The 'What If?' Marvel RPG - Season thread

[guitarsingerguy]

Gambit awakens on a metal table with sticky pads all over his body. He's half naked and extremely embarassed by so much of his black skin showing. He jumps up and replaces his clothes.

"What happen? Dis place don' look familiar at all."

He exits through a hallway and realizes that he must have been in the infirmary. Once outside, he can see several members of the Brotherhood repairing the damage that had been caused at the hands of the X-Men.

"Jus' how long 'ol Gambit been out?"

 

[Apprentice]

Spider-Man's eyes snapped open. For a moment, he was free. Free of worry. Free of trouble. Free of the symbiote that clung to him like an infection...and then he was snapped back into its grasp. Rising to his feet and shaking his head vigorously, as if to relieve himself of the grogginess consuming him, began to assess his situation. Daredevil was slumped in a chair a few metres away from him, battered and bruised, his costume torn in several places and a damson liquid seeping from every visible orifice. Spider-Man approached slowly; his body was still racked with a dull ache, and he vaguely recollected the entrance of the Iron Men and the use of sonic weapons against him. Other than that, the events of the past moments were nothing more than a blur.

"Well, that was wild. Thanks for the party, Matt'ems!" he quipped, kneeling beside the injured Kingpin. "I'm touched you invited me...although those iron guys were real gatecrashers, huh? Listen, I've gotta run, and I'm gonna have to turn down your job offer. I work alone, big guy." He gestured at the former vigilante, a stream of webbing engulfing the Devil's torso.

With that, he turned away and broke out into a run. A small leap took him sailing across to the next rooftop, accompanied by a grunt; the symbiote was not indestructible, evidently. He would have to take care to avoid sound-based assaults. He darted forward tagging a stone gargoyle with a webline and propelling himself through the air with a barely repressed "yipee!". He revelled in the power the suit granted him - brawls that would have sapped his energy to their lowest levels were now nothing more than mere annoyances.

Not after I am done with you!

He faltered in midair as he cynicism-laced tone blasted through his mind. Crying out in surprise, he dropped, impacting upon the concrete of another roof and grunting as the rock-hard substance sunk into his costume. Although it intantly expanded, pressing them back out, the chunks had broken through to skin due to the unexpectedness of the mishap - he had almost forgotten what physical pain felt like, and now the mere pricks of stone had struck out through his entire chest. What the...?

Release Peter Parker!

Madame Webb! Peter shot back in desperation.

The symbiote instantly regained control, driving Spider-Man to his feet, his suit-encased form nearly convulsing with unbridled fury. Get out of my head, witch!

Webb snarled in response. Peter Parker is an innocent man! How dare you corrupt him with your essence?!

Spider-Man stumbled forward, reaching out with his telepathically-touched mind to locate the source of the transmission. Hate to break it to ya, dollface, but no one's innocent. 'Specially not Parker.

Release him! I demand it of you! Webb hissed.

He stepped off the rooftop, dropping down flawlessly into an alley and bounding across the relatively busy road to land firmly on the other side. There.

Shrouded in the shadows, Cassandra Webb, her back facing the symbiote-conjoined male, clasped two digits to her wrinkled brow. memories of her - Parker's memories - rushed to the surface, and Spider-Man smirked. This was going to be fun, indeed.

"Sorry, sweetcakes. No can do."

She snapped about, her metallic "spider-chair" fuelling her movement. "I warn you, monster...approach me and I will slay you!" She truly believed the statement.

Spider-Man snickered, and dived forward before the elderly woman could react. His hands pressed in on either side of his neck, and he flexed them menacingly. "I would take you up on that offer...but my doctor said I wasn't allowed to die. They're real stiffies, huh?"

KRAK!

She slumped lifelessly in her chair. Spider-Man chuckled and pushed her back into the shadows with an effortless swipe. That had been fun.

 

[Noon]

Gambit awakens on a metal table with sticky pads all over his body. He's half naked and extremely embarassed by so much of his black skin showing. He jumps up and replaces his clothes.

"What happen? Dis place don' look familiar at all."

He exits through a hallway and realizes that he must have been in the infirmary. Once outside, he can see several members of the Brotherhood repairing the damage that had been caused at the hands of the X-Men.

"Jus' how long 'ol Gambit been out?"

"You're supposed ta be resting up, Swamp Rat, Doc's orders"

I say from the top of a ladder as I re-attach one of the security cameras that got knocked down.

 

[Cyrusbales]

XAVIER

It's been only a short while and all the tests of the machine have worked, it's time to send a message, a message to the people of the world, but first, one to Erik.

"Thank you Forge, now take him back to the holding cell Storm, and Pietro, this couldn't have happened without you, thank you for your assistance, finally a new age of humanity can dawn."

Wheeling inside the machine, I place on the specially crafter helmet, and the door close, locking me in. Placing on the helmet, I feel my mind expand, I feel the world pouring into my head like a river to a sea, I feel the power.

Focusing on one individual, someone who was once a freind, a colleague, a companion.

"Erik, as you are hearing this, you know what my purpose for Forge was, now I plead with you once again to take a stand against oppression, like Martin Luther King, like Rosa Parks, we must not be persecuted! If you cannot help, at least stand by, because the world will not be the same from this moment onwards. What if we lived in a world of peace? What if mutants were never scared again? What if, Erik? Think about it!"

 

[Matt Murdock]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 3

I swing to Stark Tower. It's hard to get there since the streets around it are blocked off by police tape. The building looks pretty beaten up, and there are Iron Men flying all around the building.

Breaking and entering isn't normally my thing, but I think its time to make an exception.

I swing high above all of the police officers, still in my civilian clothing, even. I reach an air-vent and I open it. As I step into the shaft, I look up. The ceiling level of the building is completely demolished.

I hesitate...and then climb up. I peek over the top edge of the building and see a few soldiers and one Iron Man standing up top.

I propel my self at the Iron man and he goes down pretty easily. The soldiers, however, are a bit of nuisance. I grab one and throw him at one of his partners. The both fall off of the edge of the building.

"Great. Gimme a minute, snappy." I say to the other guard. I leap off the building and grab both soldiers in mid-air. I shoot out a webline to the nearest flagpole and swing through a window in Stark Tower. I throw the men onto the ground in the office.

You two stay here; and play nice!" I say, webbing them to the floor.

I climb back up the wall and I'm on the ceiling in seconds. I guess that the remaining soldier thinks I died in the fall, since he hasn't even called for back up. I grab him and interrogate him.

"Where the hell is Tony Stark?"

"I don't know, man!"

"Tell me!"

"Look, rumor has it that he has a complex in Arizona. Underground."

"Where in Arizona?!"

"I dunno! People are saying that its under his microchip plant!"

"Thanks..." I murmur.

"Why's the building in such disarray?"

"Stark blew up his lab before he went to Arizona."

"Well. You've been a lot of help. G'night!"

"Hu--?" He tries to say, but I punch him and knock him out.

"Arizona, eh?" I think, glancing at the Iron Man armor heaped on the ground. I pick the armor up and put it on. I leap off the building and think "I think I can, I think I can." The rocket boots ignite and I'm flying. A few minutes later, the suit's on auto-pilot and I'm heading for the microchip factory.


Estimated Trip Time: 4 hours, 13 minutes at top speed.

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Four

Otto Octavius sat behind the desk that used to belong to Nick Fury. He had been patiently waiting for some information that might prove to be very valuable. With Mac Gargan stationed unfailingly behind him, Otto read over the message he had recieved from Tony Stark once more.

"No doubt you've all heard what I've done by now. I need help. If anyone is willing to hear my side of the story please contact me on this channel, I'm leaving it open. Until then, I'll need to go dark. Please.
Please, please.
I'm begging you, anyone, please contact me."

As he finished the message for the umpteenth time, he closed his phone and turned his eyes to the door, where an old man in a lab coat had just entered.

"Well?" Octavius asked forcefully. "Is it feasible?"

"It's quite difficult for me to say Mr. Octavius." The old scientist said nervously. "Our labs have had no hands-on experience with the actual equipment. Therefore, we are forced to use reasonable facsimiles."

"You bore me with your prologues. Give me your opinion now."

"Well Mr. Octavius... are you certain that you cannot receive the equipment from the government?"

"You think me a fool?" Octavius asked sharply, his tentacles rising up menacingly at his sides.

"Uh... uh.. of.. of course n-not... Mr. Octavius, sir. It's j-just that... it would... we..." The words colided into one another as railroad-cars in a trainwreck.

"You assume I have assigned you your task without first pursuing the most convient course of action?" Octavius' tentacles extended slowly towards the scientist's face.

"The United States government is like a selfish child, unwilling to share its toys with others. They are of no use to me. In good faith, I have left the fate of this operation in your hands... and I am beginning to think my faith has been misplaced."

"No Mr. Octavius... I... I was just..."

"I ask you once more. Do you think it is feasible? I warn you: respond simply... for I will not ask a third time."

"Yes!" The scientist answered, cringing as the tentacles' claws floated inches from his face.

"Very good!" Octavius said with a broad smile. He retracted his tentacles and the scientist breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "You may return to your work... job well done."

The scientist turned to leave.

"Oh dear... one more thing, I'm afraid." Octavius called out.

The scientist turned around just in time for one of Octavius' tentacles to smash into his skull. The tremendous force the blow drove the scientist into the wall behind him, the back of his skull exploding against its marble surface. The body slumped lifelessly to the floor as Octavius' tentacle retracted once more.

"Gargan, clean this mess up. Tell his family that he was incinerated in an accident. But let his successor know the truth. Let him know what happens to those who do not satisfy the standards of Otto Octavius."

Gargan picked up the body and carried it out of the room while Octavius typed out a response to Tony Stark.

Mr Stark,
SHIELD abides by the law of no single country, but on the principles of justice and equality.
Based on your past of extraordinary heroism, you have earned the opportunity to clear your name. I would offer you shelter in a time of turbulent storms.
Please contact me at your own leisure. Should you choose to accept my offer, do not bring your Iron-Men. They will only arouse suspicion, and I believe you will find that you have more than enough allies here.
Otto Octavius, Director of SHIELD.
​

With that, the trap had been set. Octavius reclined in his chair, anxious to learn whether or not his fugitive prey would take the bait.​

 

[Brainiac 8]

What If...Havok
Season I, Phase One: Brother

I've been running most of my life.

An outcast, shunned because of my powers. And, in all honesty, I'm glad of it. If being an outsider means that I can't hurt anybody...then so be it. I've got more than my fair share of sins to atone for; I most certainly don't need any more to worry about, accidental or not. It's not only my status as a mutant that's driven me to flee, though. The primary other excuse is family. My pedantic older brother, Scott. My arrogant younger brother, Gabriel. My parents - the two people responsible for wrecking my life, and those of my siblings.

What's family good for?

Absolutely nothing.

Caring, loving parents don't exist in the real world - in my world.

That's why I've decided to turn to him. The one they call Magneto. I was approached by Xavier a while back, after the first accident. It wasn't pretty. Ever since, I've been doing a little soul-searching. Training myself in the use of my powers; ever since Hawaii, I've realised that I can't ignore them any more. Burying your head in the sand? Just makes things worse. Trust me on that, if nothing else. It took me a while to track him and his "students" down. I say that with great skepticism. They seem more like his private army.

Which is kinda why I want to join up with him. I don't want to go to a school - I want to kick some serious Xavier ass. Sounds immature, but it's true. It's those kind of freaks that give mutants a bad name.

Ah, who am I kidding? Unwillingly, I'm one of them. My actions in Hawaii made sure of that, right? 'Course, I didn't mean to hurt anybody, but I did. No more self-pity. That won't make up for the lives I erased. I have to atone for my sins. Repent, in a way.

The easiest way to do that is by becoming a member of the Brotherhood. I'm strangely anticipating it...maybe this time on the road has been good for me. Enough with the cheesy after-school special intro, though. I'm here. At Magneto's mansion. And it's nothing like I expected. A troupe of Iron Men are levitating over the front lawn - around fifty, I'd estimate. Magneto himself is in the centre of the devastation. It looks like the remnants of a battlefield. I approach hesitantly, allowing the warming sensation of cosmic energy to pulse through my body. Could the armoured "heroes" be behind this?

Now that would be an entrance and a half - taking out the monsters that just thrashed the entire Brotherhood. No - I'll determine the cause of the trouble, then act. Can't be too rash now, Alex.

"Okay, who wants to explain what the hell's going on?" I interject, putting on my best "answer-me-right-now-or-I'll-fry-you" voice. The scary part? I actually could fry them.

Erik was tired. It was getting harder to handle some of the problems that have come up. He's lost his friend, his family, his wife; and he now has nothing. He takes care of this sanctuary like he was afraid of losing this last grip to reality. These people here are his only family left. There are people here to admire, to care about...and now his "friend" has come in and stole a part of this family. He has to pay.

Tony was kind enough to leave some of his Iron Man squadron behind, to help where needed. Erik was having them help with some of the damage done to his home. Then he would treat them all to dinner here at the sanctuary for their troubles. We need to come up with a plan to save Forge, and tomorrow a team will need to be put together to go after Charles. Fortunately Rogue knows where they are based.

Another mutant landed soon after the carnage stopped and ran up. "Hello friend. My name is Erik Lehnsherr, or Magneto....leader of the brotherhood. We were just having a delimma...nothing you need worry about now. Unfortunately I have something very important to attend to, but if you are wanting to stay for dinner, we can talk later."

With that he turned, starting to give some orders to a couple of the Iron Men hanging around, then walked into the mansion.

Later that evening, he was heading to the infirmery, going to check on Remy when he hears this in his head.

"Erik, as you are hearing this, you know what my purpose for Forge was, now I plead with you once again to take a stand against oppression, like Martin Luther King, like Rosa Parks, we must not be persecuted! If you cannot help, at least stand by, because the world will not be the same from this moment onwards. What if we lived in a world of peace? What if mutants were never scared again? What if, Erik? Think about it!"

"Charles? What have you done, old friend? Where is Forge now? You better not have harmed him."

"Charles, you know my stance on that issue.....it's the same stance I had when you and I were younger. Yes humans fear us, and some persecute us, but there are others that do not feel that same way. Martin Luthor King fought agains oppression...but he did so peacefully, he wanted unity...not death of those persecuting. We should be the same way, we don't want the death of humans...but a unity between species."

"Whatever you have planned, the brotherhood will stop you."

 

[Cyrusbales]

"Charles? What have you done, old friend? Where is Forge now? You better not have harmed him."

"Charles, you know my stance on that issue.....it's the same stance I had when you and I were younger. Yes humans fear us, and some persecute us, but there are others that do not feel that same way. Martin Luthor King fought agains oppression...but he did so peacefully, he wanted unity...not death of those persecuting. We should be the same way, we don't want the death of humans...but a unity between species."

"Whatever you have planned, the brotherhood will stop you."

XAVIER


"Erik, I'm insulted, I would not hurt a fellow mutant unless he stood in the way, and Forge has been a lot more helpful than even I thought he'd be!"

"Now you must give in, or at least turn on the television, any chanel is good, watch the decomissioning of all of the worlds weaponary, without their firearms the world can become peaceful, and those of us with powers will be able to assume command with ease."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

"You're supposed ta be resting up, Swamp Rat, Doc's orders"

I say from the top of a ladder as I re-attach one of the security cameras that got knocked down.

"Well chere, what da Doc know bout a man like Gambit? Nothin', dat what. Ya' miss me?" asks Gambit as he lights a cigarette.

 

[Matt Murdock]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 4 & Iron Man Chapter Thirteen

I land at the coordinates given to me by the goon in New York. All I see is desert. Nothing seems that out of place. I cloak and wait for Tony. Its about 45 minutes before he arrives...

I land above the underground steel doors to my second Iron Man lab in Arizona. I press a button on my arm and the doors open.

Tony just opened the doors and he's heading into what seems to be another lab. Huh. Looks like that soldier was telling the truth. He starts to walk into the building, and I follow, still cloaked.

I step down through the massive doorway. And pull my faceplate off. I stare at all of the technology in this lab. I decide that its time that I make some gear that I can use should I encounter more Iron Men. First, I alter the frequencies of my repulsors and other weapons.

Weird. Looks like Stark is futzing with his armor.

I then turn my attention to making my armor more physical. I know that the biggest weakness in my old-model armor is that it can't really protect against physically damaging attacks. As such, I take adamantium blades and install them into wrist mounted deployers. Sure, I'm no Wolverine, but should I ever come face to face with him, at least its more likely that I'll survive.

Adamantium blades added to the armor's wrist portions... a nice touch. I sit on a chair in the corner of the room and watch the man go at his work.

Should anyone pounce on me, I'll need a way to get them off. I duplicate the wrist mounted blade technology and delicately take off my chest plate. I mount the blade behind the armor's frontal plate. Anyone who jumps on me will get a sharp pain.


Pun intended.

I replace the chest piece and think. What else could I need?

Hah. He's trying to thing of some more tech he can put onto the suit. I have a few ideas, but lets see if he can get there on his own.

I tap into my armor and initiate a password. Just a precaution, but should my armor ever come off, I want to be the only one who can use it. I think. Where could my future encounters possibly take me? The sea and space. I search the room for a relatively old piece of gear I sold the army years ago. It helped them with underwater stealth ops. It would be of some use in a space or marine environment. I've found it in a few minutes. The device is basically a scuba diving mouth piece with two needles on the side. The item draws a small amount of blood per second, then converts a percentage of the blood's carried oxygen into breathable air that the user can then breath. The needles were the biggest drawback. They had to be put into a very specific, and small area of the cheek. I put it into my faceplate and alter the needles slightly so that they'll go into my neck, drawing more blood at a greater rate. It may hurt, but I'll have the needles deploy only when needed.

Looks like he's done something with needles. A portable dialysis machine, perhaps? Maybe if Stark is poisoned, he'll be able to filter the poison out of his blood stream with this tool.

I'm not sure what else I could need. My armor could run out of power, though, so I'd better change that. Utilizing the current power cells, I can install some solar reflector pads on the shoulder and helmet portions of the helmet so that when it's daytime my fuel cells can be replenished with solar energy.

Well, there he goes taking my idea: solar power. He looks like he's getting ready to leave...nows my chance.

The upgrades on my suit are complete. As I get ready to leave I hear someone say something.

"Not so fast, sparky. Before you head out I was wondering if you'd be willing to do me a favor or two."

An Iron Man uncloaks, standing right in front of me.

"Look, pal I dunno who you are or how you followed me, but you'll have hell to pay for this. " I say as I activate my newly installed wrist blades.

"Huh? Oh, the helmet!......Whoops, Luke Skywalker moment."

As he says this he removes the helmet. I'm surprised at what I see. Peter Parker, Spider-Man is standing before me in a suit of my armor.

 

[Matt Murdock]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 5 & Iron Man Chapter Fourteen

This may have been a bad idea. I probably shouldn't have even followed Tony here.

"Tony, wait. I'm not Spider-Man. I'm his clone!"

"Prove it, if you can. "

"I can. Take a blood sample and run it against an existing sample of Spider-Man's. You'll see that while most of our DNA is identical, but there are small portions that don't match up."

I ponder this idea.

"Alright. Fine. Come here."

He obeys and I have my armor draw his blood. Within minutes I'm running it through the FBI's database. Turns out the man standing in front of me is a 97.5% match with Peter Parker.

Almost the same man, but not quite.

"What do you want?" I say hesitantly.

I guess he trusts me... So I'd better just come out with it.

"I need equipment so that I can make a suit so I can find Miles Warren and ask him why he created me."

I consider what he's saying, and I believe him. So, I give him what he's asking for.

"Look, I cant help you much, but I'll give what I can." I mumble as I rummage around my lab. I find a small microchip. I place it into my armor and assess what it does.

Looks like Stark has found something. He hands it to me.

"Alright. Here's a microchip." He says, "Stick it onto the back of your neck and it'll interface with your cerebral cortex. It's an extremely early version of my neural interface. All you have to do is think, and this baby'll deploy a sheet of extremely thin and flexible metal around your body, it'll take the form and color that you wish for it to. It has limited flame proof, bulletproof, and air storage capabilities. Be careful though, as these resources are soon depleted and take quite a while to recharge."

This should do nicely. It is a microchip that one puts on the back of their neck, and then it deploys a full body suit. Much like spandex.

I turn my back and tell the man to leave.

I take my cue and start to walk out the massive steel doors. Before I leave, I see a mirror on one of the walls. Staring into it I think of Spider-Man and deploy the suit. It looks exactly the same as my old red and blues. I think hard and get rid of the webs and the black out lines around the eyes. Then, I get rid of the blue. I'm left with an all red suit.

"Thanks for this, Mr. Stark. I need to know where I'm from."

I brush his gratitude off. I sit down in my chair and stare at the message I've just gotten from otto octavius.

What am I going to do.

I think the suit needs a spider... and some blue. But first, I need to see May.

 

[Matt Murdock]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 6

I think about as I get out of the cab and look at Parker's house. "It" of course is the status of the relationship between Peter and May Parker. Luckily, Tony also loaned me a lot of money, so I can buy a lot of stuff, should I need it. I walk up to the door. I knock on it once. It opens slowly. The woman standing in the door isn't May Parker.

"Sorry to be a bother, ma'am. But, is Mrs. May Parker in?"

"May Parker hasn't lived here for years."

"Why not?"

"Who wants to know"

"I'm one of her nephews."

"I thought she only had one."

"She only had one on her side. I'm from her late husband's"

"I see. Well... May isn't in such good shape. See, the bank sued her, and without her nephew's help, she never got back on her feet. Then something happened between them and she hasn't lived here since."

I stare her coldly in the eyes. "What happened."

"Y'know, I can't really s--"

"That wasn't a question."

She tries to close the door, but I stop it with my foot. "Tell me what he did."

"He was never here. Always coming and going. Always screaming. Always throwing things."

"How do you know all of this?"

"Oh, Well I heard it. I lived right next door before I bought this place."

"The Watsons and the Carvers lived next door."

"Oh, no, young man. I lived where the Watsons did. They moved away after Mary Jane..."

"What. What happened with Mary Jane?"

"She killed her father. From what I heard, she blew his brains out with his own shotgun. He had gone on one too many drunken rants, and without her boyfriend -- "

"The boy living here"

"Right. Without him around, she couldn't control herself. She didn't try to run when the police came and she got off easy with 2 years in a women's prison."

"And May. What did this guy do to her?"

"He was drunk. Angry. Delusional, whatever you want to call it. But I heard them screaming...."

"Peter! Don't"

"Don't what, May?!"

"Don't throw it. It's the last one you haven't destroyed."

"Thats so cute. He's been dead for years and you still give a damn."

"True love withstands time, Peter."

"Aww. How heartfelt. True love withstands time. But can it stand a window?"

I was looking out my window when I saw it. He was holding something in his hand and she lunged at him. It was then that he grabbed her by the face and threw her to the ground."

"What....did he do?"

"He threw her right onto her backside. Then he looked at the thing in his hand and...

"Lets see, May. Lets see just how much true love can take."

Then he wound up like a baseball pitcher and hurled it out of a window. It actually hit the side of my house. Before he left, though....

"True love, my ass. If he loved us so much, why the HELL ISNT HE HERE?


WHY THE HELL IS HE DEAD? BURIED IN THE GROUND?"

That was the last anyone saw of him. He hasn't been to the neighborhood. And May left a week later. Said she couldn't stand the smell of her old house anymore."

I'm speechless. How could little Peter Parker, once Midtown High's only professional wallflower, have done something so cruel?

"Sorry, to be a bother. But do you still have what he threw?"

"I think I do. I kept it in case May ever wanted it back."

She emerges a second later with a splintered piece of wood, a cracked piece of glass, and an old picture.

I look at it. It's Uncle Ben. And a person I knew once. Peter Parker. But a little one. One not corrupted by spiders, responsibility, or aliens.

I delicately run my finger over the picture of Uncle Ben's face. A single tear runs down my cheek.

"I miss you, Ben. You'd know what to do right now."

Looking at the woman I say, "Where's May? Where is she now?"

"She's at the....oh how do I put this? I'm sorry, but she's at the asylum at the corner of 93rd and 2nd."

"She's insane?"

"No... she's just sad, alone, scared, and hurt."

I know not what to say next. I put the picture in my jacket pocket.

"Thank you, Ms. You've been very helpful."

I walk back to the cab and tell him to take me to the corner of 2nd and 93rd.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Fifteen

I read the message from Otto over and over again. Can I trust him? The man was a career criminal, but then again, I've murdered the president. We've all had our moments. Everyone. Spider-Man's had more than most nowadays, and Magneto has, too. I look at the huge monitor in front of me and start typing.

"Alright, Otto. I'll meet you. It's good to hear a sane voice other than the one inside of my head. I'm perfectly glad to take refuge in S.H.I.E.L.D hq. However, as I'm sure you can understand, I'm not willing to come in unarmed. I trust nobody in the government, not even those who offer kindness. Jesus had Judas. Caesar, Brutus. I certainly won't risk having my own knife in my back again. I'm bringing a few of my Iron Man. Not all 50, but probably about 4."

I look at the screen and decide to lie.

"Otto, " I type hesitantly. "When I arrive at S.H.I.E.L.D, you'll notice that my suit hasn't been modified at all. I would ask if I could use some of your technology to better equip myself for the war that surely lies ahead.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tony Stark"
​

I send the message and tap into my armor. I put several security walls in place, should I get to S.H.I.E.L.D and the government has an ambush in wait. Then, I step into my full armor enhancer, stored in the corner of the room. A while back, I made it so that I could enhance my armor in real time and completely. I step into it and give my armor a fresh coat of paint. Red and black. Stealthy, suave, and not something that says "Iron Man". Then, I get on the phone to Magneto. He doesn't answer, so I leave a message.

"Magneto." I mumble, "One of my men let me know that you've fed them a good meal and are putting them to work with fixing your home. Please, use them to find your friend, Forge, is it? The men aren't mutants so they're far more resistant to Xavier's head games than most. I want you to use them to their full capacity... please. Also, I'm going to S.H.I.E.L.D hq to speak to Otto Octavius. I'm not sure if he can be trusted, but I'm willing to give him a chance.

Thanks a lot, hope you find your friend.

Tony Stark."

I look at the phone. I know what to do next. I don't want to do it, but I have to. I have to speak to Captain America.

I tap into the open military communications channel, the one used for personal conversations between wives and husbands, things like that. I call the base where Steve is working. When someone picks up on the other end I hear drinking and laughing. I ask to speak to him.

"Heh...heh heh heh, hold on! I said, hold on lemme get this. Yello?" He says with a chuckle.

"Hello, Captain. It's me, Tony Stark."

His mood and tone change immediately.

"You are the last person that I want to talk to. What do you want, you coldblooded killer?"

 

[Feature]

IC Adrian Toomes: The Vulture
Season I - Part Five

Jimmy Phillips climbed the stairs of the apartment building cautiously, afraid that even his 115-pound frame might cause the ancient structure to crumble. He couldn't help but think that this place should be condemned, and he couldn't help but feel awful about his idol being forced to reside in such a place.

Jimmy passed several doors as he walked down the hallway, a first-aid kit in his hand. He looked down at a note he had scrawled when Adrian had contacted him. He was looking for apartment 5A. The splinters of wood where a door should've been were a dead giveaway. As Jimmy looked into the apartment he saw Adrian lying passed out on the floor with the phone next to him.

"H-Holy..."

Jimmy ran over to his former boss and crouched next to him. He began to shake him hard.

"Adrian! Adrian, wake up! Wake up!"

Slowly Adrian began to stir, his eyes fluttering.

"Mr. Toomes... thank God! I thought... I thought... Mr. Toomes, I can't do this! There's no way! I mean, I don't even know anything about broken bones or... or... You need to go to a doctor!"

"No Doctors." Adrian said, his voice a weary rasp. "I didn't call you here to fix my ankles, I can do that myself. Just give me the kit."

Jimmy gave the first-aid kit to Adrian and rested on his haunches.

"So... so what do I do?" He asked.

"You have the most important job of all, Jimmy." Adrian said gravely as he pointed one bony finger towards the kitchen. "Coffee. Black. And I want it yesterday."

* * *

A half hour later, Adrian was layed out on the couch drinking his coffee. His ankles had been placed in makeshift casts. Jimmy sat in the recliner across the room. The evening news was on the TV, although neither were really paying much attention.

"Thank you, Jimmy." Adrian said between sips. "You're a good boy and a damn fine officer."

"Right." Jimmy said sarcastically. "If I were such a good cop I wouldn't be sitting here drinking coffee with a fugitive now would I? With all due respect sir, I should've turned you in. And I have no idea why I didn't."

"I know why." Adrian said calmly. "You didn't turn me in because you're a good cop. There's more to being a good cop than following rules, Jimmy. A good cop has to have a keen sense of what's good for the public. His job... no, his very purpose in life is to protect those people. A good cop knows who's a good guy and who's a bad guy... regardless of what his superiors tell him."

Jimmy smiled the large smile of a contented child. He let the words of his idol wash over him, like warm foamy water on a dry beach.

"The scene was tense in Times Square tonight as police were forced to contend with yet another masked criminal."

A young asian reporter's voice sprung out from the TV. She was standing amidst a turbulent scene in Times Square. Blue and red lights were flashing and several feet of yellow caution tape could be seen. A man in a pumpkin mask could be seen being loaded into a police car. The reporter was standing with a man Adrian was all too familiar with: chief of police Evan Radditch.

"With me now is New York City's chief of police, Evan Radditch. Mr. Radditch, can you give us any details as to what went on here tonight?"

"Well, I can't say too much at the moment. All I can tell you is that another costumed vigilante sought to introduce terror in the streets and our finely trained officers were able to neutralize the threat in a safe and effective manner."

Radditch smiled broadly. A smile for Adrian. A smile Adrian had seen way too many times. A smile that said 'I can do your job better than you'. A smile that said 'I am fully responsible for this success and I want everyone to know it'. Adrian's stomach turned.

"Tell me Mr. Radditch, do you believe that the sudden increase in this type of criminal can be attributed in any way to the recent exploits of former chief of police Adrian Toomes, also known as The Vulture?"

"As much as it pains me to say this, I believe the link is undeniable. It is a terrible thing when the good go bad and it sets a terrible example. Adrian Toomes has chosen to turn away from justice, and in doing so, has elected to jeopardize the lives of the innocent living in this city. However, I urge the public not to be afraid. Adrian Toomes is our top priority, and I assure the citizens of New York that I will make it my business to see him aprehended swiftly."

Adrian turned the TV off and rested his head in his hands, exhaling heavily.

"And that Jimmy, is a bad cop." He said in a tired voice.

Jimmy got up and made for the door. "I've got to go, Mr. Toomes. I'll keep your secret... but I can't do this again. Please Adrian... I'm asking you as a friend. Drop this Vulture stuff. Lay low until it all blows over and cooler heads prevail. Think about it."

When Jimmy left, Adrian thought about it. But as he rubbed his aching ankles, another though leapt into his head.

"I've got a score to settle first..."

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Five

Otto Octavius sat behind his mamoth desk, the orange glow of sunset burning through the windows behind him.

​

In his mind, he carefully picked over every step of his plan. He wanted to be sure there were no mistakes when the time came. In the spirit of readiness, he looked at Tony Stark's latest message once more.

"Alright, Otto. I'll meet you. It's good to hear a sane voice other than the one inside of my head. I'm perfectly glad to take refuge in S.H.I.E.L.D hq. However, as I'm sure you can understand, I'm not willing to come in unarmed. I trust nobody in the government, not even those who offer kindness. Jesus had Judas. Caesar, Brutus. I certainly won't risk having my own knife in my back again. I'm bringing a few of my Iron Men. Not all 50, but probably about 4.
Otto, When I arrive at S.H.I.E.L.D, you'll notice that my suit hasn't been modified at all. I would ask if I could use some of your technology to better equip myself for the war that surely lies ahead.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Tony Stark"​

Octavius smiled as he finished the message once more. Stark was doing his best to sound brave and self-assured, but Otto knew he was a desperate man backed into a corner. He knew Stark did not trust him, but he also knew that the beleaguered turncoat had nowhere else to go. Surely, Octavius had been the only one to make the unpopular decision of offering amnesty to a treasonist.

The fact that Stark needed to upgrade his armor would only make it easier for Otto to steal the information necessary to assemble his own army of Iron Men. The thought made him quiver with delight: a fleet of Iron Men leading his Clone Army into battle. He was about to become unstoppable. The world was his oyster...

The only problem that remained was how to deal with Stark and his platoon of Iron Men when they arrived. As if in response to his very thought, Mac Gargan entered Otto's office.

"Greetings, Mr. Gargan." Otto said pleasantly. "Judging by your attire, it would seem you are prepared to see our plan set in motion?"

Gargan snarled. "Yes sir."

 

[Matt Murdock]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 7

There he is.

Standing on the top of a building staring down into an alley, there's Spider-Man. I'm wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt over my nano-costume. Luckily, I've tweaked the nanotech to mimic any garment that I think of. Right now, I'm making it project jeans, nikes, and a red t-shirt under my hoodie.

I'm standing on a rooftop looking at Spider-Man. He's in a cool looking costume. God knows how long he's had it. Black with a huge white spider.

Too bad I didn't get any info from May. She wasn't making sense.

I look at the electronics store on the street. The newscaster is talking about a castle in France. Wait. No, she's talking about a certain "Frank Castle." Oh, boy.




The Punisher is loose again.

One more mess I'm going to need to clean up. I look at the footage of the man's killing sprees. He's a monster. The best the cops have been able to muster up is a sketch of him.

That gives me an idea, Castle has bags lining his belt. I leap into a nearby alley, different from the one Spider-Man is staring into. There's a gun store three blocks down the road, I activate my costume and swing to it. I land next to it and go back to my civilian clothing. Stepping into the doorway, I buy small satchels and step outside. I put one on each ankle and a few along my belt. I take my extra web cartridges that I'd been storing in my pockets. I put a few cartridges in each bag.

I swing back to the building by Spider-Man. When I land on the building top, I loose my balance and fall. I manage to catch myself with a hand on the ground. I look down at my hand and notice that there's a gash in my suit.

"Damn it. This thing isn't even a day old!" I say in disgust. Staring at the suit's cut, the suit begins to heal itself. The cut in the fabric slowly goes away. Interesting. The suit isn't actually cloth. It must be thousands of mini-robots that connect to each other. Excellent. This means that the suit can never really be destroyed. Realizing that my sweatsirt can be destroyed, I integrate it with my nanotech. I have the little 'bots absorb the sweatshirt. Well.... here we go. I engage my new costume's cloak.

I leap to the building Spider-Man is standing on. His back is turned, and I'm still cloaked, that was he won't know where I am.

"Y'know, Pete, throwing Aunt May to the ground isn't nice. Have you even been to see her in the Mental hospital you drove her to?"

 

[Apprentice]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 7

I leap to the building Spider-Man is standing on. His back is turned, and I'm still cloaked, that was he won't know where I am.

"Y'know, Pete, throwing Aunt May to the ground isn't nice. Have you even been to see her in the Mental hospital you drove her to?"

Spider-Man snapped about, feeling power surge through his body; he barely refrained himself from allowing a fist to snap forward. The intruder upon his private musings was aware of his identity, events in his past...actions that had altered his trajectory and forced him onto the path he was currently taking. Allowing organic webbing to swell at his wrist, the symbiote-merged vigilante snarled in response, stepping forward and balling his hands into fists.

"Who the $%*^ are you, and how do you know my name?" Spider-Man growled, readying himself for a vicious pounce. The costumed man before him had just steered himself towards a near-inevitable metahuman brawl. And Peter was only too happy to oblige him...

 

[Cyrusbales]

XAVIER

Setting up the camera, my visage appears on every screen possible. My address to my future nations....

"Hello. Most of you know me from horrific stories told to you by your media. However these stories are all wrong, the truth is far more disturbing. Too long has the mutant race been surpressed, now your army, your navy, your police and your airforce have been disabled."

I can feel the fear, these people looking up at the big screens have finally come to take note of their worhtless lives.

"I am currently able to crush the brain of any individual on this planet, through concentration alone. For those who think this is an idle threat, please observe how a different world leader will die every hour, until all command is relinquished to mutantkind."

The world has finally gotten onto it's true course, and I shall be helping it along as much as possible.

"And anyone who wishes to stop me...please go ahead. I have a full cognitive grasp on the entire planet, learning every defence and offense stratgedy and every sordid little plan out there, from SHIELD to a the average wife's little white lies... Enjoy my utopia!"

 

[Matt Murdock]

Spider-Man snapped about, feeling power surge through his body; he barely refrained himself from allowing a fist to snap forward. The intruder upon his private musings was aware of his identity, events in his past...actions that had altered his trajectory and forced him onto the path he was currently taking. Allowing organic webbing to swell at his wrist, the symbiote-merged vigilante snarled in response, stepping forward and balling his hands into fists.

"Who the $%*^ are you, and how do you know my name?" Spider-Man growled, readying himself for a vicious pounce. The costumed man before him had just steered himself towards a near-inevitable metahuman brawl. And Peter was only too happy to oblige him...

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 8

What an ignoramus. He doesn't even know who I am.

Well, he knows who I am. Who doesn't know who I am, though.


Wait... that doesn't make sense.

"You think you're special, Parker?" I say angrily, allowing my new nanotech suit to uncloak and pull back from my face, revealing myself to Peter. "You're not. Meet me, Miles Warren's greatest creation. I'd like you meet you. Well not technically you... you're actually meeting me. But I'm you. Except I dress better and I don't throw the people who care about me most to the ground." I say, cracking my knuckles.

"You've got some nerve, mister. First, you let our Uncle die. YEAH. Yeah, that was your fault. Then you throw his wife to the ground and put her into an asylum. Real nice. Then you let the love of your life murder her own father. Well, guess what Petey-o's... I'm here now, and I've got a better sense of style." I finish my little speech and take a fighting stance.

"I heard about your little tussle with Iron Man. You up for another fight? If you are, bring it on."

 

[Apprentice]

"Okay, who wants to explain what the hell's going on?"

Magneto rose somewhat dazedly to his booted feet, and drew his robe around him. The Iron Men were still hovering, awaiting his commands; they would be useful, indeed, in the coming struggle. For Forge, the world's greatest inventor, was a member of his Brotherhood, and the Master of Magnetism would be damned if he would be held in the hands of his enemies! Havok watched warily, swallowing hard in apprehension as the azure energy swelled across his fists.

"Who are you? If you are another of Charles' stooges..." Magneto growled, through gritted teeth. His gloved digits curled into his palm.

Havok blinked. Charles? As in Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men? He truly had entered a new realm of reality; his days of lounging by the ocean were gone, it seemed. This was possibly his last chance to walk away from it all...and all he had to say was, "I'm not associated with that little SOB. I'm here to join the Brotherhood."

A moment of silence fell between the assembled mutants as Magneto eyed the new arrival with an emotion akin to suspicion. Havok felt sweat sting his eyes. The Iron Men, their metal visages impassive, awaited their new leader's orders.

And, after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke softly. "Very well, then. I do wish that I could be welcoming you here under better circumtances; unfortunately, you have arrived at a time which finds myself and my team somewhat...fragmented."

Havok allowed himself to untense, and diminished the roaring energy obeying him. "What's been going on? And how can I help?"

"I'm afraid to say that we just endured an assault from the X-Men. One of my students had been abducted, and --"

"Excuse me, sir...but I think you should see this," one of the Iron legion interjected, deactivating his repulsors and setting himself down beside Magneto. Havok moved closer to the pair and the Iron Man's comrades muttered worriedly between themselves as their representative extended one metallic limn. A hologram flittered to life before them.

Magneto inhaled sharply as a familiar face took shape.

"Hello. Most of you know me from horrific stories told to you by your media. However these stories are all wrong, the truth is far more disturbing. Too long has the mutant race been surpressed, now your army, your navy, your police and your airforce have been disabled. I am currently able to crush the brain of any individual on this planet, through concentration alone. For those who think this is an idle threat, please observe how a different world leader will die every hour, until all command is relinquished to mutantkind. And anyone who wishes to stop me...please go ahead. I have a full cognitive grasp on the entire planet, learning every defence and offense stratgedy and every sordid little plan out there, from SHIELD to a the average wife's little white lies... Enjoy my utopia!"

Magneto snarled primally, and slowly began to ascend, his cloak billowing outwards behind him. "X-Men, report to the War Room for debriefing!" he barked into his communicator. "If you would follow...?"

"Havok. You can call me Havok." He almost uttered his real name, but halted; it was better that he concealed his true identity, for the moment. he had to gain their trust before revealking the sordid fact that his brother was one of the main components of the terrorist group now threatening the globe itself.

"You've gone too far this time, Charles..."

 

[Noon]

"Okay, who wants to explain what the hell's going on?"

Magneto rose somewhat dazedly to his booted feet, and drew his robe around him. The Iron Men were still hovering, awaiting his commands; they would be useful, indeed, in the coming struggle. For Forge, the world's greatest inventor, was a member of his Brotherhood, and the Master of Magnetism would be damned if he would be held in the hands of his enemies! Havok watched warily, swallowing hard in apprehension as the azure energy swelled across his fists.

"Who are you? If you are another of Charles' stooges..." Magneto growled, through gritted teeth. His gloved digits curled into his palm.

Havok blinked. Charles? As in Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men? He truly had entered a new realm of reality; his days of lounging by the ocean were gone, it seemed. This was possibly his last chance to walk away from it all...and all he had to say was, "I'm not associated with that little SOB. I'm here to join the Brotherhood."

A moment of silence fell between the assembled mutants as Magneto eyed the new arrival with an emotion akin to suspicion. Havok felt sweat sting his eyes. The Iron Men, their metal visages impassive, awaited their new leader's orders.

And, after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke softly. "Very well, then. I do wish that I could be welcoming you here under better circumtances; unfortunately, you have arrived at a time which finds myself and my team somewhat...fragmented."

Havok allowed himself to untense, and diminished the roaring energy obeying him. "What's been going on? And how can I help?"

"I'm afraid to say that we just endured an assault from the X-Men. One of my students had been abducted, and --"

"Excuse me, sir...but I think you should see this," one of the Iron legion interjected, deactivating his repulsors and setting himself down beside Magneto. Havok moved closer to the pair and the Iron Man's comrades muttered worriedly between themselves as their representative extended one metallic limn. A hologram flittered to life before them.

Magneto inhaled sharply as a familiar face took shape.

"Hello. Most of you know me from horrific stories told to you by your media. However these stories are all wrong, the truth is far more disturbing. Too long has the mutant race been surpressed, now your army, your navy, your police and your airforce have been disabled. I am currently able to crush the brain of any individual on this planet, through concentration alone. For those who think this is an idle threat, please observe how a different world leader will die every hour, until all command is relinquished to mutantkind. And anyone who wishes to stop me...please go ahead. I have a full cognitive grasp on the entire planet, learning every defence and offense stratgedy and every sordid little plan out there, from SHIELD to a the average wife's little white lies... Enjoy my utopia!"

Magneto snarled primally, and slowly began to ascend, his cloak billowing outwards behind him. "X-Men, report to the War Room for debriefing!" he barked into his communicator. "If you would follow...?"

"Havok. You can call me Havok." He almost uttered his real name, but halted; it was better that he concealed his true identity, for the moment. he had to gain their trust before revealking the sordid fact that his brother was one of the main components of the terrorist group now threatening the globe itself.

"You've gone too far this time, Charles..."

In the War Room the members of the brotherhood sit around a large table, Magneto at the head. Around them metal gleams with electronic lights and screens, damned if I know what any of them do. Its odd to see the seamless metal, perfectly crafted by the power of magnetism.

As I enter I see Remy also at the table. I frown and stop to whisper in Magnetos ear.

"Eric, ah ya sure about letting him come on such an important mission?" I am one of the few who will call Magneto by his first name. "we don't know that much about him"

 

[guitarsingerguy]

In the War Room the members of the brotherhood sit around a large table, Magneto at the head. Around them metal gleams with electronic lights and screens, damned if I know what any of them do. Its odd to see the seamless metal, perfectly crafted by the power of magnetism.

As I enter I see Remy also at the table. I frown and stop to whisper in Magnetos ear.

"Eric, ah ya sure about letting him come on such an important mission?" I am one of the few who will call Magneto by his first name. "we don't know that much about him"

"Chere, if ya' wanna say somet'in' ta Gambit, please have some o' that Southern hospitality an' say it to ma' face."

Gambit turns his head and smiles at Rogue with a smile that has melted many a woman's hearts.

 

[Brainiac 8]

In the War Room the members of the brotherhood sit around a large table, Magneto at the head. Around them metal gleams with electronic lights and screens, damned if I know what any of them do. Its odd to see the seamless metal, perfectly crafted by the power of magnetism.

As I enter I see Remy also at the table. I frown and stop to whisper in Magnetos ear.

"Eric, ah ya sure about letting him come on such an important mission?" I am one of the few who will call Magneto by his first name. "we don't know that much about him"

"Chere, if ya' wanna say somet'in' ta Gambit, please have some o' that Southern hospitality an' say it to ma' face."

Gambit turns his head and smiles at Rogue with a smile that has melted many a woman's hearts.

Erik looked around the war room, at the faces he has known for so long...as well as some new faces. This day seems to be pushing down on him, making it difficult to keep his emotions in check. The proverbial straw was when he realized that his own son was being used as a pawn in Charles' sick game.

Rogue whispered in Erik's ear. He understood her concern, but Erik needed all the help he can get, especially right now.

"Rogue...you are always looking out for the team. Remy proved himself this afternoon during the attack, and I think we should give him an opportunity to further prove himself."

"Welcome my friends...first and foremost I would like to introduce you all to Havok. I figured he could get an idea of how we run things in the brotherhood. I wish it was under better conditions. Earlier today, Charles Xavier made a threat to all of the Earth, somehow having control of much of the technology. The only way I figure he was able to pull this off was due to Forge's ability to basically create anything he sets his mind to."

"We have to raid Xavier's headquarters somehow and put him down to stop this madness. Do any of you have an ideas? Fortunately, this room is shielded and Charles can't pry into this conversation."

 

[Apprentice]

Alex paused. The chamber had fallen silent after Magneto's enquiry. This was his chance; from his perspective, there was no conceivable way that they could locate Charles Xavier - other than his own solution, of course. And the safety of the Earth itself had to be placed in a higher priority his his family discrepancies. According to the telepath's address to the world's nations, a major leader would perish at every hour's beginning. Slowly, he stepped forward.

"Actually...I may have a way. My real name is Alex Summers," he began, drawing in a deep breath, "and I am the brother of the X-Men's Cyclops. I could use this connection to find out where the hell Xavier's hiding out...that is, if you all would feel comfortable with that."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Alex paused. The chamber had fallen silent after Magneto's enquiry. This was his chance; from his perspective, there was no conceivable way that they could locate Charles Xavier - other than his own solution, of course. And the safety of the Earth itself had to be placed in a higher priority his his family discrepancies. According to the telepath's address to the world's nations, a major leader would perish at every hour's beginning. Slowly, he stepped forward.

"Actually...I may have a way. My real name is Alex Summers," he began, drawing in a deep breath, "and I am the brother of the X-Men's Cyclops. I could use this connection to find out where the hell Xavier's hiding out...that is, if you all would feel comfortable with that."

Gambit smiles at the revelation.

"Now 'dis Gambit's type a' game. Gambit always win when he got an ace up 'is sleeve. 'Dere just one t'ing ah got ta ask. What exactly are ya prepared ta do Mags? Just how many bodies are ya' prepared to leave in our wake if necessary? 'Cause after da' friendly rivalry just turned deadly."