much more, it was time for their final test.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the end of your training. You are ready to use my armor to aid the United States' Government in any endevor it wants us to undertake. I hope you're ready for your final challenge, because it is about to begin.

To graduate from this training course and become an Iron Man Soldier, all you need to do is , simply, remain standing. Your job is to take out as many of your fellows soldiers as possible, while keeping a strong enough defense to stay standing. Your armor can take damage, but once the bar in your HUD is fully depleted, your armor will lock and you won't be able to move until I use the disengage code Should you be the victor in this challenge, you will remain here, training future Iron Men. Trust me, its a much better job than being in the field.


Ready?


Begin."

Iron man watched as several recruits engaged their armor cloaks. He noted how others promptly locked the one closest to them up and used them as a shield. The battle of 50 recruits was quite short lived, however. Because there were so many recruits, there were also many various targets. So, since there was more to hit, there were more falls. After about 20 minutes however, there were only 5 combantants left. Up until now, they all had been using their repulsors and unibeams. Stark had other ideas. Iron Man spoke into his armor and said

"Armor, Stark over-ride code gamma four. Engage on five Iron Men who aren't locked down. "

"Affirmative, Mr. Stark. Engaging plasma and weapons lock in 5.


4.


3.

2.

1.

Weapons lock engaged."

All of the cadet's weapon arrays shut down, forcing them to engage in hand to hand combat. For some reason Stark took pleasure in watching two of them quickly fall. It was then that he saw a startling turn of events: one member engaged his cloaking device and thruster boots. Somethignn the other two candidates didn't think of. He procededed to pick the other two up, at the same time, and slammed them into each other until their armor locked. Stark spoke to the President, who he had connected to instantly using the armor's neural interface.

"Mr. President, it seems to me that the Iron Men program has a new course trainer."

And with that, Stark unlocked all armor, and requested that the president give him and his new team their first field operation.

 

[Feature]

IC Adrian Toomes: The Vulture
Season I - Prologue

"So? Did you have a good time at the party or what?"

Adrian Toomes looked up at the young rookie who had just asked him this question. The youthful officer looked at Toomes with such admiration. Adrian wanted to tell the boy the truth. To tell him that he hated every moment of that stupid party. But instead...

"Yeah. Yeah, it was real nice. Thanks for asking Jimmy."

The rookie's face lit up.

"Well you deserve it Mr. Toomes. You're one of the best cops this city's ever seen and we've got to send you off right!"

Toomes hated hearing the words. He had been the chief of police for over a decade, and had never even thought about quitting. But he was forcing him out. He. Radditch.

It was a few months ago that word had come down from above. Toomes had to be let go. He was unfit to serve. He was a liability. After struggling to keep his heart condition a secret for the past couple of years, all of a sudden Toomes' medical records showed up on the desk of every high ranking public official in the city. Someone had put them there. Someone with a lot to gain from Toomes' absence. Radditch.

"Wow! Only an hour to go and you're done Mr. Toomes! Must feel great!"

"Yeah..." Adrian commented absently. "Feels like a million bucks..."

The mayor had contacted Adrian privately and informed him of the situation. Adrian was told that he would have to retire, but that the circumstances surrounding his departure would remain confidential. To the people, he would leave as an accomplished hero, instead of a weak has-been. Radditch had done it. Adrian knew it.

Last night they had thrown a retirement party in Adrian's honor. Everyone was there, saying goodbye and thanking him for his years of dedicated service. Radditch was there. Evan Radditch: the new chief of police.

Now, as Adrian sat in his cleaned out office and waited for the final hour of his career to dwindle away, he wondered where Evan Radditch was. What he was doing. And just how broad his smile had grown, knowing that he'd sent a pesky old man out to pasture.

"CHIEF! Get your jacket, you gotta come see this!"

An exasperated officer had burst into the room. He was out of breath and sweating, dressed as though he were on his way out the door.

"Aw come on Manetti, Mr. Toomes is almost done here. Get outta here, will ya?" Jimmy complained.

"What is it Stan?" Adrian asked, his interest piqued.

"Homicide. Downtown. Involving your favorite costumed pass-time."

* * *

Adrian and a small group of officers climbed the fire-escape of a large building. When they got to the roof, they found another group of officers crowded around a body.

"What do we got?" Toomes asked as he shouldered his way through the mob.

"We found him hanging from the ledge, chief. He's been dead for a least a half hour now."

Toomes eyes the body, which was still partly wrapped in webbing. The victim was Blackie Drago: better known as the Vulture. He had been terrorizing the city for years and always seemed to evade capture.

"We got a weapon?" Toomes asked.

"Yeah." The officer answered, handing over a plastic bag smeared with blood. "A shard of glass."

"Tasteful." Toomes said, as he eyed the weapon without flinching.

"I guess we know who's responisble."

"Yep. Open and shut case." The officer replied. "He seems to be almost proud of his handiwork these days."

Toomes knew that all too well. He had spent nearly every waking moment of the past year studying Spider-Man. The costumed vigilante had apparently lost his mind. It was hard to believe that the take-no-prisoners criminal who currently patrolled the streets used to be someone Adrian defended. Even admired. Every cop on the force knew it. A Spider-Man crimescene was a Toomes crimescene.

"Get him back to the station." Toomes ordered.

* * *

A few hours later, Adrian decided to check in at the morgue, which was located in the basement of the station. He wanted to know if anything unusual had been found during Drago's autopsy. Anything that could answer some questions about Spider-Man.

"Well, well... if it isn't the old war-horse himself!"

Standing at the doors to the morgue was Evan Radditch. A mountain of a man with fiery red hair and a goatee to match. His sadistic smile cut across his face.

"Move along Radditch. I've got business." Adrian replied as he continued towards the doors, without so much as looking at his rival.

"Not anymore you don't." Radditch said as he placed himself between Toomes and the door. "Take a look at the clock old-timer. You're finished."

Toomes turned his head and looked at the clock on the wall. Radditch was right. Toomes' career had ended over an hour ago, and the man blocking his path was now the chief of police.

"Just get out of my way Radditch."

"I don't think so Toomes." Radditch's smile widened. He was savoring every second of this. "You see, the stuff behind those doors... is for the eyes of police only. Me? I'm police. You? You're just a civilian. Now move along... before I have to arrest you."

Adrian's fists clenched. His throat tightened. He could feel his cheeks burning. These telltale signs of his rage did not go unnoticed by Radditch.

"Whoa whoa! Calm down you old dinosaur!" Radditch leaned in closely. "We both know how fragile that ticker of yours is... and I don't want any accidents in my station."

It was one of the hardest things Adrian Toomes ever did. He walked away. And left Radditch standing there with his smug smile. Radditch had killed him. He had taken away everything from him. Adrian's life was protecting the hardworking citizens of New York... and Radditch had taken that away. For that, Radditch would pay.

As Adrian walked through the station for what may be the final time, he thought the thoughts of a desperate man whose life has slipped away from him. He wondered if there wasn't some way he could go on helping the innocent, protecting the defenseless... And then, as he passed the evidence room... something caught his eye.

Seeing that no one was nearby, Adrian slipped inside the room and examined the object that had snared his attention. It was covered in dry blood and a few feathers were missing, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed. Blackie Drago's Vulture flight suit was still usuable. And for the first time in a long time, Adrian smiled. The city needed a protector now that Spider-Man had turned on them. Now that Radditch was in charge.

No one noticed Adrian Toomes leave that night. And even if they had, no one would have thought twice about the bulging bag that he had slung over his back. After all, Adrian had carried a lifetime of objects out of the station that night. Objects that signaled the end of a life... and one object that signaled the beginning of another.