Marvel Mayhem: New Thunderbolts #28 - One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
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Abe groaned as he heard the clink of metallic chains and smelt something akin to rotting vegetation. Turning his head he saw Orka and Songbird chained up next to him, both of them beginning to regain conciseness at the same time as him.
“Why is it gang that we seem to be chained up for the second time today?” He asked as Songbird yawned, pink sparks oozing out of her mouth.
“I could tell you.” Orka groaned. “But you ain't going to like it.”
“Tell me anyway.” Abe ordered.
“No need,” A voice echoed from the walls and ceiling. “Now you’re awake we can begin.” The mystery voice added as Blackheath emerged from the ceiling, arms folded as the chains coiled tighter around the Thunderbolts.
“Sam, why are you holding us?” Abe growled as the door at the end of the room opened and the Radioactive Man walked in accompanied by a Persian man, a walking stick gripped in his gnarled hands and a red headed Kree bodyguard on his heels.
“Plantman, Radioactive Man and some Captain Marvel wannabe all working together?” Songbird exclaimed. “Why do I feel like I missed something a while back?”
“Nothing too important.” Chen stated before adding, “It is good to see the real you again though Melissa.”
“Regardless Doctor, we have workable intelligence that Jenkins and his team are working for Zemo.” The Persian Man added.
“Speaking of them, where are Ghost and Defensor, both of them helped us back in the arena.” Abe asked as he narrowed his eyes at the Kree Bodyguard, her hands resting on a plasma pistol holstered on her belt.
“They will be returned to you soon.” The Persian man replied. “My name is Arnan Korral, you had the pleasure of trashing one of my armoured car depots a month or two ago. I am currently funding the Thunderbolts stationed here to aid the populous displaced by Zemo’s actions.”
“Alleged actions.” Orka snapped. “Getting information from Flag Smasher of all people is hardly reliable.”
“Indeed.” Korral answered. “But I am interested in knowing how Mr. Jenkins is funding this endeavour.” He added as the doors opened again and Unicorn emerged escorting a man in an expensive business suit, his long blonde locks framing a rugged yet handsome face.
”I would be the one funding Jenkins in the same manner as you Mr. Korral.” The newcomer announced in a slightly accented voice.
“Ah Mr Watkins, the elusive philanthropist billionaire of Seattle, looks like we are adversaries once again.” Korral snarled.
“Hardly Arnan.” Watkins replied. “Between our two teams we can do enough good to restore this city to its former glory.”
“A noble goal but is that your only one?” Korral asked as Songbird peered at Watkins shadow, the edges moving slightly before a dark shape retreated into the corner of the room.
“There are plenty of threats to deal with.” Watkins answered. “Until they are dealt with then this city will never recover. Surely on that we can agree.”
”Maybe this can wait.” Abe stated as he followed Songbird’s gaze to the corner of the room and the pair of dark red eyes watching from the corner. “Hey Conrad,” he called as he illuminated the high beams attached to his helmet and illuminated the shadow figure in the corner of the room, “get lost.”
“Mark my words Thunderbolts, the time of the Star-Fall is coming and when it does everything you will have worked for will be gone.” Conrad hissed as he merged into the shadows. “Only your deaths will avert the crisis.”
“Well he was more cheery then he usually is.” Chen commented. “At least he didn't try and kill us.”
“The Star Fall he mentioned, we will need to research what it is exactly.” Watkins stated. “Especially if it puts the city at risk.”
“Agreed.” Korral added. “At least for now. Your Thunderbolts are free to go Watkins, just keep them in order or my team will be forced to act.”
“Likewise.” Watkins answered as Abe, Melissa and Orka followed him out of the room. “Return my men as soon as possible would you, I have work to do.”
“I bet you do.” Korral whispered. “I bet you do.”
**
Watkins’s Office, Underground Thunderbolts Headquarters
“While I was imprisoned I was able to spread the organic malware into the Living Fortress’s systems.” Ghost moaned as he floated before Watkins, his employer cleaning an antique rapier.
“Including Korral’s office?” Watkins asked as he peeled the flesh mask off his face to reveal the ravaged face of Baron Helmut Zemo.
“Including that.” Ghost replied. “On other notes Defensor has decided to return to Argentina, so at least Jenkins can’t use him against us.”
“The let us see what my rival is up to.” Zemo stated coldly as a hologram of an ornate office emerged, two blue skinned figures standing around the desk as the third sat there, his head held limp as if he was sleeping.
“Give me a report Dr. Sophen, what do we know off this other Thunderbolts team?” The second woman asked, her red hair clashing with her blue skin.
“I was under the assumption Ronan would come to me personally.” Moonstone snarled. “Especially after my genetic assimilation into the Kree Empire.”
“You are not truly Kree though.” The first woman stated, malice creeping into her voice. “You are unfit to speak to me: Kona Lor, let alone the great Accuser.”
“Speak.” Korral muttered. “Speak and tell me how the shadow knew of the Star Fall?”
“Grand Accuser, I had no idea you still pulled the puppet’s strings!” Kona Lor gasped. “I don’t know my lord, but I assure you we will send the Thunderbolts out to contain the leak.”
“My Masters of Evil may be more suited to the job.” Karla whined, “Aggressive moves by heroes are always unpopular, even if they have initial support for the populous.”
”I bow to your knowledge of this pitiful rock Dr Sophen.” Korral muttered. “Find this ‘Smuggler’ and contain him. Meanwhile Kona I want you to take charge of the Thunderbolts, make them this cities beacon, this worlds beacon. And when they shine like starlight, this world will fall to the might of the Kree Empire.”
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Two T-Bolts teams? After the upcoming crossover both stories will be written. The escapades of Ronan’s Thunderbolts will be told in Odd numbered issues and the remains of the original team still loyal to Zemo will be told in even numbered issues.
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