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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Desperate Moments
Seventy stories below Manhattan, Maverick finds Elena Ivanova motionless in the hands of the killer Sabretooth. Sabretooth grins and tells Maverick that he is glad that his old friend could make it. He supposes Gregor then survived his little snare. Unfortunately, Elena won’t be as fortunate. Sabretooth then chucks the body of Elena, who hits the ceiling then falls into the sewer water. Maverick tells Sabretooth that she better not be dead, but the homicidal maniac laughs and asks if he will kill him. Better men have tried and failed. Sabretooth taunts Maverick to give him his best shot. He will just wind up dead like the others.
Maverick flicks his wrist and in seconds tiny needle-like projectiles shoot out of his armor and burry themselves under Sabretooth’s skin, where they unleash a series of electric shocks through the beast’s nervous system. Maverick mockingly tells his adversary, as the murderer screams in pain, that he has died before and that life style didn’t suit him. Maverick is shocked, however, as Sabretooth is still standing. His needles are set to shock his victims in intervals for three minutes. Either Sabretooth’s tolerance has increased or his healing factor has heightened. In any case, he is disoriented, so now is the time for Maverick to put some distance between Sabretooth and Elena.
As Maverick prepares to hit Sabretooth again, he tells him that he is surprised that he went through so much trouble to lure him there. Seeing as how Creed is a wanted fugitive, he should be doing other things than dredging up old grudges. As Sabretooth starts to gouge out the darts from under his skin, he tells Maverick that he has been an itch that Creed has wanted to scratch ever since Maverick conspired with the X-Men to put him under Xavier’s care. Maverick shoots more needles at Sabretooth, telling him that he will have to forgive him for not being accommodating.
Several hours earlier in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Chris Bradley, now known as Brian Johnson, pulls his bike out of the garage to go out. He still cannot believe that Maverick went into remission. How could Maverick keep that a secret from him? Doesn’t he trust him? Brian should never have believed it when Maverick said that they were tight.
As Brian begins to pedal away, his little sister, Jen, catches up to him on her roller blades and asks him where he is going. Brian tells her that he is heading down to the comic shop, and Jen asks if she can tag along. Brian tells her no and adds that their mother doesn’t want her going on her roller blades past their block anyway. Disappointed, Jen asks her brother what is wrong with him. She notices that something is up. Angry, Brian asks his sister what she knows about anything. She isn’t the mutant in the family. Does she know how it feels to be a freak?
Surprised, Jen tells Brian that he can be a real pain sometimes, but he is no freak. He is special, just like the Human Torch, only with more static. She thinks that it is cool. She then rephrases herself and tells her brother that she isn’t talking about him being sick and everything, but it seems neat to have superpowers. You would, replies Brian. She is just a kid and is too young to understand. Offended, Jen tells her brother that she is almost eleven. Spoken like a true fifth grader, replies her brother. He then tells her that being a sick mutant is not what is bothering him. Jen then asks what the problem is. Did something happen between him and Maverick?
Jen hits a nerve, and prompts Brian to tell her one more time to drop the subject. Suddenly, his powers spiral out of control as he begins to shoot out electricity. Jen yells that he isn’t supposed to be doing that in public, but as he tries to control himself, Brian tells her that his powers have been slipping lately. Jen wants to tell their parents, but Brian tells her not to bother, as they already know. Brian gets himself controlled and picks up his bike. He gets back on and tells Jen to stop following him. Jen reminds him that he promised to hook up her new Playstation, but Brian tells her that he will do it later. Right now he wants to be alone. “Bummer,” replies Jen quietly, as Brian pedals away.
Back in the tunnels, Maverick continues to hit Sabretooth with the electric needles. However, Sabretooth is still gaining ground, much to Mavericks’ surprise. Sabretooth then leaps at him, but Maverick is able to duck, though Sabretooth is able to destroy the firing mechanism on his arm. So much for the new additions, thinks Maverick, as he takes off running for cover. Unfortunately, Maverick runs right to an impasse, with little room for maneuvering. He will have to reach the hatchway at the end if he is going to have a chance to make it out alive.
His extra electric needles are now useless to him without the firing mechanisms. Maverick tosses away the extra cartridges as they are weighing him down, and then leaps into the air to grab onto a ladder. He crawls up into a room above. Once up, Maverick activates his booster field, which will magnify any kinetic energy he absorbs tenfold. Hopefully he will get the chance to use that. Sabretooth leaps up into the room and tells Maverick that he isn’t going anywhere, not until he pays for all the grief he put Sabretooth through.
Creed tackles Maverick, who goes face first into the shallow water and hits his head on the ground. A familiar feeling runs through Maverick’s body, as he realizes that his mutant powers are at work. Before Sabretooth can react, Maverick blasts him away with kinetic energy and right into a wall. Sabretooth gets up, much angrier. Maverick is full of surprises today, isn’t he? He had heard that Maverick’s powers returned, but what did he do to amplify them? Did he get a cheap booster unit? Sabretooth charges right at Maverick, who realizes that he can’t take the man down like this. He then braces for impact.
Suddenly, Maverick is overcome by nausea, as he starts to convulse. Sabretooth slashes his side and then throws him to the ground and begins to slash up his armor. Maverick’s booster field fails and he desperately tries to stay conscious so he can stay alive. However, Maverick is unable to defend himself and is sorely defeated. As Sabretooth rips open Maverick’s chest plate, he tells the mercenary that he always did rely too much on his gadgets.
As dusk settles in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Brian returns home. He comes to the decision that he has no right to demand things from Maverick. What happened may not be fair, but Brian must accept it as fact. He has to learn to accept things and move on with life. Brian enters his house and finds his parents in the kitchen. Mrs. Johnson and ecstatically tells her son that he is home just in time for lasagna. Quietly, Brian tells his mother that he will pass on dinner tonight. He isn’t hungry right now. Mr. Johnson asks his son if something is wrong. Annoyed, Brian tells his father no and that he just isn’t hungry.
Mrs. Johnson reminds her son that his body is still weak from the bronchitis, so maybe he should eat. He needs to eat properly to get his strength back. Brian tells his mom that he knows, but he promises to eat something later. As soon as Brian leaves, Mr. Johnson comes to his wife, who cries and tells him that she is worried about Brian. Mr. Johnson admits that he is scared too, but they cannot fall apart. They have to be strong. Their boy needs them to be strong.
In the sewers, Sabretooth tosses away Maverick’s mask and tells him to say his prayers, because his little stomach is about to be ripped open, with his innards soon to be smeared on the walls. Refusing to let things end like this, Maverick musters up all his strength and hits Creed with a strong kinetically charged punch. Sabretooth picks up Maverick and begins to beat him up, when suddenly he is shot in the back. Creed falls down the hole and back into the lower area of the sewer.
Maverick looks up to see that his savior is the badly battered Elena. Elena tells Maverick that he shouldn’t have come there. This is between her and Sabretooth. He was right earlier when he didn’t want to get involved. Confused, Maverick asks Elena what she is talking about. If he hadn’t shown up she would be dead right now. That’s her problem, snaps Elena. This fight is also her problem. She aims to finish it alone. Maverick tells Elena not to be stupid. Her stubborn streak isn’t her. It is suicidal. Neither of them are in any shape to be taking on Sabretooth.
Neither of the arguers notices Sabretooth coming back up, until he slams both of them into the ground. Sabretooth angrily tells Elena that he loves how often the playing possum trick works. Elena shoots Sabretooth down and tells him that it took her twenty-three years to track him down and he won’t escape with his life this time. Let them see how he likes it when she fries his brain. Suddenly, Maverick screams at Elena and tells her not to do it.
With all her pent up rage, Elena mercilessly hits Creed with a full out psionic attack. Her plan is to shut down his primary brain functions by fusing his neural relays. However, to do that she must first penetrate Sabretooth’s psionic defenses, which were effectively created by him to prevent these sorts of situations, which have increased as of late. Elena realizes that Sabretooth is trying to force her into a fight on the psionic level. She realizes that, if she is to kill him, she must do that then. Though this is the first time she has ever tried to do this on anyone, Elena’s astral form projects itself and enters the Astral Plane to enter Creed’s subconscious.
Elena finds herself in darkness, but below her hundreds of rabbits run for their lives. She wonders what it means, but decides that she would rather not find out. She then finds a young boy chained up in a cellar. Is that Creed? Are these images of his youth? Suddenly, the cellar door opens and Creed’s father throws in a live rabbit to his son. He tells him that it is dinnertime that he must catch what he can kill and eat what he can catch. As Creed holds the rabbit, his father tells him that killing is the only way he is going to survive as a good-for-nothing freak. The cellar door then slams shut.
Elena feels horrible for Creed and thinks about opening those cellar doors, but decides it is for the best not to look in. Sabretooth is just distracting her from reaching his inner core. Indeed it is true, as Sabretooth tells Elena to get out of his head. Elena travels through a tunnel, but is horrified to see so much blood. She knew Sabretooth killed many people, but not thing many! Elena finds herself surrounded by the ghosts of Creed’s victims, who order her to get out and to leave them be. One of those wailing ghosts is Elena’s mother. In her current physical state, the sight of seeing her mother is too much for Elena to bear. This causes the tenuous link between her and Sabretooth to violently snap, unleashing a massive psionic feedback.
Elena and Sabretooth are thrown apart, and even Maverick is hit by the psionic energy. Maverick is hit by another seizure, most likely from Elena collapsing. How is that possible though? Is there a connection? Maverick recalls how he flat-lined in Canada and how Elena created a psionic link between them to pull him back from the grave. Do they still share some residual bond? Maverick puts his questions aside, as he sees Creed coming to. However, as Maverick powers up, his hands suddenly explode with kinetic energy, causing his hands to burn.
Maverick realizes that his powers are totally out of whack, as Sabretooth pounces him again. Maverick’s movements become sluggish and his stamina decreases. He cannot even grab onto anything, because anything he touches melts now thanks to the raging kinetic energy. Maverick considers burning Creed’s face off, but realizes that he is so weak that he couldn’t get close enough to do so without getting gutted. Suddenly, Maverick notices the water mains and comes up with a plan, though he will need Creed for this.
Maverick breaks open one of the water pipes, which shocks Sabretooth, who asks Maverick if he is trying to kill them all. Just you, replies Maverick. The mercenary then tries to remember which color pipe was for the steam. He thinks that it is the yellow one and sure enough it is. Maverick rips it off and sends burning steam right into Sabretooth’s face. Sabretooth stumbles back, and at that moment the water pipes rupture from the damaged spot. In seconds a flash-flood effect is created, and Sabretooth takes the full brunt of the blast.
As Sabretooth is washed down the sewer, Maverick grabs Elena with his legs and leaps up to grab onto a pipe. Every muscle in his body strains and wishes to let go, but he fights against himself. However, he realizes that he cannot keep this up much longer. Fortunately, the flood ends and Maverick is able to get back down the ground.
Maverick feels awful, but fortunately his powers have burned out and his hands are no longer burning with energy. He realizes that his hands are raw, and then decides that it was for the best that he didn’t absorb too much energy, or things could have been worse. Maverick turns to the still Elena and picks her up. There is no way for him to tell how bad she is. If there is internal bleeding, then things can be worse than they look. Maverick deduces that her arm is definitely broken. He notices that he pupils are dilated and her breathing is shallow.
Maverick is horrified. He feared something like this. The psionic feedback was too much for Elena. She slipped into a coma. She is dying!


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Fractured Lives
0338 hours. The Ice Box - a top secret maximum security detainment center in the upper reaches of Canada’s frigid northwest territories. With barren tundra wastes stretching for miles in every direction, the arctic landscape has always ensured the prison’s isolation and served as an effective deterrent from any attempted breakouts. Until now. When a man dressed in all black from head to toe arrives on the scene.
His name is the Confessor. Although he has been on Interpol’s most wanted lists since long before the now defunct Cold War was at its peak, very little is known about this mysterious individual except for the few sketchy rumors and conjectures amassed by expert intelligence analysts throughout the world. He was secretly groomed and reared since birth to assume the role of assassin and prized interrogator for the KGB. He is undoubtedly an extremely ruthless and dangerous man. He is renowned for his rather unorthodox methods and brazenly sacrilegious choice of weapons.
Eventually, the Confessor makes his way through the snow and near the prison. He notices two guards outside the prison and proceeds to shoot them with one of his ski poles. This particular ski pole carries a spear of some sort that pierces both men - killing them instantly! Inside the prison, the Confessor battles the guards that are trying to stop his assault. He grabs one of them around the neck as he takes the others out with kicks to their faces. The head guard informs the other guards to watch their fire – that maniac is using Lister as a shield. Before he can finish his thought, one of the other guards accidentally shoots Lister, killing him.
The head guard indicates that Lister was a friend and whoever this guy is, he’s got a lot to answer for!! He informs the others to not let him get away!! The other guards heed the order and open up fire on the Confessor. The Confessor is able to dodge their gunfire and ends up on a catwalk surrounding the prison. He pulls out one of his many weapons that are forged in the image of popular religions symbols. These weapons are perversely twisted to serve the Confessor’s unholy deeds as part of a psychological ploy to disarm his opponent’s. The weapon of choice this time? A necklace that resembles rosary beads. He proceeds to toss them over the side of the catwalk into the extremely flammable barrels that are below. When the beads land, they cause a massive explosion - killing all of the guards where they stand! The Confessor then proceeds to leap off the catwalk and to complete his mission. These days, he works strictly freelance with loyalties only to himself and his hidden agendas.
It’s been less than twenty-four hours since former KGB agent Elena Ivanova slipped into a catatonic state, as a result of injuries sustained during her struggle with the homicidal mutant known as Sabretooth. Now, she is lying in a guest room in the Florida home of the recently relocated Johnson family. Maverick sits by her bed, maintaining a silent vigil, lost in his private thoughts.
All of a sudden, Maverick is interrupted by Brian Johnson (the former Christopher Bradley) who enters the room. Brian notices Elena hooked up to a breathing apparatus and proceeds to ask Maverick how she is doing. Maverick responds that she’s not good. With that said, she’s better than expected, all things considered. Brian then asks that the doc said. Maverick informs him that nothing unusual. Unfortunately there’s really no way of determining how long before she regains consciousness. In his mind, Maverick wonders if she ever will...
He continues to inform Brian that the longer she’s under, the greater the risk of her suffering permanent brain damage. With that in mind, the rest of her injuries are minor in comparison. The hairline fractures on a couple of ribs, some cuts and abrasions, plus her arm’s broken in a bad way - but it will heal in time. Maverick thinks to himself that Elena must have bent her arm back into place after coming to from Creed’s initial attack. An incredibly painful act - which if his theory about their link is correct, caused him to have one of his seizures. He continues to tell Brian that at least there’s no physical head trauma which means that whatever forced her mind to shut down and retreat into her subconscious is more psychosomatic than anything else. For all they know, she could come out of it any second now or it could be weeks, or months. All they can do is wait, tend to her needs and then...
In the Ice Box, it is 0436 hours. The Confessor is leading Sickle out of the prison. Whenever they encounter somebody, the Confessor kills them! Sickle points out that he’s not much in the subtlety department - is he? The Confessor tells him to just shut up and follow his lead. They leap off the hillside and land in the snow below. When they land, Sickle asks Confessor where the airlift is. The Confessor replies that there isn’t one - they hoof it from there. Sickle angrily asks if they are supposed to walk across miles of Canadian wilderness on foot - they’ll never make it!!! As the Confessor walks away he informs him that he has a snowmobile stashed less than a mile away. He adds that Sickle needs to stop his whining and to move. Even with all the heavy snowfall covering their tracks - they’d best be long gone before the warden sends out his posse. After some time, the Confessor and Sickle make it to the snowmobile and take off.
Back in Florida, Maverick has changed into his battle-suit and asks Brian what he thinks. Brian replies that it’s pretty snazzy, but asks where the gauntlets are. Maverick replies that it doesn’t make sense to wear them until he has found a way to get his mutant powers back under control. Besides, after the way he’s been melting everything he touches, he’d just end up going through several pairs of gauntlets a day - which isn’t very practical. Maverick then indicates to Brian that, even though their chatterboxes are supposed to be on a secure line, he would prefer to not take any chances with unwelcome eavesdroppers. As a precautionary measure, he requests Brian to adopt a code name for use whenever they use the chatterboxes so he can protect his new identity. The same goes for when they’re out in the field together. Anti-mutant sentiment being what it is, one can never be too careful. Brian agrees. After his last scare with the Friends of Humanity - he doesn’t have to be told twice.
He asks Maverick what kind of code name he should pick. Maverick informs him that it’s up to him, though he suggests choosing something that fits him and is easy to remember - something like Static. Brian replies that Static sounds cool but that he thinks it’s already taken - Bolt sounds good. Maverick agrees that will work and then proceeds to inform Brian that he wants him to keep an eye on Elena while he is away. When Brian asks him where he is going, Maverick replies that he needs to go overseas. Brian begins to get upset and asks why he needs to go!! Maverick tells him to relax - it’s only going to be for a few days. Now that he’s on borrowed time again, there’s some personal matters he needs to take care of while he still has the chance. Brian is confused, but Maverick assures him that he has no intention of rushing off on some sort of foolish vendetta. He just has a couple of questions about his past that he needs answering so he can finally lay some old ghost to rest.
In the heart of the Kremlin, inside an obscenely decadent 19th century penthouse apartment overlooking Red Square, the Russian gangster known as Ivan the Terrible welcomes the Confessor to his home. He also welcomes him to the newly capitalist Moscow - a city ripe with exciting possibilities. The Confessor agrees that it is a veritable land of opportunity, even though it is only for those with enough wealth to circumvent the pitfalls of so-called freedom. Ivan agrees - that was implied.
He then offers the Confessor to take part of the feast before him. He indicates that all of it was imported. The lobsters were flown in from Maine, the lamb from Auckland, Scottish salmon, caviar from Azerbaijan - it is all exquisite. The Confessor declines his offer - he is there strictly on business. He then indicates to Ivan that he doesn’t mean to be rude, but that he just wants to complete their transaction and be on his way. Ivan responds that he doesn’t need to worry - the amount they discussed plus a bonus was transferred to his Swiss account the moment he confirmed Sickle was delivered safely to his farmhouse in Borovichi.
The Confessor asks about the bonus. He assumes that Ivan was either fully satisfied with his services or that it is a way of compensating him for having to put up with that gypsy’s foul-mouthed disposition. Ivan warns him to be careful to not overstep his bounds. Sickle has been in his employ for many years and his loyalty to him is without question. The Confessor on the other hand... intrigues him. He confesses that he hasn’t yet figured out what motivated him now that the Soviet regime is a thing of the past. The Confessor replies that he wants a taste of the sweet life and that money talks - it’s as simple as that. Ivan agrees with him and offers him another assignment - something of a more delicate nature. When the Confessor asks who the lucky stiff is, Ivan informs him that the target is somebody he believes the Confessor is already familiar with - his name is Maverick!!!


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
The Wall (1st story) / Easy Targets (2nd story)
1st Story:
East Berlin Germany - 2407 hours. As Maverick is slammed to the ground by the Confessor, he wonders what in the blazes is going on with his mutant powers now! The Confessor continues to choke Maverick, while he indicates to him that it appears that his sins have finally caught up with him! Maverick is barely listening to him, concentrating more on why his fists didn’t charge up from that blow and that without them - he’s toast...
In Paris, France, a day earlier, Maverick arrived at the elegant apartment home of a very distinguished gentleman - that of Jean Luc Vivant. When Maverick enters the room, he is greeted by Jean Luc, who is relaxing in a hot tub drinking a brandy. Jean Luc is less than pleased to see Maverick and indicates to him that he was quite shocked when he got his message. He then offers Maverick a drink. Maverick declines and notices by Jean Luc’s tone that he is still harboring a lot of resentment towards him - so he’ll keep it short. He’s there to ask for a favor.
Jean Luc polishes off his brandy before he starts to get himself out of the hot tub. He angrily asks Maverick if that’s all he has to say for himself! After all these years of not seeing or speaking to each other, Maverick has the audacity to show up there and ask for a favor!!! From him?!!! After what Maverick cost him???!!!! As Jean Luc attempts to get his lifeless legs out of the tub, Maverick goes to give him a hand. Jean Luc declines his assistance telling him to not dare come over there and touch him! He’s not some helpless invalid!! He doesn’t need Maverick’s pity and certainly none of his assistance. Whatever else he has deprived him of - he still has his pride and self-respect. Those are things Maverick can never take away!! He indicates to Maverick that he may have already destroyed his life, and asks him if he’s there to rub his nose in it as well?!?
Maverick indicates that isn’t it at all. It’s just important that he gets some information about Ginetta and Major Barrington. Other than himself, Jean Luc is the only other person who knew both of them well enough to tell him what he wants to know. The only one who got to see them interacting when he wasn’t present. Jean Luc asks for clarification on what exactly Maverick wants from him. Does he want to know if they were having an affair?? The lovely Barsalini heiress and that naughty American Major - how droll!! He continues that he’s sorry to disappoint him but his ex-wife had better taste than that, even if she was a treacherous tramp!! Maverick angrily retorts that that was NOT what he meant. He has reason to believe that she and the Major conspired to undermine the West German underground. That they were directly responsible for the deaths of the members of Cell Six. He’s positive about Ginetta’s betrayal - but Barrington’s part in this sordid mess remains uncertain.
He then asks Jean Luc if he ever noticed anything suspicious taking place between them. Anything to suggest that such an alliance could have been possible. Jean Luc responds with that they are finally getting to the heart of the matter. Possible? Anything is possible. He then questions Maverick as to why he should bother telling him anything!! After all, Ginetta’s long dead and buried - killed by Maverick himself. As for Barrington, he heard that the old man is dead too. He asks Maverick if he had a hand in that as well. When Maverick doesn’t respond, he indicates that he thought so. He then asks if he is next on his list. If he is just another blemish on his conscience targeted for elimination!!
Maverick realizes that this is getting nowhere and indicates to Jean Luc that he didn’t come there to argue. He admits that his motives aren’t exactly selfless but he does want to make peace - for both of their sakes. Jean Luc retorts that that is very gracious of him - considering he was the one who ended up paralyzed from the waist down, thanks to Maverick’s carelessness!! Maverick apologizes - he knows that Jean Luc is furious with him and that he probably would be too under the circumstances. He then reminds Jean Luc that they were good friends once and that he was even the best man at his wedding because he’d always been more like a brother to him than his real family ever was.
He asks him if any of that means anything to him and asks if he is ready to throw all of that away?!? Angrily, Jean Luc shoots back that he, Christoph, has a lot of gall and that he must be truly desperate to come to him for help. He adds that he shouldn’t add insult to injury with such sentimental drivel. Whatever fellowship he felt for him died a long, long time ago. Maverick asks Jean Luc if he wants to see him beg. Jean Luc replies that, personally, he finds groveling offensive. As fun as it would be to watch him squirm he feels that he should warn him that he doesn’t stand a chance in Hades of ever integrating himself back into his good graces. Maverick retorts that he is glad to hear that - since that was never his intent. He adds that Jean Luc shouldn’t flatter himself if he thinks that his guilt over what happened to him doesn’t consume his every waking thought. And despite how much he wants to cast the blame on him, the bottom line is that Jean Luc’s accident was just that - an accident.
Jean Luc replies that is very cheeky and that he’s beginning to see that Maverick has become awfully smug in his old age!! Maverick shoots back that Jean Luc has become a bitter, self-indulgent boor!! After a brief stare-down, Jean Luc responds that since they can both agree that their relationship has pathetically deteriorated to nothing more than petty remarks and hollow gestures, he suggest that they spare themselves any further indignities and put an end to this little interview before things get any uglier. Maverick angrily shouts that he would have been willing to make an effort if he thought there was even the slightest chance of salvaging something - anything - out of the friendship they once shared. But if it’s inconceivable for Jean Luc to let go of the past - then to blazes with him!!! Jean Luc informs Maverick to not delude himself. The sad truth is that he’s the one clinging to the past - not him. He’s simply trapped in it and thanks to Maverick, he will never escape. He adds that Maverick should consider himself fortunate to have the luxury of choice and just get the hell out of his life!! And this time - STAY OUT!!!
After Maverick’s encounter with Jean Luc, he returns to his hotel room at the Hotel de Crillon. It is a former private palace built in the 18th century. These days, its clientele consist mainly of visiting dignitaries and the filthy rich - with occasional exceptions. Maverick thinks to himself that his meeting was a waste of time and that he should’ve known better than that. He then finds a note on his bed from the Confessor. It reads simply “The wall. Midnight tomorrow. Saint Augustine’s church.” Maverick is shocked at the choice of location. Saint Augustine’s was one of Cell Six’s old meeting spots before they were slaughtered. He also had no idea that the Confessor was still active. He wonders how he knew that he was there and how he learned so much about Cell Six!!! Their use of Saint Augustine’s was supposed to be a well-kept secret!! He then comes to the realization that if the Confessor is aching for a confrontation - he just pushed all the right buttons!! He wants answers and he won’t be denied. Whatever sick game his old foe is playing, he’s putting a stop to it!!!
The next night, Maverick arrives at the wall. Following the end of World War II, the city of Berlin was partitioned into two sections. The Allied west and the Soviet controlled Eastern zone. Over a decade later, the Berlin Wall was erected as a barrier to prevent East Germans from crossing over to the western side. Despite continued protests, the concrete and wire fortification separated east and west for over twenty years! As he walks by, Maverick thinks to himself that it’s been ages since he was last there and that the place has a strange kind of energy. Also that he’s found it a bit unnerving being in the presence of so much history. Especially on the eastern side - where most of the subway tunnels still have graffiti from World War II. - Even though the wall was demolished in 1990 when the city was finally reunified, scattered parts still remain intact - serving as vivid reminders of Germany’s checkered past.
Walking past all of the rubble, Maverick is cold. He realizes that he better calm his nerves and steel himself for the rendezvous. After all, this is no time to let himself get spooked!! At 2400 hours, Maverick calls out to the Confessor. He informs him that he’s there and ready to forgo the idle chitchat so that they can get to the point of this latest charade of his. From a tower, the Confessor informs him that is fine and calls Maverick a sinner! As the Confessor leaps down, Maverick thinks to himself that the Confessor’s head on a platter should fetch a hefty bounty after he’s through with him. Before he can finish his thought, the Confessor unloads his crossbow towards Maverick and informs him that it is time for penance!!
Maverick attempts to dodge the shots but his coat is slowing him down. He realizes that he should have ditched in it when he got there. He is then struck with one of the shots from the Confessor’s crossbow in his shoulder. He calls out in pain but he knows that it serves him right for getting so cocky - it made him careless. Assumed those bolts wouldn’t be able to pierce his body armor. Thankfully, it’s only a flesh wound after Maverick pulls the spear out of his shoulder. As he ditches his jacket, the Confessor tosses some bolas at Maverick that bounds him up as he falls to the ground. The Confessor proceeds to grab him by the neck and slams him to the ground. He informs Maverick that it appears that his sins have finally caught up with him. Maverick realizes that he’s toast...
...Unless, maybe for once, it’s not his powers that are misbehaving and it’s the bolas that are somehow dampening his abilities. Everything is spinning - his vision is blurred - it is so hard to focus - he just wants to rest - give in to the darkness.... NO!!!! He needs to fight it!! He has to stay conscious long enough to confirm the theory and give it one last shot... With that, Maverick slams his fist onto the ground. When he does, the bolas sensitive inner circuits shatter on impact - instantly shorting out the small dampening fields they were emitting. In turn, it causes Maverick’s powers to suddenly flare up - and with a vengeance!!!
The Confessor is in shock at what he is witnessing and backs off, giving Maverick a little bit of space. In Maverick’s mind he knows that he has to block out the pain. His burning hands are a small price to pay for freedom - and the chance to put this creep out of commission - PERMANENTLY!!!! With that, Maverick is able to connect with the Confessor, knocking him backwards a few dozen feet!! When the Confessor arises he indicates to Maverick that he is impressed. His will is indeed more indomitable than he remembers. It is a shame that his own body will betray him in the end.
Maverick cuts him off and informs the Confessor that whatever he is blabbering about - he needs to give it up. He adds that his warped psychological mind games and demented theatrics won’t work on him!! The Confessor strikes back with a powered up candle holder and slices at Maverick. As he does, he informs him that it is typical of Maverick’s arrogance and that he is always willing to accept the facts when they slant in his favor. As Maverick attempts to dodge the swipe, he realizes that something is up - that his movements are getting sluggish. He then realizes that the tip of that crossbow bolt must have been laced with some sort of slow-acting knockout drug!!!
Maverick begins to realize that time is running out, and that his body is already slowing down. He either has to beat the Confessor or get away soon before he passes out. In desperation, he is able to connect with another shot to the Confessor. The Confessor indicates that Maverick is not so willing to accept the facts when they hit too close to home or when they threaten to expose the truth about the contaminated gene pool from which he is sprung!!! The Confessor strikes back at Maverick and connects with a punch. He continues to inform that Maverick’s deservedly deceased brother Andreas and his sinful ways! Maverick angrily strikes out at the Confessor and informs him to leave that scum out of this!! Andreas’ relation to him is an embarrassment he’d just as soon forget!! The Confessor indicates that he can see why. Andreas’ neo-Nazi tendencies are a prime example of the old adage about the apple not falling far from the tree. He asks Maverick if he agrees.
After that, the Confessor is able to connect with a punch directly to Maverick’s face. As he does, Maverick wonders what he is talking about. Even though Maverick’s concentration slips for a moment, it is long enough for the Confessor to take advantage. As he connects with a knee to Maverick’s mid-section he informs him that he can tell by his reaction that his brother never told him the truth about his parents. About how their deaths were not an accident - but more like a summary execution by parties unknown. A form of retribution - and fitting punishment for their past crimes against humanity!!
As the poison takes more effect on Maverick, he can now longer defend himself and begins to fade... As he does, the last thing he hears is the Confessor asking him for his forgiveness in spoiling the surprise. Maverick thinks to himself with his last thoughts that he will see the Confessor on the other side....
2nd Story:
In a private medical clinic on the outskirts of Kissimmee, Florida, Brian Johnson is making one of his weekly visits to Doctor Keller’s office. This time - he’s not happy about it. He expresses his displeasure with the tests by ripping off the cords that measure his bodily functions, his fists glowing like the morning sun.
Doctor Keller cautions him to be careful, but Brian is not the least bit interested in hearing that. He informs Keller that he is tired of going through tests, tired of his treatments, tired of being poked and prodded with needles!! After Brian is done with his tirade, Keller asks him if he’s okay. Brian informs him, weakly, that he is just dandy. Keller asks Brian why he is being so hostile, considering they settled all this during his last visit. He adds that a defeatist outlook isn’t going to do him any good.
Brian retorts that Keller can save himself the pep talk. After all, the odds are that he will be pushing up daisies by the time he’s twenty-one so what’s the point?!? Keller informs him that the point is that if he takes care of himself properly, he stands a much better chance of sticking around long enough so that the day a cure for his condition is developed, he can make a full recovery. Brian is not convinced and calls it all a pipe dream! He indicates to Keller that he’s not stupid. As long as the masses consider the Legacy virus a mutant-specific disease, the government’s not going to take any real steps to try to find a cure. They’ll just drag their feet like they do with everything else. Business as usual...
He is cut off by Keller, who indicates to him that he doesn’t know that for certain. Besides, that’s no excuse to give up hope. He adds that he’s not saying that it’s going to be easy, but that Brian should at least try to maintain a positive attitude. Brian shoots back and asks how exactly he’s supposed to do that when so many people consider his very existence to be a sin!! He adds that Keller knows as well as he does that there’s plenty of folks out there who believe mutants are either a perversion of science or spawns of the devil and they’d like nothing more than to see the virus wipe all muties off the face of the earth!! He continues by asking Keller if he thinks he enjoys having to hide what he is. Not being able to confide in anyone for fear of their reaction. If his classmates or teachers ever learned about him being a mutant, and that he’s infected with some deadly plague, things would hit the fan BIG TIME!!! Just like they did with his ‘good buddy’ Jeff. He and him were friends since kindergarten - yet when he found out about his powers, he freaked out and cut him out of his life.
Keller replies that not everyone is so narrow-minded and asks him about that girl he started seeing before he moved down there. Brian retorts that Donna was the exception and not the rule. Now he can’t even keep in contact with her without risk of endangering her life!! With that, Brian makes his way over to the fish tank and puts his hand on the glass, lamenting his situation. Keller puts his hand on his shoulder and indicates to him that he knows he’s angry and bitter and that he has every right to be. He adds that he’s not the enemy. He only wants to help him. Brian angrily questions that phrase “help me.” He scoffs at it before indicating to Keller that he appreciates his efforts but that he can’t help him - nobody can. With that, Brian leaves Keller’s office and begins his journey home. From inside his office, Keller feels bad fro Brian. He’s a kid that’s in a world of hurt. Unfortunately, there’s little he can do to help him until he’s earned his trust.
Unbeknownst to Doctor Keller, three thugs, Marcus Renfield and his cohorts Dice and Speed are plotting their raid. The leader, Marcus informs the other two that the plan is for them to go in, raid the medicine cabinet for selected goodies and then head over to Sally’s party. Speed, armed with a chain, asks what if the doctor’s still there - what if they get caught. Dice, armed with two knives, agrees - he doesn’t want to spend any more time in juvenile hall! Marcus, armed with a baseball bat, implores them to trust him. The doctor’s a cripple, so whether or not he’s there or not makes no difference. He’s an easy target. Speed cracks his chain and indicates that he’s sold - let’s do it!!!
As Brian begins to make his way down the street, he thinks about all the trouble that Maverick went to to hook him up with Doctor Keller and that he shouldn’t have blown him off like that. He starts to feel bad about that and decides to go back and apologize. When he starts to head back to the clinic, he notices three thugs breaking into one of the clinic’s windows. He recognizes them from school and realizes that they won’t think twice about harming the doc if he gets in their way.
Just then, Brian hears the sounds of a struggle and of Doctor Keller in agony! As he rushes to the window to find out what is going on he knows that he has to do something - but what?? By the time he reaches a phone and calls the police and waits for them to get there, it will be too late to help the doc. He peaks in the window and sees Speed holding Doctor Keller while Marcus wails on him with a baseball bat as Dice looks on. Brian thinks to himself that there are only three of them and that he could probably take them out by himself with his powers. He can’t do that without exposing himself as a mutant and revealing his identity. So what does he do?????


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
<BR>Red Reign Part 1: Cold Fronts (1st story) / Perilous Choices (2nd story)
1st Story:
At a private country estate in Borivichi, Russia, Maverick is being drug through the snow behind a horse. The last thing he remembers is helplessly drifting into unconsciousness after his defeat at the hands of the deadly assassin known as the Confessor. That was two days ago.
As he is drug through the snow, Maverick begins to stir and awakens. His head is covered by a bag and his hands are encased in metal shackles so he cannot use his power. His mouth is parched and his body is dehydrated. He wonders how long he has been out. Right now, everything is muddled and he’s still in a haze from the drugs the Confessor used on him.
He still can’t believe that the Confessor of all people showed up after all of those years out of the blue. It’s also hard for him to get what he insinuated about his parents out of his mind but he has to try. It’s important for him to clear his head and deal with the here and now. Even if he could break out of his restraints his muscles are too stiff to make a run for it just yet. He will have to hold back until he’s figured out the score. Just then, he is dragged up the stairs of the main house. He realizes that around him there are Russian soldiers and he has a feeling that his situation is about to take a sudden turn for the worst.
Inside the house resides the man who was given the birth name Ivan Pushkin. Those who have had dealings with him know him better as Ivan the Terrible. He is a ruthless mobster renowned for his unscrupulous methods. He is flanked by two gypsies by the names of Hammer and Sickle. They are both devoutly loyal to their longtime lord and master. When the bag is removed from Maverick’s head, he indicates to Pushkin that he should have known that he was behind all of this. He then inquires as to where the Confessor is.
Pushkin replies that he has fulfilled his contract and there was no reason for him to stay. He adds that there is no reason for Maverick to struggle for he is in his domain now. He assures him that any attempt to escape would be quite futile. Maverick responds that, if he doesn’t mind, he will be the judge of that. He then indicates that he has noticed that Pushkin’s taste in lackeys hasn’t improved any. He turns his attention to Sickle in particular and mentions that he’s surprised he even bothered to free him. He didn’t figure he’d be any good to Pushkin maimed.
Sickle has heard enough and ignores the pleas of Hammer to refrain from attacking. Sickle charges Maverick and informs him that he’s going to pay for what he did to him. Maverick responds by telling him to get away from him and calls him a slobbering freak. To this, Sickle responds by choking the life out of him. Hammer goes to intervene but is stopped by Pushkin who informs Sickle that will be enough. Their guest requires special handling, which he will attend to personally. Sickle ignores Pushkin’s words and continues to choke the life out of Maverick. Calmly, Pushkin walks up behind Sickle and grabs him around the throat with one hand. As he begins to choke him he again informs him that he said that will be enough. With that, he slams him up against the wall.
Sickle cowers and apologizes to Pushkin for his actions. As Maverick pulls himself up, he indicates to Pushkin that it looks like his control over the hired help isn’t as absolute as he would care to believe and that he must be slipping. Pushkin advises Maverick to watch his tongue or he will gladly arrange to have it cut off. He adds that he has no doubts that Sickle would delight in doing the honors. Maverick bows his head and Pushkin indicates to him that that is much better. He then snaps his fingers and adds that maybe his disagreeable behavior will improve once he clears the room of unnecessary distractions.
Within moments, Pushkin and Maverick are alone. Maverick proceeds in asking Pushkin why he is there and what this is all about. Pushkin answers that isn’t it obvious? His meddlesome antics have become tiresome and that makes him expendable. Maverick shoots back about the term meddlesome. He then reminds him that he’s the one that keeps kidnapping him so he needs to cut the bull. He knows that if he really wanted him dead, he would have already done it. As Pushkin lights up a cigar he responds to Maverick that he is mistaken and that he does wish him dead – now, more than ever. Granting him a speedy death would deprive him of the pleasure of someday seeing him cower at his feet like an obedient dog. Until that day comes, he’s going to content himself by indulging in some good old fashioned sadism at his expense. He will break him – again. Only this time the results will be quite permanent.
Maverick asks what will happen after that. Is he to take part in another one of his grandiose schemes? He asks what the game plan will be this time – smuggling, arms dealing, another assassination attempt? Pushkin replies that his plans do not concern Maverick. They are at a critical juncture and he can no longer tolerate continued interference in his affairs. Maverick knows that means Pushkin is up to something, something big and he wants to make sure that he doesn’t get in the way.
Just then, a young lady by the name of Natalya Kedrov enters the room. As she does, her heart skips a beat when she sees Ivan the Terrible’s face reacting to her untimely interruption. She immediately apologizes – she had no idea anybody was in there. Se left her music sheet on the piano and… She is cut off by Ivan who holds her hands. He informs her that, of all of his mistresses, she was always the most precious. Natalya informs Ivan that he is hurting her. Ivan responds by crushing her hands and responding that she should be grateful that he doesn’t kill her where she stands.
As he drives her to her knees, Natalya continues to beg for forgiveness. Ivan ignores her and orders her to kneel before him and give thanks that he is in a lenient and forgiving mood. With that, he flings Natalya up against the wall and orders her to leave them and to make sure that they are not disturbed again. As Natalya kneels on the floor in excruciating pain, Maverick goes over to her and offers his assistance to her. Natalya responds by spitting in his face and informing him that he can choke on his charity. She will not be sullied by his touch. That privilege is reserved for the master.
As she leaves, Pushkin points out to Maverick that even those he is forced to discipline remain subservient to him just as he will soon be as well. He then confesses that knowing Maverick has such a high threshold for pain as made him much more interesting to him. He adds that Maverick has suffered a great deal in his lifetime – enough to destroy a lesser man. Yet he still persists in confounding the odds with his continued survival. It is a trait that he admires of him. Maverick replies that he’s stubborn that way. He never gives up and he’s always good for a challenge. Pushkin replies that they will see how he feels about that after he’s spent a few weeks in the Cooler.
After their conversation, Maverick is led out of the house and through the courtyard by Russian soldiers. Maverick realizes that if he’s going to make a break for it, this could be his only chance. He then looks down at his hands and thinks that it’s too bad the inhibitor shackles he is wearing are still dampening his powers. He then decides he will just have to make do with what he has. With that, he swings them at some of the soldiers and takes them out. He immediately takes out another and runs for the stables. As he does, the other soldiers open up fire on him. He reaches the stables and kicks open the door and jumps on a horse’s back. He knows that the woodlands are dead ahead and that the forest will provide some cover, provided he can reach it in one piece.
As he reaches the forest, he starts to believe that he will make it. That is until he is stopped in his tracks by the voice of Pushkin. He informs Maverick that, if he doesn’t surrender immediately, he will kill the young boy he is holding hostage. Maverick responds that he wouldn’t. Pushkin retorts that he shouldn’t let his hatred for him cloud his judgment – he has no compunctions about killing the child. Maverick looks at Pushkin for a second and then dismounts from the horse. As he does, he informs Pushkin that he was won and that he can let the boy go. Pushkin keeps his word and lets the boy go back to his family.
As Maverick is surrounded by soldiers he yells out to Pushkin and calls him a real piece of slime. He adds that this isn’t over – not by a long shot. Immediately, the soldiers beat him down to the ground. As they do, Pushkin indicates that he is defiant to the end. Only this time, he has inconvenienced him for the last time.
Inside the Cooler at 1632 hours, a non-armored Maverick has been hung up to a yoke by Pushkin and his troops. Pushkin informs Maverick that he should never have entrusted him to the likes of Doctor Langstrom. She placed too much confidence on untested theories and her own techno-babble. He continues with experience has taught him that oftentimes the crudest methods are the most effective. It is a lesson that poor Etta learned the hard way. Maverick looks down to see Etta – dead. She’s the nutcase who engineered his failed brainwashing months ago. Even though he can’t say he’s sorry she’s dead, he’s not real keen on the idea of sharing a cell with a corpse.
As Pushkin goes to leave, he indicates to Maverick that he hopes he likes his new home. When Pushkin and his gang leave, a man from the shadows indicates to Maverick that he hopes he’s not afraid of the dark, for it will get pitch black in there once the torch burns out. Maverick turns to see a man chained to the wall with a star on his uniform and wonders who the stranger is.
In another location of the compound, Pushkin welcomes Agent Colby and his men to his place. He offers them to relax and to make themselves comfortable and that he took the liberty of having his chefs prepare a special feast in their honor. Colby commends Pushkin on the impeccable service of his staff. He adds that he wishes that some of their other clients were this hospitable. Pushkin replies that may be the case but unfortunately he is afraid that he may have wasted his time by asking him there.
Colby asks if there is a problem with the proposed conditions of their contract. Pushkin indicates that there are no problems with that. It’s just that certain private matters have forced him to back out of their agreement. He adds that most of his assets are currently tied up in litigation and that he just can’t spare the capital right now to enter into a joint venture with him. Pushkin then offers his apologies for any inconvenience this may have cost him and that he would hate for one isolated incident to sour relations between them. He adds that he would very much like for them to remain on good terms.
Colby responds that he understands. He adds that he knows his associates will be disappointed with his decision but they have other prospective buyers for the goods in question. He continues that he sees no reason why they wouldn’t be able to do business together at some future date. Pushkin replies that he looks forward to that time. Then to himself he calls Colby a gullible idiot. The truth is that the A.I.M. organization has become weak and disorganized, scattered into pathetic splinter groups. He also sees no need to pay for his merchandise when he can just as easily steal it from him. Pushkin then excuses himself from the group as he as other pressing matters to attend to.
Later that evening, Pushkin asks Hammer and Sickle if their guests have left. Hammer indicates that they have, with a bellyful of nano-tracers in their stomachs. He adds that tracking Colby and his entourage to their hidden base will be child’s play. Pushkin is pleased and invites Hammer and Sickle to follow him. He would like to introduce them to someone who will be accompanying their raiding party. Hammer asks if he is an outsider. Pushkin indicates that he’s a fellow countryman but yes he is an outsider. Pushkin adds that, due to the sensitive nature of the mission, he has hired him to take care of most of the muscle work. That will free Hammer and Sickle to oversee the most intricate aspects of the operation. He then introduces them to Arkady Gregorivich – they may know him better as Omega Red.
2nd Story:
In a private medical clinic near Kissimmee Florida, three thugs by the name of Marcus Renfield, Dice and Speed are standing over the beaten body of Doctor Keller. Outside the window, Brian Johnson is watching the events unfold. He recognizes the goons from school and knows he needs to do something but he doesn’t know what. He thinks to himself that there’re only three of them and he could probably take them out solo with his powers but he can’t do that without exposing himself as a mutant and revealing his identity.
Inside the clinic, Speed asks if Keller is dead. The leader of the group, Marcus, indicates that he’s not dead but he won’t be out for long. He then instructs the others to hurry and grab the party favors so they can get out of there. With that, they proceed to smash up the clinic and grab all of the drugs they can gather.
Brian knows he can’t let them get away with what they are doing and that he needs to act now – no matter the consequences. He does know that just because he’s taking action it doesn’t mean he has to be stupid about it. If nothing else, all of those sessions in the Danger Room with Bobby and the other X-Men taught him a bit about self-reliance and control. He rushes over to another section of the clinic and goes inside. There, he attempts to use his power to somehow distort his features, kind of like how Iceman does whenever he ices up. All he has to do is concentrate. Concentrate and try to avoid the intense pain that’s accompanied the use of his powers ever since his condition took a turn for the worse.
When he is done powering up, he starts making his way towards the clinic. He thinks to himself that, so far, everything is going well. All he has is a mild throbbing in his head, which is nothing he can’t handle. When he passes a mirror, he doesn’t even recognize himself. Now to find out if he can pull this off in front of an audience.
Inside the clinic, Marcus continues kicking Keller in the ribs while he is down. Speed implores him to stop – he’s hogging all the fun. Marcus responds that he’s just making sure the old dog stays out for the count. They don’t want him calling the cops until they’re long gone from… He is cut off by Brian, who enters the room and proceeds to blast Speed with a bolt of energy. He informs the others that the jig is up and orders them to move away from Keller and to drop their weapons.
Inside his head Brian knows that he can’t overdo it, because the more he uses his powers, the more he risks losing control over the “static” that’s keeping them from recognizing him. He decides to try bluffing them into surrendering. He then calls out to Marcus and Dice to get away from Keller. Marcus is in shock and asks the stranger who he is supposed to be. Brian responds that he goes by the name of Bolt and that they better do what he says because the rest of the X-Men are going to be there any second now. Dice immediately indicates that he’s bluffing. Marcus asks if the X-Men are the mutant terrorists they keep yapping about on the news. As Speed picks himself up off the floor, he responds that they are one in the same.
Just then, Brian’s headache increases in intensity. Marcus then informs him that they don’t care much for mutie freaks around this area and they’re certainly not going to put up with his kind muscling in on their turf. Brian tries to maintain control over his headaches and maintain his focus and concentration no matter what but it is to no avail. Speed takes advantage of the situation and cracks Brian with his chain. Another crack of the chain and Brian is left in a slump on the floor. When he is down, Dice asks the others how the gene joke knew their names.
Marcus indicates that he must be somebody they know, maybe somebody from school. Speed recommends that they should waste him. Dice informs the others that he’s not taking a murder rap. Marcus instructs him to relax and that Speed is just shooting off at the mouth – they’re not going to kill anybody, at least not tonight anyway. Speed asks if they’re at least going to rough him up a bit just so they can teach him a lesson. Marcus concurs but first he wants to find out who he is.


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Red Reign Part 2: Raising the Stakes (1st story) / Exposed (2nd story)
1st Story:
Inside the icy dungeon known as the Cooler at 1637 hours, beneath Ivan Pushkin’s private estate in Borivichi, Russia, Maverick is become acquainted with his cellmate. At the present time, Maverick is surprised to see the Red Guardian, for he thought he was dead. The Red Guardian responds that he could say the same thing about him.
Maverick replies that he could, except he’s the general article while he is either an imposter or a wannabe. He knows that the original Red Guardian was killed in action a long time ago – that’s a fact. He also knew Alexi Shostakov personally and he knows that this stranger is definitely not him. The Red Guardian replies that he never claimed to be Alexi. When Maverick asks him why he is wearing the suit and asks who is pulling his strings, Guardian replies that he doesn’t like Maverick’s tone and indicates that he’s not nobody’s puppet – he’s a free agent. He adds that the Red Guardian was intended to be the Soviet Union’s counterpart to Captain America. Even though Shostakov failed in the role, the idea of a Red Guardian is still sound. With the recent collapse of the Soviet Union, the need for a homegrown hero is even greater now then it was then. In this age of shameless disgrace and corruption, his people need someone they can look up to and respect. Someone willing to take a stand and fight against oppression and injustice. A hero who can instill pride in their children – and be a symbol of hope.
When Maverick ask if that means him, the Guardian responds that he may be an idealist at heart but he’s not a glory hound or a thrill seeker. He simply wishes to serve his people in whatever way he can. He then asks Maverick why that is so hard for him to believe. Maverick replies that his life has made him somewhat of a cynic. He then indicates to Guardian that he thinks his intentions are noble and that his attitude is commendable but he believes that he’s in way over his head. Guardian assures him that he is wrong and assures him that he is well trained as a covert operative.
Maverick then asks Guardian what his angle is, to which Guardian asks him what he means by that. Maverick expands on his question and asks him what his involvement is in all of this and how did he get mixed up with Pushkin and why he is there. The Guardian replies that he heard rumors of a major hi-tech arms deal taking place between Pushkin and the A.I.M. organization. Maverick asks him if it is the same A.I.M. that is also known as Advanced Idea Mechanics. Guardian indicates they are one in the same and asks Maverick if they are confederates of his. Maverick retorts that it is just the opposite. In fact, it would give him great pleasure to take those two-bit terrorists down a peg or two.
The Guardian replies that at least on that, they are in agreement. He then adds that he did some investigating of his own and that he learned that Pushkin is going to double-cross them. He also overheard him enlisting Omega Red to accompany a raiding party to A.I.M.’s hidden fortress. Pushkin plans on stealing their armaments behind their back. Maverick adds that he will probably then keep them for himself to build a more solid power base and will sell the excess to youth gangs and rival mobsters at outrageous prices. Guardian confirms that Maverick is correct in his thinking and adds that Pushkin must be stopped. Unfortunately, he was captured before he could alert the authorities. In actuality, the only thing that’s keeping him alive is Pushkin’s uncertainty over how much he’s relayed to any of his possible associates. Once he finds out he’s working alone, he knows he will be a dead man.
Maverick responds that they will have to see about that. Guardian asks him what he means by that and Maverick replies that he’s going to get them out of there. He adds that, during his scuffle with Pushkin’s guards, he noticed that even though the inhibitor shackles he’s wearing are dampening his powers, they aren’t completely snuffing them out. It may have something to do with the way his body’s been reacting to his recent relapse. Either way, the restraints he’s wearing may not be equipped to deal with unpredictable power surges and other odd side effects the Legacy Virus has been inflicting on him lately.
As he talks, Maverick swings his body until he is close enough to wrap his legs around a stalactite. For a while, he is successful and adds that he could have sworn that he felt his hands tingling for a few moments right before he was brought down there. Tingling in that familiar way they always do whenever his powers kick in. The feeling was faint and fleeting, just like his hold on the stalactite. He continues to swing back and forth from his shackles. As he does, it feels like his arms are going to pop out of their sockets. He does his best to ignore the pain and try again. Aloud he indicates that he’s hoping that if he can absorb enough kinetic energy he can somehow overload the shackles inhibitors and he will be able to break free. After some more swinging, he is finally able to hook his legs around the stalactite and he is anchored. Once anchored, he indicates to the Red Guardian that it’s worth taking the shot and not to expect quick results for this could take a while. With that, he begins to bash his hands against the surrounding stalactites.
Over at the main house at 1730 hours, Ivan Pushkin is conferring with Omega Red, a deranged serial killer who was transformed into a Soviet super soldier after surviving his own execution. Also there are Pushkin’s personal bodyguards, Hammer and Sickle. Pushkin informs them that, now that his tracking instruments have pinpointed the exact location of A.I.M.’s hidden base, it is imperative that they act as quickly as possible. He doesn’t to take the chance of them moving the merchandise before they strike. When Omega Red asks when they should leave, Pushkin replies that it will be within the next two hours. He then informs Red that he can help Hammer and Sickle take the crates to the barracks and distribute the contents.
Red asks what is in the crates, but Hammer then asks Red why he must continue to keep questioning the master – he did not hire him for his curiosity. Before Hammer and Omega Red can get into a fight, Pushkin stands between them and informs Hammer that it’s okay and that Arkady will find out soon enough that the crates contain uniforms. Red asks who the uniforms are for. Pushkin replies that Red, Hammer and Sickle can stay as they are, but the other members of the raiding party must be properly attired. He adds that he wants them to make certain that the fools at Advanced Idea Mechanics believe that a third party was responsible for the heist. Red then asks who he has in mind to take the blame, but Pushkin just suggests for him to look for himself. Omega Red pulls one of the hoods out of the crate and recognizes it as belonging to Hydra. Pushkin indicates that considering the already existing animosity between them and the A.I.M. organization, he can’t think of anyone more appropriate for the role.
It’s 1748 hours and Maverick has been bashing his hands against the stalactites for approximately 50 minutes straight. He’s exhausted and he wonders how long he has been at this – the torch is just about ready to burn out. Just then, Maverick is successful and breaks the shackles around his hands, causing him to fall to the ground. When Maverick falls, the Red Guardian is shocked and notices that his hands are burning. Maverick pulls himself up and indicates to him that it will pass. He then frees the Guardian from his restraints. Up above the undergrounds cell, the two soldiers guarding the door hear a sound from down in the Cooler. Before they can figure out what it is, Maverick punches through the door and takes them out. As he and the Red Guardian take the guards to the brig he thinks to himself that he’s glad that he managed to expel all of the energy he absorbed with that last blast. As it is, it would be difficult enough to sneak around the complex without having to worry about his hands glowing.
Once they exit the brig, Maverick and the Red Guardian watch the goings on over at the main estate. Maverick mentions to Guardian that there seems to be a lot of activity over by the farmhouse. The Guardian replies that he’s not surprised. There’s a secret hangar inside there and he adds that Pushkin must be getting ready to mobilize his forces. Maverick indicates that they will need to stow aboard the raiding party’s transport. They can worry about how to spoil Pushkin’s plans and destroy A.I.M.’s cache of weapons once they’re airborne. The Guardian agrees.
When they get over the hill, Maverick starts to head the opposite way. Guardian asks him where he is going for the farmhouse is in the other direction. Maverick replies that he’s going back to the main house for his gear. The Guardian is in shock and indicates to him that will be a fool’s errand. Maverick replies that may be the case, but he’s not leaving without his gear and that’s final. He informs Guardian that he can wait for him by the parked tractors; it won’t take long. Guardian replies that Maverick can do what he wants – he won’t stop him. He adds that he’ll wait as long as he can but if he sees an opening – he’s going in. Maverick informs him that will be fine and that he will see him in a bit.
When Maverick separates from Guardian, he is able to slip past the patrol guards and makes his way to the rear of the mansion. Once he makes it into the mansion, he thinks to himself that maybe this wasn’t such a hot idea. After all, there’s got to be over forty rooms in the mansion and he really doesn’t have the slightest idea where to… His thoughts are interrupted when he comes perilously close to wandering on a couple of soldiers patrolling the halls. As he makes it into a room and closes the door, he thinks to himself that assuming that Pushkin is still unaware of their escape, the element of surprise is just about his only ace in the hole right now. He doesn’t want to blow it by…
As the door latches, Maverick hears a gasp behind him. He turns to see Natalya, her hands bandaged. She screams out and turns quickly to leave. As she does, she knocks over a pot and breaks it. Immediately, two soldiers bust in, guns drawn. They proceed to ask Natalya what the problem is. Natalya replies that it was nothing and just clumsiness on her part. She asks them to leave her alone. One of the soldiers points out that the whole compound has been on alert ever since those two prisoners were brought to the camp. He adds that it’s a shame that a pretty thing like her should be left to fend for herself.
As he goes to touch her, Natalya yells at him and informs him to get out right now or she will tell Ivan that they forced themselves on her. Immediately, the guards’ faces turn instantly pale as they recall what happened to the last man accused of assaulting one of Pushkin’s mistresses. As they go to leave, the soldier informs her to settle down and that there’s no need to get nasty. If she wants to be left alone, they will leave her alone.
After they leave, Maverick asks Natalya why she didn’t turn him in. Natalya replies that she couldn’t. If Ivan catches him again, he won’t be as lenient with him as he has been in the past. She adds that he doesn’t deserve such a fate. Maverick asks her if that is why she spit on him and shunned his help when they first met. Natalya replies that Ivan’s temper knows no bounds and that to do so otherwise would have been unwise at the time. Maverick asks her why she is doing so now. Natalya informs him that she was watching from the house when he first tried to escape. In horror, she watched as Pushkin threatened to kill an innocent child if he did not surrender. She adds that a lesser man would not have sacrificed his freedom for the child’s welfare. Pasha, the boy whose life he saved by his selfless act, is her nephew. She only wishes to repay the favor.
After a brief and hurried exchange in which Natalya tells Maverick where he can find his gear, Maverick indicates to Natalya that she is taking a big risk if Pushkin finds out she helped him. Natalya informs him that he won’t unless Maverick tells him. Maverick replies that he won’t and she has her word on that.
At 1839 hours, Maverick has found the room where his gear is. As he puts his gear on, he thinks to himself that, thankfully, most of Pushkin’s staff is occupied at the farmhouse preparing for the coming raid. That should buy him enough time to see if the adjacent terminal is linked to the main database. He is able to logon to the computer using a stolen password that was given to him by Natalya. He quickly sifts through various highly classified files, desperately searching for any information that may give him an edge over his foes. Eventually, he finds a detailed list of the hardware Pushkin was scheduled to purchase from the A.I.M. organization. He realizes that the list isn’t just any weapons; they are weapons of mass destruction.
It consists of state-of-the-art stealth missiles equipped with warheads capable of dispersing a cultured version of the anthrax organism over large populated areas. Maverick recalls what the anthrax bacteria does. He remembers that it can lie dormant for decades before it releases inhalable spores into its victims – causing black pustules, vomiting, fever, and suffocation in two to four days. If it’s sprayed overt a city the size of Hamburg, it could easily kill over three million people. He knows that he can’t allow that madman to get a hold of those missiles. The Red Guardian and he will have to find some way to…
Just then, something catches his eye. He takes a look at a file and notices that it seems like Pushkin did some investigating on his own concerning Major Barrington while he was under the sway of Dr. Langston’s brainwashing treatments. He notices that, according to the finding, Barrington’s involvement with his ex-wife was just a tale concocted by Pushkin so that he would be more readily do his bidding. He realizes, at that point, that it means Barrington never betrayed him and he shouldn’t have accused him like he did when he confronted him in Canada. Maverick hangs his head in his hands and silently indicates to the dead Major Barrington to rest easy and that he’s sorry that he doubted and failed him. He then defiantly denounces that it won’t happen again and that Hammer’s going to pay for Barrington’s murder. As will Pushkin for giving the order. An eye for an eye…
At 1903 hours, Maverick arrives at where the Red Guardian is. The Guardian indicates to him that he was just about to give up on him. He also asks him if he feels better now that he has his union suit on. Maverick indicates that he does and that he felt naked without it. The Guardian then indicates that apparently he’s not the only one who’s become fashion consciousness. Maverick looks out to see the men in the Hydra outfits and wonders what’s going on. The Guardian informs him that Ivan the Terrible must be planning to frame them for the robbery and adds that the plot has just thickened. Maverick indicates to him that he hasn’t heard the half of it and orders him to come on – he’ll explain it on the way.
Just then, Maverick and the Red Guardian are able to stow away on the back of a truck. As they do, Maverick thinks to himself that this is insane and that they are way beyond outnumbered. There must be over forty armed troops boarding the carrier not to mention Omega Red and Pushkin’s gypsy henchmen – all of them heading towards a heavily fortified A.I.M. compound which is overrun with even more enemies. As the plane takes of, Maverick thinks to himself that it’s a good thing he was never one to pay attention to the odds.
2nd Story:
As Brian Johnson lies face down in a private medical clinic near Kissimmee Florida, owned by Doctor Keller, three thugs by the name of Marcus Renfield, Dice, and Speed are standing over him. One of the thugs, Speed, asks if they are at least going to rough him up a bit and teach him a lesson. The leader of the group, Marcus, indicates that they will, but first he wants to find out who he his. Before he can turn Brian over, he is shocked to see that Doctor Keller has gotten up and knocked Speed onto Dice. Marcus berates him and then picks up a bat to take on Keller. At the same time, Brian begins to stir, just in time to see Keller dodging a swing from Marcus. He realizes that even with his head throbbing he needs to help out Keller.
Keller proceeds to inform the thugs that they made a huge mistake by messing with a former Navy Seal. He then asks them if they want to play rough and grabs a chain that was on the floor. He is able to snap it like a whip and is able to knock the bat out of Marcus’ hand. Before he can gain much more of an upper hand, Dice tosses a knife into the back of his calf. Marcus follows up with a punch to Keller’s face, taking him down.
As Brian watches the goings on he thinks to himself that he can’t let Marcus and the others recognize him. To prevent that, he has to ignore the pain and charge up again. With concentration he is able to envelop himself in cascading strands of energy so he can distort his features. Eventually, he is able to transform himself into his electrically charged Bolt persona. Speed notices and warns Marcus to watch his back – freak boy is back on his feet. Dice calls out that he will get him but he is taken out by a shot of energy from Bolt.
After seeing what he did to Dice, Marcus calls Brian a little punk and informs him that he’s going to regret what he just did. His words fall on deaf ears, as Brian’s headache is getting worse, just like when his powers fizzled out earlier. At that moment, Brian pleads to no one in particular to not let his powers fail again. He then unleashes his power on Speed and Marcus, taking them out. Doctor Keller indicates that that was some stunt he just pulled and asks if he’s okay. Brian informs him that he thinks so. Keller replies that is good and then recommends that they call the police.
Later, as Brian and Keller are cleaning up the clinic, Brian thanks Keller for not telling the cops about his involvement in all this. Keller indicates to him not to mention it. Those punks have tried to convince the police that some evil mutant attacked them but he certainly wasn’t going to back them up. He then informs Brian to just relax – he has nothing to worry about, his secret is safe. Keller then indicates to Brian that he’s curious – why did he come back to the clinic in the first place? Brian informs him that he wanted to apologize to him for giving a hard time when he was there for his check-up. He adds that Keller was right about his crappy attitude. It doesn’t do him any good, it only makes things worse. He may be dying but he doesn’t want to waste whatever time he has left walking around with a big chip on his shoulder. Life’s too short to take for granted.
Keller then asks him if this means he’s going to be a more cooperative patient from now on. Brian indicates that he will, but only if he will teach him some of those moves that he used on Marcus. He wants to surprise Maverick when he gets back. Keller indicates that it’s a deal then. Brian then asks Keller if he was really a Navy Seal. Keller indicates that he definitely was and that he comes from a long line of sea lovers. He then recommends to Brian not to cross him or he will have his old buddies toss him into Davy Jones’s locker.
As they walk out of the clinic together, Brian asks Keller who Davy Jones is and asks him if was one of the Monkees. He adds that he’s not really into that retro stuff. Keller sighs and informs Brian to never mind. He then indicates to Brian that sometimes he makes him really feel old. With that final note, he takes Brian home.