Castle Zemo

Mark Scarlotti spent a long career making a name for himself as a costumed mercenary—first as Whiplash and then under his current moniker of Blacklash. All because he felt unappreciated and longed for fame when he was an engineer. He was no Tony Stark or Anton Vanko, but he was able to design the initial whips he used when he created the Whiplash persona.

Mostly he’d stayed under the radar after his last encounter with Iron Man left many believing he was dead, choosing to handle strong-arm work for Hammer’s munitions factory in Baja. Hardly the most rewarding work—it was boring and he felt underpaid, but necessary to avoid the attention that being Blacklash had brought him in the past. Attention that cost him his marriage and his daughter.

Zemo offered him a raise. Even if it meant becoming Blacklash again, Scarlotti felt the upgrade would be worth it. And the upgraded whips courtesy of the Fixer held some interesting new aspects.

That was what he was testing out in the Thunderbolts’ training room. Three drones flew around him and Scarlotti wasted no time. Fixer’s new upgrades meant instead of electricity, the whips now generated a kind of field around them that was similar to Stark’s repulsor tech. Made them hit harder, something he discovered firsthand as they tore right through one of the drones.

They weren’t simply held by his hands, instead they were stored in gauntlets. And the new boots he wore provided an anti-gravity boost. Not enough to fly, but enough to help him jump through the air to avoid the strafing fire of the second drone. Blacklash fired the necro-lash from his gauntlet, engulfing the drone and the repulsor charge frying its motor.

Blacklash landed on the ground and got ready for the last drone. He could hear the motor behind him. But just as he was about to strike, he heard a crash. Scarlotti turned and saw the drone crash to the ground. A dagger was sticking out of the mangled drone. Blacklash then heard a single person clapping.

“I just saved your life, whip-boy. How about a thank you?”

Blacklash scowled when he saw his “savior” was none other than Bullseye, the team’s other costumed assassin. Scarlotti always felt Bullseye was mostly hype, and he proved just how overrated the man’s skill was when they fought in Baja. Since then, Zemo had relied mostly on Scarlotti for missions, while Leonard Lester was sidelined.

“The hell do you want, Lester?” asked Blacklash.

“Do you know who the fuck I am?” asked Bullseye. “I took out Elektra.”

“Funny, last I heard she was still alive,” said Blacklash. “Guess your record’s not that hot. And no adamantium spine is going to change that.”

Bullseye’s hand moved like lightning and Blacklash felt a sting on his cheek. He reached a hand and pulled it away, seeing a drop of blood. Blacklash turned around and saw what had hit him. Lying on the ground not far from where he stood was a straightened paperclip. Blacklash rolled his eyes as he turned back towards Bullseye, who had a smile on his face and seemed pretty pleased with himself.

“How you like me now?” asked Bullseye.

“Still screwing around with paperclips and playing cards? Figured you’d have grown up from that kind of gimmick by now.”

“You’re one to talk.”

Blacklash scoffed. “You’re boring me. I don’t care if Zemo cuts my pay, I’m going to choke the life out of you.”

“Bring it, bitch!”

Blacklash took a running charge, his boots giving him a boost. His whips shot forth from his gauntlets and he brought one of them down, just as Bullseye evaded.

In the course of the evasion, Bullseye’s arm extended in an arc. Blacklash brought his other whip to his defense, the energy-laced tendril vaporizing the flurry of shuriken thrown by his opponent.

Blacklash brought the whips down, but he saw no sign of Bullseye. And then Bullseye dropped on him from behind. Bullseye had drawn a garrote from a housing in his glove, pulling it tight around Blacklash’s throat. He crossed the garrote around and wrapped it a second time around Blacklash’s throat.

Bullseye laughed. “Looks like I’ll be the one choking the life out of you!”

“Fat…fucking…chance!”

Blacklash activated his anti-grav boots, flying back and slamming Bullseye against the wall. There was some slack in the garrote, but it was still tight. Blacklash severed the cable and unwrapped it from his throat.

Bullseye jumped to his feet and reached for his belt for a dagger. But before he could, Blacklash’s whips wrapped around the assassin. Scarlotti pulled him close and smiled.

“Okay, Lester, because I’m such a nice guy, I’m gonna let you choose how you go out. Do you want to be strangled or fried?”

Scarlotti suddenly heard a faint beeping. He looked towards the source and saw a pumpkin with glowing eyes sitting on the ground. “Oh shit—”

The pumpkin bomb exploded. Not a strong charge, but enough to throw Scarlotti off his feet. Blacklash got up and saw Bullseye just a few feet away from him, now pulling the whips off his body. A cloud of smoke filled the room and they saw a light moving through it, a light generated by the flaming pumpkin that served as the helmet of Jack O’Lantern. By his side was a bald man with a goatee, wearing technological devices all over his body.

“Jack, get Lester to the infirmary, make sure he’s not too damaged.” The Fixer then glared at Blacklash. “I’ll deal with him.”

Scarlotti stood and retracted his whips, watching as Jack O’Lantern helped Bullseye from the training room.

“He started it.”

“I don’t give a damn, I ended it,” said the Fixer. “I’ve got more important things to do than babysit you little shits. In fact, I’m tempted to just lock the two of you in a room and let you kill each other.”

“No complaints here.”

“Yeah well, you’ll have to wait on that,” said the Fixer. “We’ve got a war brewing and the Thunderbolts need every soldier we can get our hands on.”

“What kind of war?” asked Blacklash.

“That’s why I came to find you.”

ALL HAIL THE KING

Part II

By Dino Pollard

Rome, Italy

The Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine relaxed at a table on the terrace of a chic restaurant located on the riverfront. She raised a glass of red wine to her lips and took a slow sip. When she sensed the presence of another, she glanced up and saw a handsome man with short, blond hair approach her and sit across from her.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Contessa.”

“Baron,” said the Contessa. “I could say it was a pleasure, though I’ve never been particularly fond of you or your lineage.”

Helmut Zemo couldn’t help taking offense to that, though it was understandable. As a former agent of SHIELD, the Contessa had long been in opposition to Zemo and others like him.

“Shall we skip the pleasantries then?” asked Zemo.

“I’d appreciate it.”

“Very well. I know about your organization, and I don’t mean SHIELD.”

“Yes, our mutual associate informed me of the extent of your knowledge. Had I been a member in the past, I would have voted against ever working with the likes of Nathaniel Essex.”

“Essex isn’t why I’m here. I want to talk about Justin Hammer,” said Zemo. “It’s come to my attention that he’s allied himself with the likes of both Moonstone and the Swordsman.”

“And why should these supervillain measuring contests concern me?” she asked. “Karla Sofen and Andreas von Strucker are your problem.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” said Zemo. “Ever since Hammer’s return, he’s been increasingly involved with these types. He’s obsessed with eliminating competition so he can pursue his vendetta against Stark. And as a member of Control, his actions run the risk of exposing all of you.”

“Very well.” The Contessa set her glass on the table. “Make your pitch, Helmut. I’m listening.”

Zemo leaned back in his chair and rested his elbows on the armrests, interlocking his fingers. “There was a time when superheroes were too busy fighting supervillains that they ignored the real villains in the world. The corporations and the politicians who continue to amass wealth while forcing the rest of humanity to fight amongst the scraps were allowed to operate with impunity. But that’s all changed now.

“Now superheroes have the upper hand and they’re moving beyond the traditional realms. Stark. T’Challa. Worthington. Grey. Richards. These names post a threat to your shadow games because they aren’t playing the same old games anymore. Even your old paramour Nick Fury—once someone the establishment could rely on—is aiding the marvels in a way he never has before.

“And the villains who used to keep them distracted? They’re too busy waging wars against each other. Hydra. The Brotherhood. The Masters of Evil—”

“The Thunderbolts,” said Contessa, tossing him an angry glare.

“Simply a means to an end, my dear,” Zemo continued.

“And what is your endgame, Helmut?” she asked. “You supposedly became a superhero yourself, and yet over the past few months, you’ve been building this army.”

“In the past, my goals were selfish. I’m sincere when I say I want to save the world. But I’m no idealist. I understand the way power works in this world. I understand the elements that need to be controlled. And I will do what it takes to use these existing systems in order to build a better world.”

“You do realize you just told me you’re trying to destroy Control from within,” said the Contessa. “Why shouldn’t I kill you right now?”

“Because I know why you betrayed SHIELD in order to join Control. You despise chaos, and you see the potential for that in a world where the likes of Tony Stark and Jean Grey have nations at their command. You joined Control to keep them in check, even if that means killing them.”

“Very perceptive,” said the Contessa. “And what separates you from Hammer?”

“Hammer is a senile old man. Your organization has existed for decades, but now many are sniffing close to the truth. But I can take all the factions under my command, bring them to bear for the benefit of Control. Go back to the way things were when superheroes were too busy fighting supervillains to pay attention to the power brokers behind the curtains.”

“And how will you do that?”

“The Masters of Evil are already with me, Hydra is next,” said Zemo.

“How? And how will you handle Hammer and Sofen?”

“Allow me to handle that.”

Contessa took a final sip of her wine and rose from her seat. “I’ll need to bring this to the council. But provided you can pull this off, then I’d say we’re in business.”

Zemo smiled. “Excellent.”

Hydra Island

The Swordsman stood on the shores of his island, looking back over his soldiers. The Wizard, who had been a loyal aide to him since he took command of Hydra. Donnie Gill, formerly Blizzard and now the new Beetle, who Strucker expertly manipulated into killing Abe Jenkins. The Eel, who was dependable if a bit more than a glorified stormtrooper. The Unicorn, a bit mentally unstable but nonetheless effective. And Speed Demon, who had proven reliable both when they were both with Zemo and afterwards. In addition was a contingent of Hydra shock troops, armed with state-of-the-art weaponry courtesy of Hammer.

Hammer had agents of his own—Sandman, who had gone back and forth between hero and villain. The mysterious Tarantula, who always seemed to be by her employer’s side. And the radioactive Half-Life, who was the biggest x-factor. Also with them was the Metalloid, a robot that had previously fought the Thing and was now under Hammer’s control.

“Is everything in place?” asked Hammer, approaching Strucker.

The Swordsman nodded. “Yes. We’re just waiting for Sofen.”

“You’re certain she can be trusted?”

“Just keep your end of the bargain and leave Moonstone to me.”

A portal opened before them and both Moonstone and Graviton emerged from it. All eyes fell on the couple, each one feeling uncomfortable in their presence.

“You’re all here,” said Moonstone with a smile. “Excellent. Now we can begin the assault.”

Castle Zemo

A portal opened on the grounds of Castle Zemo and both Hammer’s agents and the forces of Hydra emerged, with the Swordsman standing at the forefront. But while they were expecting a surprise attack, they were quickly shocked to find not only the Thunderbolts, but also the Crimson Cowl’s Masters of Evil waiting for them.

“So. All this time, we thought you were at each other’s throats,” said the Swordsman. “Seems we were mistaken.”

“That mistake will be your funeral, Strucker,” said the Crimson Cowl.

“We’ll see.” The Swordsman drew his sword and held it up to the sky. While in contact with the leathered skin of his dead sister wrapped around the hilt, the powers of Fenris were activated, crackling through the blade. “Kill them all!”

The Abomination went into battle first, leaping into the midst of the invaders. He swung massive fists, but was met with resistance in the form of the Metalloid. It struck him with the force of the Hulk himself and the Abomination staggered. Blonsky growled and jumped, tackling the Metalloid and knocking it towards the ground as the two of them wrestled near the water surrounding the Castle.

The Metalloid got the best of the Abomination, standing atop Blonsky’s body. It raised its fists and pounded them against the Abomination’s head, shockingly even drawing blood. As the Metalloid continued its assault, it wasn’t able to notice the figure on the cliff above.

Tiger sharp leapt from the cliff, landing on the Metalloid’s back. He bit into the Metalloid’s shoulder, tearing chunks of metal out with revealed circuitry sparking. The Metalloid reached behind its back and grabbed Tiger Shark’s head, then pried him off and slammed him into the Abomination.

Tarantula somersaulted across the landscape, using the blades extending from her wrists and feet in order to deflect the shuriken hurled at her by Bullseye. But with each deflection, Bullseye only smiled in appreciation at her form.

“Y’know, usually this would piss me off, but I’m pretty impressed with you, babe,” he said. “How about we leave these assholes to themselves? I know a cave nearby where we’d have some privacy.”

“Trust me, Bullseye, you couldn’t handle me,” said Tarantula.

A whip wrapped around Tarantula’s neck and she was pulled back. Blacklash held the other end, the whip extended from his gauntlet. She was strong and tried to pull hard against his restraint.

“Flirting with the enemy, Lester? Have you forgotten which side you’re on?” asked Blacklash.

“Gimme a break, not like I meet a lot of women in this line of work,” said Bullseye. “At least not any who can keep up with me.”

As if to prove that point, Tarantula raised her leg and wrapped it around the whip, pulling Blacklash closer. She severed the whip around her neck with her blades and leapt at Blacklash.

Bullseye stood and watched as Tarantula and Blacklash tangled in close quarters. “I think I’m in love.”

Speed Demon charged across the cliffs as pumpkin bombs exploded in his wake, with Jack O’Lantern flying after in pursuit. “Stand still, you little shit!”

“Fuck off, Nazi!” Speed Demon shouted back.

But suddenly, a massive updraft sent Speed Demon flying into the air in shock. Cyclone hovered nearby, spinning the speedster in the funnel before slamming him onto the ground unconscious. Cyclone hovered nearby as Jack O’Lantern moved by his side.

“Nice work, Frenchie,” he said, right before Cyclone held out his hand and blasted Jack O’Lantern off his glider with a massive wind blast.

“My grandfather fought the Nazis in the French Resistance,” said Cyclone with disgust. “Stay away from me, mon ami.”

The Beetle touched down on the ground and found himself standing off against Lady Mastermind. Behind his helmet, Donnie Gill chuckled. “Really, Regan? You think you stand a chance against me in this armor?”

Lady Mastermind clicked her tongue. “Donnie, Donnie, Donnie. The question isn’t do I have a chance against you, the question is do they?”

“Huh?” The Beetle looked up just as an energy blast struck him. He was shocked to see MACH-IV rocketing towards him and slamming an armored fist against the side of his helmet.

“Remember me, Gill?” asked MACH-IV. “You thought a worthless nobody like you could take me down? And then you steal my name for yourself? Don’t you have any shame, you little junkie shithead?”

The Beetle took a few blows, but then responded by unleashing an electric blast, which staggered MACH-IV. Donnie then proceeded to start to deliver blow after blow. He grabbed MACH-IV by the helmet and started to squeeze.

“I dunno how Zemo brought you back, Jenkins, but I’m gonna enjoy killing you again!” shouted Beetle.

At that moment, bands of solid sonic energy wrapped around him, restraining his arms. “What? What is this?”

“Abe’s not the only one back,” said Songbird, hovering nearby. “You’re pathetic, Gill. You did all this because you wanted what Abe had. Because you wanted me. Thought you could be like him? You’re nothing like him and never will be! I’d never be with a lowlife scumbag like you!”

“Shut up! Shut up shut up shut up!”

The Beetle then found his armor being torn off, component by component. The armor was completely separated and Donnie reached for it. “No! I need it!”

Before Donnie Gill could even touch the armor, Lady Mastermind delivered a roundhouse kick that knocked him off his feet. The illusions of MACH-IV and Songbird vanished, revealing Radioactive Man and Klaw. Mentallo stood nearby and applauded as Lodestone used her magnetic powers to reduce the remains of the Beetle armor to scrap.

“Nice work, kid,” said Mentallo as he approached Lady Mastermind.

She high-fived him. “All thanks to your help, Mel.”

“The time’s come,” said Moonstone. “Half-Life, you’re on.”

“What?” asked Graviton as he saw Half-Life smile and fly up into the air. When Graviton looked back at Moonstone, he found she was gone.

“Uh guys? We got a problem…” muttered the Fixer as he exchanged blows with the Wizard. But it wasn’t Whitman that drew the Fixer’s attention—it was the readings that were setting off his Geiger counter. “It’s Half-Life!”

The Constrictor deflected Unicorn’s blasts as the Smuggler and Living Laser went up against the Eel, with Killer Shrike and Trapster facing off against the Sandman. But their attention was all drawn to Half-Life, whose power was growing to dangerous levels.

“Chen, can you absorb her radiation?” asked the Fixer.

“I can try, but it may be too much,” said the Radioactive Man.

“Well, we gotta do something—”

A portal appeared above Half-Life and a figure dropped through, holding a sword. The blade went cleanly through Half-Life’s body and both figures fell to the ground. Zemo drew his blade from the dead alien and shook the blood off.

“Now, could someone point me in the direction of Strucker?”

Moonstone had transported herself back to Hydra Island, where Justin Hammer waited for her.

“How goes it?” he asked.

“The time is now. Are you ready?” she asked.

Hammer pulled back the cuffs of his white jacket to reveal the Null Bands around his wrist. Moonstone nodded and opened a portal to Castle Zemo for him.

“Too bad for you, Hammer, that you won’t survive either,” said Moonstone with a smile.

Castle Zemo

A portal opened overhead. The individual battles ceased so everyone could look up and see a horde of missiles streaking down towards them, with Moonstone hovering with them and directing them.

“The nukes…” muttered the Fixer.

“What nukes?” asked Graviton.

“We stole them some time back, when Karla was still a Thunderbolt,” said the Fixer. “And it looks like she kept them on-hand…”

To be concluded