An Empire Tie-In

METALLIC TRANSFORMATIONS

By Brent Lambert

Forge finally finished reading over the information that Cooper had presented him with and laid the file down on the woman’s table, “What does this mission have to do with my team?”

“It’s a direct assignment from Director Nero. I have absolutely no control over this Forge,” Valerie exclaimed just as frustrated as Forge was about the mission. For the past few days something about Director Nero just irked at her. Something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Director Nero is flexing his muscle, it seems,” Forge replied as he retreated momentarily into his thoughts.

Valerie leaned back in her chair and laughed weakly, “You wouldn’t believe how much. I can’t nudge my shoulder without him changing things.”

“Perhaps you should let your complaints be known,” Forge suggested as he tugged at the collar of his shirt. The office was hot and sweat beaded down on The Maker.

“Ha! Nero seems to be the favorite of his superiors,” Valerie proclaimed trying to convey to Forge just how hopeless the situation was. She was at the mercy of Nero and there wasn’t anything she could possibly do about it.

Forge smiled, “You’re a smart lady. I’m sure you’ll find a way out.”

“A vote of confidence from you means a lot.”

“I appreciate it, but I have a favor to ask,” Forge said his voice turning a bit deeper in bass and more serious in purpose.

“Hopefully not one that will make me grit my teeth,” Valerie replied.

“Valerie when have I ever given you reason to worry?”

Cooper crossed her eyes at Forge, “You really don’t want me to answer that question.”

Straightening his posture and locking his eyes with Valerie, the Native American man asked, “I need the authorization to conduct a search and rescue mission for Fatale. She’s one of us Val.”

Slamming her hands down on her desk Valerie shook papers and knocked over pens, “Not in my book. Authorization denied Forge.”

Forge shook his head and couldn’t stand to look Val in the face; “I saw the look in her eyes while in China. She’s suffering and it’s because we abandoned her.”

“Fatale was a killer. She deserves what she gets,” Valerie replied coldly.

‘That’s harsh Val. Even for you. I had hoped—”

“That you could get your way. Not happening!”

Forge could hardly believe what he was hearing from Cooper. He had hoped that Valerie would have changed her stance on saving Fatale. Even Lorna agreed that freeing Fatale was the right thing to do. Why couldn’t Valerie see that? Hadn’t she learned enough from her mistake with Wild Child? What could make her want to repeat that kind of sin all over again?

“Fine, but I need to know something else,” Forge said hoping he would get somewhere with this next order of business.

“I better not hear the word Fatale leak out,” Valerie warned her jaws tight and eyes flashing with a woman’s wrath.

“What do you know about Durklan Industries?”

Valerie immediately turned her focus away from Forge and began looking around the room as if someone might be listening to them. Then turning to Forge she pointed a finger at him, “I know this. They’re bad news and you should not go around asking questions. You put us both at risk.”

“They honestly have that kind of reach?” Forge said dumbfounded.

“Yes, so tell Puma and whoever you’ve recruited to stop snooping around. Otherwise, people will get hurt.”

“I can’t do that Val. They’re up to no good,” Forge said, leaving out the part about how he knew that Durklan had connections to both Dark Beast and Sugar Man. He needed more information before he could present anything to Valerie. He had just wanted to see how Cooper would react to the mentioning of the dirty corporation. Now he had more than a sufficient answer to that question.

“Then tell the Avengers if it’s that important, but you need to stay out of it,” Valerie ordered returning to her work of answering calls and filling out papers.

Dr. Osman’s prize project had been taking overloaded M-Core Virus treatments ever since she arrived at his facility and thus far the results had been extremely promising. To keep up the façade the doctor had to visit the project periodically to keep up the feeling of genuine concern, “How are you feeling today Lorna? Well I hope.”

Trapped in a box cube prison Lorna turned to the doctor and yawned, “I’m fine Doc. The injections you’ve been giving me have really been helping me get adjusted to this dimensional wavelength.”

“I’m happy the injections have aided you in regaining strength,” Dr. Osman smiled. He hated lying to the clone, but it was necessary to keep her in check. She was going to be a tool of the Board of Durklan Inc. As much as he might wanted it to be different Osman had no choice but to lie to the Polaris clone.

Standing up Lorna approached the edge of what she believed to be a home to keep her safe from harm, “Doc I don’t know what that stuff is, but I’m feeling stronger and stronger with every injection. It’s great!”

“Soon you’ll be strong enough to be freed of this place,” Dr. Osman reminded even as took note of the subtle changes in the Lorna clone. Her hair was a brighter green and her body seemed a bit more muscular.

Cracking her knuckles the Lorna clone grinned, “Then I can take care of a few annoyances for you!”

“Speaking of that we want you to lead our new program,” Dr. Osman said a bit more excited than he meant to be.

“Sounds interesting Doc. I’m more than anxious to hear more.”

“My request for a solo op was denied. With that said Nero has handed us our latest mission. Look over the details,” Forge said tossing a manila folder over to Polaris.

Reading over the files Lorna looked up at Forge puzzled, “What does cybernetic chop shops have to do with us?”

“They believe that mutant involvement is a high possibility,” Forge explained.

“So you’re going to meet with Shroud and his Dynamic Duo?” Polaris said stifling a laugh at the nickname that had developed for the two superhumans working under The Shroud.

“Yes, I don’t want all the team involved if possible,” Forge replied.

Lorna nodded, “I agree. China was a stressing situation.”

“And no one has really had any decompression time.”

Forge’s statement reminded Lorna of something that she had wanted to bring up, “Though my heightened awareness has me noticing one thing. Doesn’t Director Nero seem a bit off to you?”

Forge replied quicker than he realized, “Yes, he was too quick to defend Elena and he’s always making hushed phone calls. I smell hidden agenda all over him.”

“And he’s been pushing Val to the breaking point,” Lorna added.

Forge nodded, “He circumvents her at every turn. I do believe he is trying to drive her away and institute a pawn liaison.”

The thought of that made Lorna begin to nibble at her nails, “Do you think he might have connections to Gyrich?”

“No, something tells me this goes far deeper than Gyrich could ever hope to dig. This seems more ominous.”

“Alright well I suggest we keep a close eye on Nero then,” Polaris said.

“Agreed, but we keep this between us,” Forge commanded.

Polaris smiled, “Like I would tell loud mouth Red Lotus anything.”

Gloria Dayne overlooked the five subjects that had been taken since the various prison outbreaks caused by Noh-varr. As leader of Department K she had taken advantage of this opportunity and was prepping warriors that would be tools in pushing forward the leader’s plans. The Kree invading would only be a minor setback as the heroes of Earth always managed to push back the extraterrestrial forces. They tended to have more problems handling the forces of their own species.

“The preparation is nearly complete. They’ll be completed outfitted for their mission in a few minutes,” Quiet Bill, second-in-command of Dept. K, said. He was far more imposing than the middle-aged Fontanelle as his bald head and dark demeanor produced uncomfortable feelings.

“Good Bill. My dream therapy has been working well on the captives and it hopefully has set the mission parameters properly,” Fontanelle replied keeping a strong gaze on the five human sized tubs containing the captives.

The echo of dress shoes caused the two highly ranked officers to look back and see their leader approaching with a pleased smile and crossed hands, “I had hoped that things would work out for the best. I have utter confidence in your abilities Fontanelle.”

“Thank you sir. We weren’t expecting you to pay a visit to our facilities,” Gloria falsely smiled.

Tugging at his tie, Carlton Beatrice grinned. “I just wanted to make sure that Elena would soon be in my grasp.”

“Don’t worry about it sir. Everything is going smoothly. The five test subjects will handle their target in a sufficient manner,” Fontanelle promised.

Vargas sat down in front of Nero and something about the man reeked of distrust. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he didn’t like the way Nero talked. It was like deceit leaked from it and The Spaniard could smell it a mile away. That’s why being called into his office directly just sent off sirens in his head. He knew Nero was up to something, but he couldn’t make any assumptions.

“I’ve called you here Vargas because there is a solo operation that needs to be handled by the best. I think of you as the best. I’m sure you know of the situation with Noh-varr. He’s been releasing super-powered villains left and right,” Nero explained as he kept his eyes on Vargas. He knew the warrior didn’t trust him, but Ch’varye was confident in the fact that Vargas didn’t have any choice.

Continuing his story Nero said, “Five of those villains attacked a government facility and took some very crucial files. We need those files returned to us immediately. I’m assigning you to detain these criminals and retrieve the files they stole.”

“Who am I looking at taking on here?” Vargas asked with a bit of his Spanish accent seeping through.

“Minor ones for the most part. Kaine, a supposed degenerating clone. Carrion who is a very dangerous disease carrier. Nekra and Skinner who are both of a physical slant. Then there is Bengal. He’s the one you need to watch. His fighting skills are nothing to dismiss.”

Vargas wanted to ask why X-Factor wasn’t being sent on the mission, but pride kept him from doing it. If Nero thought he was good enough to take down these fives who was he to underestimate himself? He would take down these five and come back home. It would be a simple take down mission.

“Do you understand your mission?” Nero asked. Vargas replied with a nod and Nero returned the nod with one of his own.

Oh you fool. Playing right into my plans.

Impeccable timing was always a part of Forge’s meet and greet when it came to allies of his organization. There was no easier way to piss someone off than to show up late. The Shroud had too many operations going to be bothered with somebody who couldn’t show up on time.

Forge could see Shroud and his two soldiers moving across the airport’s tarmac with great swiftness. They didn’t look happy to see him, but who could blame them considering the circumstances. The Maker preferred to keep the atmosphere a straight to business one so he refrained from smiling.

“Well, if it isn’t the illustrious Forge. Never thought I’d see you on my side of town,” Shroud mused as he shook Forge’s cybernetic hand firmly. X-Factor’s image was a mostly positive one and Maxmillion respected the fact they didn’t allow themselves to be complete stooges of the government.

“I’ve never been one to turn down a vacation. Though admittedly the idea of mutant chop shops would make me think twice about living here,” Forge stated as he got a good look at Mongoose and Will O’ Wisp. The two had a different look about them and it probably came from their time with Shroud.

“L.A. has a certain feel to it that makes one fond of it after a while, but chop shops aren’t any part of that feel,” Shroud assured.

Changing his facial expression to a serious one Forge asked, “So what do we know so far?”

“Let’s walk and talk,” Shroud replied, as he seemed to glide across the tarmac. Forge managed to keep pace with him, “From what we know so far it looks like a rich muck is behind these chop shops. One who has plenty of reason to want to make mutants into cybernetic dupes.”

“Any idea where this money maker might be stashed?”

Shroud shook his head, “But we do know where his largest chop shop is located. It’s located downtown in an abandoned theatre.”

“And now I have to ask this of you upfront. Do you think this would require me bringing in some of my people?”

The cloaked man stopped his gliding and that point and turned emotionless eyes to Forge, “I have seen the beginnings of a lot of mutant activity in this city lately. The Hellfire Club seems to be behind most of it. Bring your people Forge. Maybe our joint efforts can weed out even a lil bit of this City of Angel’s corruption.”

Elena cracked open the door slightly and gazed upon a slumbering Vargas. He looked so peaceful that Elena nearly turned around and walked out. Something made her stay. As she entered the room she couldn’t help, but to once again stare at the pectorals of the man as he was laid across the teal colored couch. His long black hair covered all of his face and his nose barely poked through the long strands.

Putting a slender finger to the hair Elena pushed it back and touched her glistening lips against Vargas’ slightly sweaty cheek. The kiss was one of pure affection and it was enough to awake the Spaniard from his slumber fully alert. Ms. Witch couldn’t say that she wasn’t happy that her kiss packed that much power behind it. Being with Vargas meant a great deal for Elena because no one had made her as happy since she was with Ricki.

Looking up to his kisser Vargas tenderly rubbed the back of his hand through her curly hair, “You know I was dreaming about you.”

“Now is that right?” Elena asked with a beautiful white grin.

Seeing Elena smile made Vargas’ stress melt away like butter atop a skillet. If all he could do was make her happy that’s what he would spend his whole life doing. He never thought he could come to care about a woman they way he had come to care about Elena. In his life there wasn’t much time for relationships.

“Yes that’s right. We were on a cruise together and seeing the coastline of Ghana. Fireworks were shooting off in the air and we both were holding each other. A little like this!” Vargas exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around Elena’s waist and pulled her close to him so that they were both lying on the couch. Feeling Elena’s body atop his nearly drove him mad with passion.

Elena loved to feel Vargas’ arms around her. She wanted to kiss him, but she couldn’t play easy to get. In the game of cat and mouse the woman always had to be the cat. As much as she wanted her Spanish hunk he was suppose to come after her and not the other way around. So she would fight off her desires for now and let Vargas make the first move.

“Ghana huh? So when were you planning on telling me about this trip?” Elena asked cutting her eyes playfully at Vargas.

Vargas smiled, “Am I that easy to read?”

Ms. Witch rubbed noses with Vargas, “Just a little bit. So what made you get the tickets?”

“With everybody thinking the world is coming to an end prices have fallen down big time. I got these tickets for twenty dollars together.”

New Son felt his hand across the well-built wooden desk. He remembered how his Uncle Lucian had made his living off of building such desks and selling them to the rich and wealthy. At one time in his life New Son had thought that he too would take on the occupation of his Uncle. He had been studying under him for a few years before he changed his mind and decided to travel the world with the money he had inherited from his grandfather. That had been a mistake on his part as it had landed him in that forsaken prison known as Feng Tu.

“You like the craftsmanship?” Slade asked as he stepped into the office.

“Not as much as I’d like to know what the hell am I doing here?” New Son asked a bit annoyed at having been taken off his planned schedule.

“The Board just wants to give you an update of sorts. Vargas is soon to begin his mission. Department K held up their end of the bargain,” Slade informed as he sat down in his leather chair and began to drink from his cup of coffee.

“So I get to start things soon. Good. I have the perfect target in mind.”

Sitting down his coffee Slade reminded New Son, “Only minimal damage. We’re not going all out here just yet. We have to reel in X-Factor first.”

Leaning forward New Son replied, “The Board has nothing to worry about. I’m all on board for this scheme of theirs. Just keep up your end of the plans and I’ll break X-Factor.”

“Oh you don’t have to worry about that. Vargas is walking into our trap even as we speak.”

An alien empire is about to destroy this planet and instead of being right there fighting alongside the Avengers I’m being sent on some mission to capture some lackluster escaped villains. Ahh if only I could be with Elena right now. She’d help me end things here quickly.

Navigating his way through the dark warehouse was like a mole trying to swim in the middle of the Atlantic. He wasn’t called The Spaniard for nothing though and despite the environment being a bit to his disadvantage he would come out on top. If only he had been the one waiting for an attack…this place would be perfectly to his advantage.

“You picked the wrong place to come to,” a harsh and bass filled voice said as Vargas was kicked in the chin and sent right into the arms of an albino woman.

“Yea what he said,” Nekra laughed as she kicked Vargas in the groin and watched as Skinner cut him across the back with the razor sharp bone protrusions coming from his forearm.

Vargas flipped over Skinner and despite it being dark he cut off the attacker’s arm with his sword. With a flick of his other wrist he sent two poison covered ninja stars into the man that had kicked him across the chin. Kaine fell to the ground struggling to fight the poison that was quickly moving through his system. Vargas ignored the screams of the Lilin, Skinner, as he tucked his sword away and unleashed two Sais. He threw one into the shoulder of Nekra and the other into the kneecap of Kaine.

That’s three. Where are the other two?

Having been trained intensively Vargas heard the whizzing sound from behind grow louder. With a quick sidestep he dodged the knives of Bengal with ease, but the Vietnamese assassin had been hoping that Vargas would do just that.

“Come to me,” Carrion said with almost a hiss as he wrapped his arms around Vargas.

“Not today,” Vargas replied as he threw his head back and broke Carrion’s nose. With a kick to the stomach Vargas used Carrion as a springboard to flip into Nekra. He promptly planted his feet her chest and sent her smashing into the hard concrete floor.

Oh this is too easy!

A rumble surged through the floor and an inhuman roar could be heard. Turning his back Vargas could only hope that things weren’t about to get worse. Suddenly, the lights cut on and Vargas realized just how much trouble he was really in. Standing before him was what could only be described as the Grim Reaper meets Edward Scissorhands. The creature stood over six feet and was completely made of hard bone. Surprisingly, the beast was pristinely clean and not a drop of grime could be found anywhere on it. It shined in the light and so did Vargas’ sword.

“I’ve never liked the grilse,” Vargas smirked as he charged into battle.