In his home country, Dr. Chen Lu was a brilliant nuclear physicist. Under orders from his government to find a way to destroy Thor, he exposed himself to small doses of radiation until he could endure a massive barrage. The experience transformed him into the Radioactive Man.

Over the years, Dr. Chen found himself a pawn in the schemes of others. The Chinese government, Heinrich Zemo, Ultron, Egghead, the Mandarin, Obadiah Stane, Justin Hammer. They all viewed him as nothing more than a nuclear weapon to be used against the world’s heroes.

Dr. Chen fears very little. His irradiated form makes him nearly invulnerable. He has renounced any allegiance to the government he once blindly followed. And now he finds he has a place for himself, where he is finally respected.

Standing behind an ornate, Victorian desk with his back to the door was the man who Chen respected most—and feared most—in the entire world. Ironically enough, the son of one of Chen’s earliest employers—Helmut Zemo, the thirteenth man of that bloodline to claim the title of Baron.

“Thank you for responding to my summons, Dr. Chen.” When Zemo spoke, his German accent—although it had faded over time—still retained an obvious presence. “I have spoken to my informant and it has been made known to me that we will have another target, perhaps more highly-placed than our late friend Wolfgang. And this is one whom I will need your assistance with.”

“May I ask who that is, Baron?” asked the Radioactive Man.

“Justin Hammer.”

Zemo turned from his window overlooking the endless ocean Castle Zemo rested upon in its pocket dimension. He sat in the high-backed, leather chair, crossing his legs. “You have had dealings with him in the past, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Good, then upon Emil’s return, I would like the two of you to prepare a detailed report on Hammer. His history, his current activities, and any known associates or agents. Especially note those whom you either know to currently be in his employ or whom you suspect he still retains ties with.”

“If I may, Baron. By targeting Hammer, you may also have another complication in place,” said Chen.

“You’re referring to his daughter,” said Zemo.

“Justine Hammer has an ego as large as her father’s. I’m reasonably sure she doesn’t find Moonstone’s recent impersonation of her all that amusing. Attacking her father will likely incense her further.”

“Either because she loves him or because she wants him dead by her own hand,” said Zemo. “That’s generally how these things work, as both Andreas and myself can attest.”

“And if the Crimson Cowl does decide to take an issue with you?”

“That’s the other part of your assignment, my friend. I want you to compile all data on the Cowl’s Masters of Evil, both past and present. We know she’s recruiting again and I want to know who.”

“I may have a solution, one which could serve as a distraction for the time being.”

“I’m listening,” said Zemo.

“Sofen was the one who impersonated the Cowl. She’s known for her independent streak. Is it so unlikely that she would commit this ruse without your knowledge?” asked Chen.

“Go on.”

“We know Graviton took Sofen from the Castle during Hydra’s raid. We could delay settling matters with the Cowl by directing her and her Masters to Graviton and Moonstone. They would certainly occupy each other for some time. And when the smoke clears, we would have one less problem on our hands.”

THE ROMULUS GAMBIT

Part III

By Steve Seinberg and Dino Pollard

Paris

P. Norbert Ebersol usually enjoyed being on his back with a ravenous woman grunting on top of him. But in this case, he made an exception. Because the woman in question was Cassandra Romulus and, although beautiful (all that time with Hydra gave him a bit of a thing for green-haired women), she was presently in her bestial state, about to cut out the Fixer’s eyes with her claws.

The red-clad form of Marvin Flumm jumped into the fray. Although not much of a fighter, Mentallo still tackled Romulus, preventing her from leaving the Fixer without his eyesight. Romulus and Mentallo rolled on the ground, until Romulus got on her back and kicked the telepath off her.

“Okay bitch, now it’s my turn!”

The anti-gravity discs affixed to Ebersol’s soles shot him into the air. Through the targeting device over his left eye, he managed to lock onto Cassandra and the waldos unleashed a volley of energy bursts. Lady Mastermind, shaking off her own attack from Cassandra, watched as the woman dodged the Fixer’s blasts. She drew the pistol from her hip holster and opened fire as well.

Cassandra, however, was too fast for them, managing to avoid each bullet and blast with an extreme amount of ease. The Fixer went after her, but Romulus moved too quickly, bouncing off the side of a building and striking the Fixer in the chest. She climbed onto his back and with her claws, tore into his tech-pack. The Fixer plummeted to the ground, falling into the river as Romulus landed back on solid ground, bounding up the buildings through an alley and running off.

The Speed Demon ran along the riverbank, coming to a stop where Ebersol was pulling himself out of the water. From behind his goggles, Sanders rolled his eyes. “Oh great, Thunderbolts. This is a new wrinkle.”

“The hell you want, Sanders?” asked the Fixer.

“Look, Strucker just wants that bitch dead. So how about you stay out of our way and we’ll put this to bed nice and quick. Then you can all binge-drink French wine on Zemo’s tab.”

Dakini heard the commotion and watched most of the battle between Romulus and the Thunderbolts. But after Cassandra grounded the Fixer, she lost track of her. Hefting her rifle, Dakini tried to scan the area and found no sight. But behind her…she felt something. Sensed some sort of movement. Dakini spun and found the barrel of her gun pointing at the very person she came to see.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this,” she said.

“What?” asked Romulus. “What are you talking about? We don’t even know each other!”

“Oh don’t even think of pulling that shit with me, bitch! All these years, all I see when I close my eyes is you! All I can think about is you! And now you’re going to pretend like you don’t even know me?”

Cassandra held her hands in a show of surrender. “Hey, hold on there. Believe me, I’d remember meeting a bitch as crazy as you. So I’m pretty positive it’s never happened.”

“That’s the way you wanna play it? Alright, I can live with that,” said Dakini, dropping the rifle and drawing a hunting knife. She got into a fighting stance and then pounced on her prey. “I’ll make sure you never forget me again!”

The Eel watched as Cassandra dispatched the Fixer and sighed, burying his face in his hands. “Jesus fuck, Speed. Where the hell are you? Romulus just kicked the shit out of the goddamn Thunderbolts, the hell you think she’s gonna do to me?”

He looked up again but now, he lost sight of Cassandra. “Oh fuck me…”

Lavell moved around the area, trying to find her. But when he turned again, he found himself staring right at her and he wanted to say something, yet was speechless. Romulus, on the other hand, wasn’t.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this,” she said.

“What?” Behind his mask, both the Eel’s eyebrows were arched. “What are you talking about? We don’t even know each other!”

“Oh don’t even think of pulling that shit with me, bitch! All these years, all I see when I close my eyes is you! All I can think about is you! And now you’re going to pretend like you don’t even know me?”

The Eel held up his hands in a show of good faith. What was she talking about? “Hey, hold on there. Believe me, I’d remember meeting a bitch as crazy as you. So I’m pretty positive it’s never happened.”

“That’s the way you wanna play it? Alright, I can live with that,” said Romulus, her claws extending from her fingertips. She got into a fighting stance and then pounced on her prey. “I’ll make sure you never forget me again!”

“Whoa, get back!” shouted the Eel, slipping from Cassandra’s grip like his namesake. He raised his hands, his suit building up an electrical charge. “Look, don’t make me get nasty here.”

“Why are you so shy? You weren’t the last time we met!”

“Are you mental? We’ve never met, you crazy bitch!”

Cassandra growled. “Oh, you’ll remember me after I carve my name in your chest!”

The Eel’s suit began crackling with electricity. “I’m warning you! Don’t make me do this!”

Cassandra rushed towards him, snarling and the Eel prepared to unleash the built-up charge. And then he heard something from the side and saw Dakini running towards them.

“NO!” she cried out, jumping into the path. “She’s my kill, I won’t let you—”

“Oh fuck me…” muttered the Eel as the electricity coursed into both Dakini and Cassandra, frying them both to ashes and leaving nothing more. The Eel stood there, observing the damage he just caused and just at that moment, Speed Demon arrived, screeching to a halt.

“Jesus, smells horrible…” The Speed Demon looked at his partner, who was staring at his own hands in shock. “I didn’t know you packed that much punch.”

“I—I didn’t think I did, either.”

“What happened?”

“She…it was Cassandra, I found her here and then…she kept talking crazy…saying she’d make sure I wouldn’t forget her again… So I had her dead to rights and then out of nowhere, there’s Dakini, crazy as shit. She said Romulus was her kill and then…” Lavell gripped his head. “Oh Jesus, she just leapt into the blast and I fried ’em both!”

“Dude, it’s okay, chill,” said Speed Demon. “Mission accomplished, right? Strucker wanted Cass dead and now she’s dead. And as for Dakini…well, she was fucking nuts anyway. No harm no foul, right?”

“I just…I didn’t mean to do that, Speed…” muttered the Eel. “Didn’t wanna kill Dakini, too. What if the boss is pissed about this? What if he wanted to bring her back onboard as an agent? You think he’ll be mad at me?”

“Nah, don’t sweat it, Andreas was just using her as back-up,” said Sanders. “Trust me, it’ll be fine. But right now, we gotta rabbit. Thunderbolts are in the area. We’ve gotta find a safe place to arrange for a pick-up, so let’s go!”

“Y-yeah…let’s get outta here,” said the Eel.

“What happened?” asked the Abomination as he and Tiger Shark rejoined the rest of the Thunderbolts.

“Do you mean before or after she spanked us like amateurs?” asked Lady Mastermind.

“Where is she now?”

“Ran off, but not before she slapped around Norbie a few more times for bonus points,” said Lady Mastermind.

The Abomination folded his arms over his massive chest as he turned his attention to the Fixer. He had removed his tech-pack and was examining it. “Ebersol. I thoughtyou would be able to handle this.”

“Listen Commie Asshole from the Black Lagoon, in case you cann’t see for yourself, she tore the shit out of my equipment!” spat the Fixer. “Now shut up and let me see if I can salvage this thing!”

“I doubt Zemo will be pleased with your performance,” said the Abomination.

“Fuckin’ brown-noser…” muttered the Fixer in a hushed voice.

A sudden gust of wind signaled the arrival of the Speed Demon. As soon as he stopped, Tiger Shark moved into offense mode, snarling at him, claws bared. Sanders backed up. “Whoa, I’m not here to fight, just wanted to offer some friendly advice.”

“You aren’t what we’d consider ‘friendly,’ Sanders,” said the Abomination. “Have your say, but make it quick.”

“Just thought I’d save you guys some time. Cassandra’s dead.”

“And you know this how?” asked the Abomination.

“Eel smoked her, you can check out her ashes if you like, but she’s gone.”

“I find it hard to believe Lavell was capable of something like that,” said the Abomination.

“He’s not lying,” said Mentallo.

“Doesn’t mean he isn’t wrong,” said the Fixer.

“No, I’m sure he’s right.”

“How do you know?” asked Lady Mastermind.

“Because Cassandra had a very unique mind. Extremely difficult to read. I’d be able to recognize her presence and I can’t pick up any trace. I am picking up the Eel’s thought patterns, though. And he indeed did kill Cassandra.”

“Yeah, so better luck next time. At least the job’s done and you still get paid—even if someone else had to do all the dirty work for you,” said the Speed Demon. “So let’s not make this a thing. Keep out of touch.”

With another burst of wind, he was gone.

“I don’t trust that little shit,” said the Fixer.

“I told you I confirmed his story,” said Mentallo.

Ebersol glared at his partner. “I know. You’re the little shit I’m referring to.”

“No, it’s the truth,” said Lady Mastermind. “When we fought Cassandra, I couldn’t get a read on her at all. I didn’t even see her coming.”

“Very well. Now we have another matter to attend to,” said the Abomination. “Ebersol, can you make contact with Zemo?”

“Pretty much the only thing I can do with this thing at the moment.”

“Good, open a line.” The Abomination wrapped a massive paw around Mentallo’s neck and raised him in the air. “We must discover if this loose end should be tied as well.”

“Baron, Romulus is dead,” said the Fixer. “Now Blonsky wants to know if we should add Flumm to the pile. What do you think? I’ve got you on speaker.”

The tech-pack projected a holographic image of Baron Zemo. He fixed his gaze on Flumm for a few moments, considering the options. “Bring him back to the Castle.”

The Fixer smiled. “Wanna do him in yourself, huh boss? I can respect tha—”

“I haven’t decided yet what I will do to him. But if nothing else, Mr. Flumm has earned his audience with me.”

Two Days Later

“You don’t trust my judgment, Ebersol?” asked Zemo.

“Nah, it’s not that. I’ve always been loyal to you, Baron,” said the Fixer. “I don’t trust Flumm and I think you’re playing with fire, offering him Thunderbolts membership and protection.”

“He acted honorably during the Romulus affair, remained true to his word. I respect that. And I reward that kind of behavior. His information was valid and as you attested, he saved your own life.”

“Still doesn’t mean I trust the bastard. Flumm’s always working an angle, Baron,” said the Fixer.

“I’ve considered that possibility, now consider this—he can be used as leverage.”

The Fixer found his curiosity piqued. “Leverage? Against who?”

“Wyngarde. To date, she has been loyal, but I’m not very trustworthy of her. Should she attempt anything, Mentallo could help keep her in line. Perhaps we should also consider some new recruits who are similar to our current operatives.”

“Show them that they’re all expendable?” asked the Fixer.

Beneath his mask, Helmut Zemo smiled. “Precisely.”

Reagan Wyngarde and Marvin Flumm sat in the lotus position on the cliff’s edge behind Castle Zemo, overlooking the ocean. Both had their eyes closed and their mouths shut but were in reality deep in telepathic conversation.

{You’re more powerful than you think, Reagan. Illusions are just a small part of what you’re able to do. In order to cast those illusions, to tailor them to individuals, that involves using telepathy. You just don’t have fine control over that aspect of your powers.}

{And you can help me gain that control?}

{I’d be delighted, my dear.}

{Maybe I should tell you what I have been able to discern.}

{Oh?}

{I know you and Cassandra Romulus were working together.}

{Really? And how do you know that?}

{I’m not as skilled with my telepathy as you are, but I’m skilled enough to know there was another player involved. You manipulated the Eel and Dakini, didn’t you? And her ashes served as the remains of Cassandra.}

{Have you shared this theory with anyone else?}

{It’s not a theory, Marvin.}

{Need I remind you that Zemo and Ebersol also used you in their little mind control scheme? Do you still have no memory of that?}

{Oh, I remember it, but I’m too practical to care. Everyone in our line of work is playing an angle, using someone else. I’ve done it, you’ve done it. It’s hypocritical to take issue with Zemo and Ebersol for doing the same. In the end it’s worked out great for me. I’ve got the protection of the Thunderbolts, I’m paid well, I live well, and I’ve gotten plenty of experience and amusement out of this gig.}

{So I assume now you’ll turn me in to your master?}

{I have no master, Marvin. And I’m no rat. For one, you’re a veteran telepath and I want to learn more from you.}

{And the second reason?}

Regan smiled. {I enjoy a good game of chess and I’m interested to see how this all plays out. If you can work your revenge scheme on Zemo and Ebersol, more power to you.}

{I thought Zemo was your meal ticket.}

{He is. But if Zemo can’t see you coming, can’t stop you, then perhaps I’ve gone as far as I can go as a Thunderbolt and it’ll be time to move on.}

{You’re a very intriguing woman, Regan.}

{You’re too kind, Marvin. If you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.}

Lady Mastermind’s eyes opened and she stood from the cliff, leaving Mentallo alone with his own thoughts. As she walked along the cliff, listening to the sound of crashing waves, she sensed a new presence in the shadows.

“Lester. Enjoying your evening?”

Bullseye emerged from the shadows, his mask down, revealing his bald head and munching on an apple. “You and new guy seemed to be getting pretty friendly since he arrived. Gotta warn ya, babe—I know all about Flumm. And you’re barkin’ up the wrong tree with him. Unless you’re in the market for a shopping buddy.” He tossed the apple aside and came closer to her until they were a few inches apart.

“Maybe I am,” said Regan. “So much testosterone around here, a woman needs some companionship.”

Bullseye sneered at her. “Oh, I’m the only companion you’ll ever need, baby.”

“Are you?” Regan ran her fingertips along his arm and brought her hand to rest on his neck. “Well then, Lester, I should let you know…”

Regan pulled his head down to her shorter stature, their lips about to meet. But Regan moved towards his ear at the last second and whispered into it. “You may be able to turn any object into a weapon, but your mind is my playground. And if you ever attempt to get into my panties again, then every night you’ll get to experience Daredevil raping your mother, defecating into her mouth, and beating her to death. Not necessarily in that order.”

She pulled away from him and offered a seductive wave with her fingers and a sly grin. “Have a pleasant evening, Lester.”

Regan went to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the waves, seeing a figure moving through them. She closed her eyes. {Marvin has been teaching me how to project thoughts in a conversational fashion. Perhaps you could tell me if it’s working, Todd?}

From beneath the waves, the Tiger Shark picked up her thoughts. {I can hear you just fine, Wyngarde.}

{Good, because now Zemo can’t monitor our conversation.}

{And why would we be worried about that?}

{There was another party in Paris. Romulus is free. I think you already knew that.}

{I did. Sharks have senses of smell and electroreception that most people don’t. When we investigated the remains, it was obvious that someone else was there. And that the person who the Eel fried was not Cassandra Romulus.}

{And why didn’t you share this knowledge with anyone else? Blonsky perhaps or even Zemo himself?}

{Because they never asked.}

{That’s your beef, isn’t it, Todd? No one ever asks your opinion. Some of them see you as nothing more than Zemo’s pet shark. And the ones who show you a modicum of respect still only view you as hired muscle. No one gives you credit for having a mind of your own…or at least, almost no one.}

{What do you mean?}

{Don’t play games with me, Todd. I’ve been able to sense it on your surface thoughts—I know you’re being courted by Justine Hammer. But you don’t need to worry about me. The others have been too stupid to alienate you, so they deserve whatever’s coming. I just want you to realize that someone here thinks of you as more than an animal or muscle. And perhaps one day, I’d like to have some girl talk with certain Crimson-clad women.}

Paris

The brunette woman opened the locker at the train station. Inside was a letter, which read, “Everything went perfectly. Enjoy your freedom.” It was signed with the letter M. The woman smiled, tore it to pieces and discarded it into the trash bin before going to her train platform and her new life.