This Means War! - Marvel: Earth-USB Saga (Part 20)

[rufusluciusivan]

The saga now comes with a characters description: viewtopic.php?t=10048

**************

This Means War!

**************

Taylor and her team used their fake paparazzi van to escape.

They didn’t bother bringing Scorpia with them. Elaine Coll was a thug-for-hire. Nobody cared enough about her to make the risk worthwhile – and certainly not Scorpia’s employer, William Jefferson.

A bit ironically, the one who cared the most for Elaine was Trapstr – the very one who had helped mug her. That was why Taylor decided against Mystique’s ‘permanent’ solution to deal with Scorpia. Instead, she opted to carry the bound-and-gagged (and still unconscious and underwear-clad) scorpion-themed villainess, and drop her in some bushes nearby. She’d be found later, when police would comb the entire park.

With Scorpia out of the way, they loaded the crate holding Black Cat and her red-haired partner into the van, then all climbed inside.

Taylor sat behind the wheel, while Mystique sat on the passenger seat. The other girls went in the back with the crate.

“So… Once again the mission ends in failure…” Mystique remarked.

“Ghost Spider was here.” Taylor retorted.

“Maybe we should do something about her too…”

“That’s why we have her friends.”

“If you say so…” Mystique looked sideways at Taylor. “The deal was that you kill Robert Kelly… This calls into question what Magneto and you agreed on…”

“That’s something between him and I. For now, we flee the area before it becomes swarming with cops.”

“Fallback plan?” Mystique asked.

“Fallback plan.”

**************

They had to drive further into the countryside to reach the fallback plan. However, Taylor wasn’t worried much about the delay – in fact, it would confuse their pursuers. She anticipated Kelly and Orchis – and police – would search the main roads leading to New York City first. Her enemies couldn’t guess they would in fact drive further into the countryside.

Though for now, Taylor, Mystique and their team weren’t attempting to flee. They were going to change identities – and outfits.

Jerky music and harsh neon lights greeted their van when they reached their destination.

Saying the rave party was loud would be an understatement. Music was blaring, groups of people were dancing and jumping. Most were already drunk or high on drugs or both by that point. It felt like a strange bubble – news of the attack against Kelly hadn’t reached these people yet, assuming they’d be lucid enough to understand it.

People from as far as New York City had gathered here, in this patch of field. They were looking for an outlet – a way for them to forget about the rising tensions between pro- and anti-mutants for a few hours.

Taylor and Mystique didn’t care for their reason. However, they cared about the fact the place was noisy, poorly guarded, and crowded with people who didn’t know each other.

They drove the dirt road, and parked their fake paparazzi van in the patch of grass where all the vans used by the party-goers were already parked.

Taylor was satisfied to see there were many vans and mini-buses. Grabbing new sets of outfits would also mean getting their hands on an other vehicle.

“You stay here.” she instructed Jenna, Screwball, and Trapstr. “Watch the crate.” Taylor certainly wouldn’t underestimate Black Cat.

Screwball pouted. “I wanted to see the party…”

One glare made her fall silent.

“Is she for real?” Mystique sarcastically commented. “Doesn’t she realize we’ve become public enemies number 1?”

Taylor, Mystique, and Charlotte approached the rave party.

They didn’t approach the platform from which the music was blaring though. Instead, they went near the portable toilets lined up in a remote part of the field, and observed.

Most of the party-goers were young, and about half of them were women. She ignored the couples, and focused on the all-female groups. There were many student groups and sororities. If they could nab an entire posse at once, it would be a lot easier and safer than catch the girls one by one – and risk their disappearance being noticed by their friends.

Taylor sensed her team had an opportunity when she spotted a posse of ten girls going to the restrooms. The women were young adults – probably senior students. They were wearing similar-ish outfits, so Taylor suspected they were part of the same sorority. If they had come together, then they most likely had a van as well.

“These ones.”

Mystique glanced at the girls. “Of course you’d choose the garish ones.”

The party-goers were indeed clad in black leather jackets, black leather pants, and black leather boots who were all adorned with splat patterns of neon paint. Each was also wearing under her jacket a brightly-colored t-shirt. The outfits of the posse each had their own color for the patterns of neon paint and t-shirts.

A tall tanned-skinned brown-eyed brunette with a high flowing ponytail had red.

A short Caucasian blue-eyed blonde with a lob haircut had green.

A white-skinned skinny green-eyed redhead with twin-tails had yellow.

A chubby black-haired brown-eyed girl with a square cut had blue.

A leggy black woman with black hair, dark brown eyes, and a crown braid had orange.

A meek average-sized girl with auburn hair, hazel brown eyes, and a plain ponytail had purple.

A short American-Japanese girl with deep black hair tied into a high bun and brown eyes had mauve.

A chubby black woman with brown eyes and short dyed yellow hair had cyan.

A slim green-eyed blonde with waist-long untied flowing hair had pink.

A thin blue-eyed brunette with a medium ponytail had mango.

“I can shape-shift into a staff member, and lure them out of sight.” Mystique proposed.

Taylor nodded. “To the parking. I’ll brief the other girls.”

Mystique smiled, and didn’t bother to strip. She used her powers to change her appearance – clothes included.

“Show-off…” Charlotte muttered with envy.

Taylor grabbed her by the collar, and dragged her to the parking area.

Under the guise of a staff member, Mystique approached the main group.

“Girls. Bad news. I’ve received a call from the parking lot. It appears one of your tires is flat.”

The party-goers exchanged curses.

“Don’t worry. We can help you, but we need you with us.”

More insightful – or at least a more sober – people would probably have questioned her statement a bit. But these girls were neither.

They believed Mystique’s words at face value – the fact she looked like a member of the staff helped greatly.

When they reached the parking lot, in truth a patch of grass near a dirt road on which the vans and cars were parked, the party-goes didn’t realize Mystique was trailing behind them. Since she didn’t know which car belonged to the group of girls, she was letting them lead her to it while pretending to know where it was.

The party goers stopped in front of a van as garish-looking as their outfits.

“It looks fine to me.” the tall brunette commented.

Taylor, Jenna, Screwball, and Trapstr descended on the group of women – the latter three armed with stun guns.

The party-goers were untrained, taken by surprise, and they all had had a few drinks already. They didn’t stand a chance.

There were cries for help and pleas for mercy, and some “Ow” and “Ooff” noises, but nobody was around to hear them.

Soon, the night was silent again.

Ten minutes later, ten unconscious girls were dragged and left on the side of the dirt road near the parking spot, concealed behind bushes. All were bound hands and feet with zip-ties, and gagged with a few strips of tape. Seven had been stripped down to their undergarments.

Even the underwear were color-coded: each girl was wearing knickers and a t-shirt bra matching the color of the outfits they used to wear: red, yellow, blue, orange, purple, pink or mango.

Taylor, Charlotte, Trapstr, Jenna, and Screwball were now dressed in the party-goers’ leather jackets, leather trousers, t-shirts, and leather boots. Two spare sets of clothes were lying at their feet.

Since the sorority’s van wasn’t big enough to carry the crate holding Black Cat and her red-haired friend, Taylor had to be a little creative.

The two prisoners – still unconscious – were extracted from their crate. A quick injection of sleeping drug made sure they’d stay asleep for a couple more of hours. Then, they dressed the blonde and the redhead in the stolen party goer clothes.

Now, they only had to pretend they were a bunch of rave party girls carrying two of their friend who had passed out drunk…

**************

Once they were back at their hideout, Taylor supervised while Jenna, Trapstr, Screwball, and Charlotte extracted the two prisoners from the van. She was satisfied to see Black Cat and the redhead were still unconscious.

“I’m going to check on Sarah. Put these two in cells.”

She left, with Charlotte on her trail.

Jenna, Trapstr, and Screwball began to carry the two prisoners.

“Wait.” Mystique interrupted them. “Strip them first.”

Jenna briefly hesitated. “Y- You sure? Seems a bit… like an unnecessary step.”

Mystique glanced at Black Cat. “Trust me. It isn’t. It’s about teaching this girl a lesson. Let her keep her underwear though. I find this little mercy even more humiliating.”

“If you say so...”

“We’ll also bind and gag them again. I want to watch her squirm a little before we lock her up.”

Jenna and Trapstr shared a glance, but wisely kept their thoughts to themselves. Both suspected the identity of Taylor’s second-in-command. Both deduced she and Black Cat had some history together.

And both didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire.

**************

When Taylor entered Sarah’s room and found Magneto was also inside seated next to her, she worked to restrain her anger – if only to spare Sarah. Negative emotions hurt her more.

“What are you doing here, old man?”

“I was checking on Sarah.”

“Yeah. And filling her head with your cheap propaganda.”

“You don’t have any more right than I to tell her what she must do. She’s free to choose.”

Taylor clenched her fists, privately wondering if she’d be fast enough to hit him before he could use the metal she was wearing against her.

“I’m fine, Taylor…” Sarah intervened. “We were just talking...”

“I was also waiting for you.” Magneto added. “I heard your mission was an other failure.”

Taylor made a conscious effort to remain impassive. “I’ve taken steps to insure it won’t happen again…”

“I heard of it. Hostages are a risky tactic.”

“Don’t you still hope to sway the Spider-Team to your side one day? Killing their friends wouldn’t exactly be the best option then…”

“Fair point.” Magneto got up. “Our deal was that-”

“I know what our deal was.”

“With Kelly alive, our enemies still have their rallying figure. You three leaving on your own is too risky.”

He went leave the room.

“Had I killed Kelly, Jefferson would have become the new anti-mutant rallying figure.” Taylor intervened before he could exit. “Leaving would have been just as risky. And you know that. We can’t leave as long as Orchis is still active. You planned that. You made sure we'd have no choice but take your shelter. You really are disgusting, old man.”

“I’m sorry.” Then he left.

Taylor didn’t need Sarah’s powers to know he was sincere. It made her hate him even more.

“He’s right about that.” Sarah intervened. “What’s the point of leaving, if it’s to always be on the run?””

Taylor found herself unable to figure out an answer for a few seconds. “I… I will figure out something.” Her promise was weak. She was painfully aware of that.

Sarah didn’t insist. She never pressed on the topics people didn’t want to discuss. Just like she had never pressed Taylor for answers about the fate of her parents.

The blonde curled up on herself. “You said you captured Ghost Spider’s friends… The redhead is here, isn’t she?”

“… yes.”

“I still remember what she said to me.”

Taylor didn’t like the sound of that, but she couldn’t do anything about it.

**************

When Felicia opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Mary-Jane.

A trussed up gagged Mary-Jane in her cheap undies.

Then again, Felicia couldn’t be one to cast stones. She was in a similar predicament – minus the ‘cheap’ part.

Great. The “damsel in distress curse” is contagious.

They were lying on the floor of a dim-lit empty storage room. It didn’t look like they were in Hutton Brickyards anymore. Felicia wasn’t surprised though. It was logical Taylor and Mystique would exfiltrate them out of the building. Keeping them on site was too risky. She was actually glad they had decided to keep them alive – Felicia knew both Taylor and Mystique had no compunction about killing.

They want to use us as hostages.

Felicia tested the resistance of her bonds. As expected, she didn’t find any slack. Neither Taylor nor Mystique were amateurs. Even a mistress cat burglar like Felicia couldn’t free herself of their knots.

At least not on her own...

Guess we need a little teamwork... She glanced at Mary-Jane, who was still unconscious. First things first, waking up Sleeping Beauty here.

Felicia rolled on her stomach, and used her bound legs and her pelvis to crawl towards the redhead. Of course, as a cat burglar, she was used to being the one dishing out the bondage, but it didn’t mean she hadn’t also trained to be a damsel out of distress. Only a fool wouldn’t guard against all eventualities, and ironically uniform thieves were as prone to get a taste of their own medicine as any uniformed woman.

Once she reached Mary-Jane, Felicia rolled on her back, and began lightly kicking her partner in the ribs with her bound feet.

Come on! Wake up! This is like, what, kidnapping number thirteen for you? Don’t tell me you haven’t built an immunity to sleeping drugs by now!

Mary-Jane woke up brutally. She immediately wiggled, struggled, and tried to shout.

Felicia rolled her eyes, and let out an annoyed moan.

Even gagged, Mary-Jane was loud...

Felicia needed a few more kicks to get Mary-Jane’s attention. The redhead, finally noticing she wasn’t alone, stared at her partner with dumbfounded eyes. She attempted to say something. Though her question was muffled by the gag, Felicia managed to understand her.

‘What happened?’

Felicia rolled her eyes, and moaned an answer.

‘What do you think?’

Mary-Jane didn’t appreciate the sarcasm – even if it was silenced.

Things could have turned ugly, but before they could devolve into an argument of muffled grunts, the light was turned on

Felicia and Mary-Jane squinted their eyes.

Mystique was standing next to the switch. She was grinning from ear to ear.

“Ah, what a spectacle… You squirming on the floor like a worm… And those pitiful moans of distress… I love it! Look at you, Black Cat. You finally learned your place!”

Felicia glared daggers at her. ‘You watched us squirm for your own amusement? Creep!’ she tried to insult the other woman.

“Or maybe not entirely. But that will hopefully change.” Mystique’s smile didn’t waver. She was relishing her victory – and the humiliation of the cat burglar. “Welcome to your new accommodations! I hope you’ll find your stay here pleasant.”

Jenna and Screwball were flanking her. Mystique snapped her fingers, and the two henchwomen moved to grab Felicia and MJ, and carry them to their cells.

“Please remember keeping you alive is only slightly more convenient that killing you. So you better behave, and pray you have some use as hostages. If not…”

The implied threat was clear.

**************

Felicia and Mary-Jane were dragged in two small cells locked with metal grill doors. They were allowed to be untied, but didn’t receive any clothes.

Felicia learned they weren’t the only hostages when she attempted to pick the lock of her grill door, and heard a voice call her from the cell right to hers:

“You can’t pick the lock, Black Cat. They don’t use keys.”

The voice came from the cell next to hers. An other woman, with a light skin, auburn hair, a square haircut, and reddish brown eyes. She was wearing plain clothes – t-shirt and tracksuit that were too baggy for her, as if they weren’t her size.

“I’m sorry. Have we met?”

“Not personally. But I read your file in SHIELD’s database.”

“Masked heroine? Apologies. It’s hard to tell without the costume. Thanks for the advice, but I’m not exactly the type to just sit and give up.”

“And even if you did. There is a camera watching us.”

It turned out there were two other prisoners, and they were the reason SHIELD had suddenly become a lot less helpful in the fight against Taylor. One was a high-ranked agent called Meseret Senai, and the other was Guillotine – a masked heroine affiliated with the Champions of Europe. Both had been ambushed and mugged alongside the rest of a SHIELD strike team during Taylor’s operation against the AVENGERS Tower – though Taylor had only kept these two as hostages.

“Gwen’s outside! She’ll come to our rescue!” Mary-Jane intervened. “I’m sure she’s cooking up a plan right now.”

Felicia nodded. It was their main hope. She knew Gwen. Their friend had many, many back-up plans.

She just needed to enact one, right under Magneto’s nose…

Yeah, things were dire. But if Felicia trusted one person to pull such a stunt through – save for herself of course – it was Gwen.

**************

Back in the Spider Team’s main base of operation – aka Peter’s apartment – the mood was somber.

Both Peter and Miles hadn’t taken well the news that Black Cat and MJ were now prisoners of Taylor and her crew. Plus, Peter had this painful crush on Mary-Jane, and if it weren’t for the threat of Magneto having the hostages killed, he’d already be out there swinging and trying to be the hero rescuing the damsel in distress.

“They’ll be monitoring our actions.” Miles commented. “I’m sure we can find ways to trick them, but I anticipate only one of us at a time will be able to sneak under the radar.”

“I have a plan. I need one of you to stand in for me.” Gwen announced.

Peter nodded. “As long as it’s only your spare costumes we have to put on and not the underwear, we’ll be fine.” His attempt at a joke to ease the tension fell flat. He turned serious again. “You sure you can do things on your own?”

“Who said I’d act on my own?”

“On your own or with some help, you better act fast.” Miles intervened. “Orchis and Magneto won’t wait for you to move their pawns. They probably are right now.”

**************

Around the corner of an alleyway, the noises of punches and swift jabs were briefly heard, alongside some ‘Ow!’, ‘Ouch!’, and ‘Ooof!’. Then the dull sounds of three limp bodies falling onto the ground, and being dragged behind dumpsters and trash cans.

Surrounded by Lynn and Erin, Jill dusted her hands, and looked at the ambulance crew lying unconscious at her feet.

“Pro tip, girls. Sometimes, an emergency call is NOT an emergency call...”

The three paramedics were wearing thick black shoes, dark blue trousers, and light blue ambulance uniform shirts. One was brown-haired and tall, with a slightly tanned skin, honey brown eyes, and a functional ponytail. The second one was also a brunette – albeit with lighter hair – a white skin, and blue eyes. A white headband and small bun were keeping her hair in check. The third one had neck-long black hair, a blue headband, brown eyes, and a white skin.

The three Orchis mercenaries swiftly stripped the unconscious women off their uniforms – leaving the dark-brown-haired one clad in a black thong, pink socks, and a red demi-bra; the light-brown-haired one in blue hip-hugging panties, a white bullet bra, and green socks; and the black-haired one in white knickers with a flower pattern, a matching seamless t-shirt bra, and white socks.

They restrained the paramedics with zip-ties – one for the wrists, one for the ankles – and gagged them with a few strips of tape.

Then they threw each half-naked girl inside one trash can, before slipping into the ambulance crew uniforms.

“They won’t appreciate the smell…” Lynn commented with a snicker as she buttoned her uniform shirt.

Jill shrugged as she slipped into her new trousers. “Who cares? We’ll pin their mugging on Magneto’s team. Talk about two birds with one stone!”

Once they were in disguise, the three mercenaries loaded two bags concealing weapons into the ambulance, and climbed into it.

Lynn drove them to a specific homeless shelter. On its front window, several posters with slogans defending mutant rights were stitched.

“So this is the place?”

In the back of the ambulance, Erin pulled out a powerful shotgun, while Jill prepared some Molotov cocktails.

“Yep. They think they can support Magneto’s ideals without getting involved in his actions. Let’s remind them you can’t do things by halves in war...”

Jill opened the back door of the ambulance, and used her shotgun to destroy the front window with one shot. Then, she and Erin threw Molotov cocktails inside the hole.

Ignoring the screams of alarm and panic, they immediately returned inside the ambulance and closed the backdoor.

Lynn put on the sirens and swiftly drove away. To anyone in the streets, they looked like an ambulance crew answering to an emergency. Nobody tried to intercept them.

**************

This is such a mess...

Yuriko Watanabe groaned to herself and massaged her forehead.

And to think only one day full day had passed since the attempt against Robert Kelly at his fundraising gala… She had already heard of an attack against a homeless shelter suspected to have ties with Magneto… and an entire ambulance crew had been discovered robbed of their uniforms…

The whole country was in turmoil. Nobody could conceal the truth to the population anymore. The first attempt against Kelly had been explained as a crowd stampede due to faulty organization. A lot of people were questioning the official version, there were too many testimonies of bound-and-gagged bystanders for it to be otherwise, but since there was no death it was easier to play down the incident. The second attempt during the TV debate had been nipped in the bud and easily covered up to prevent a mass panic – even if, then again, some information had leaked. But this time, someone had tried to shoot Kelly in front of all of New York’s upper-crust. Given how said someone had made short work of Finesse and bypassed four security details, Yuri assumed it was Taylor.

Robert Kelly was currently holed up in a secret location for his own safety. William Jefferson was calling the shots.

Citizens were freaking out. Pro- and Anti-Mutants were jumping at each other’s throats. These were only online arguments and bar brawls for now, but both Jefferson and Magneto had begun to fan the flames.

Their goal was clear. Riots. Open warfare in the streets. Civil war, with some luck.

New York City was one step from anarchy.

And in the middle, trying to keep the situation under control, there was the police.

Yuri’s thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing.

She frowned when she didn’t recognize the number. However, not many people knew how to contact her on this cellphone, so she still picked it up.

“Yes?”

“Captain Watanabe. I need your help.”

“Ghost Spider. I hope you have a good explanation. They say you’re involved in the latest attempt against Robert Kelly!”

“That’s not true! I tried to stop it!”

“Are you denying you assaulted women of the security staff?”

“No! I did! But only because I had no other choice!”

“William Jefferson claims you’re an accomplice of the assassins.”

“Captain. Who do you trust the most? Jefferson or me?”

Ghost Spider had a point. She and her friends had prevented the attack during the debate. They had saved Yuri’s life. And yes, she didn’t have any trust in William Jefferson.

“What do you want?”

“I need your help.”

Yuri pondered for a moment. Then she made her choice. “Tell me where I can meet you.”

**************

When Firestar heard someone knock at the apartment’s door, she checked the intercom with all her senses on alert. Only friends were supposed to know about this location, but one could never be too cautious.

“Who’s there?”

“It’s me.”

“Gwen?”

Firestar opened the door, letting the other young woman in.

“I heard you were involved in an assassination attempt. What happened? You look like a mess…”

Gwen indeed was paler and more tired than usual. “A lot. Too much for me to explain everything. Angel, I need your help. I screwed up. MJ and Felicia have been captured.”

“Black Cat and her sidekick?”

Gwen scratched the back of her head. “Well, I don’t think Mary-Jane would agree to that label-”

“Say no more. I owe them my freedom. I’ll help you.”

Gwen’s face brightened and regained some colors. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“It’ll only be me though. The Institute can’t be involved. Xavier is still on thin ice with the police, and I’m still officially a fugitive on the run.”

Gwen didn’t lose her smile – nor did she lose her analytic mind. “Which is a good thing then, because Orchis will most likely get in our way. We’re one step from open warfare between them and Magneto, Angel. Jefferson and his goons will be as much of a threat as the mutant extremists.”

Firestar smiled harshly. “I can hardly wait.”

**************

Kate Bishop knew her quarry was close when she heard the mewling coming from the maintenance closet. Checking nobody was in sight, she opened the door.

A light-skinned hazel-eyed brunette with a short ponytail was sitting on the bare floor. Her hands were bound behind her back with ropes. An other rope was wrapped around her legs. Finally, she was gagged with some package tape. The woman was also almost naked – she was only clad in white French panties and a yellow full-cup bra.

The bound-and-gagged brunette looked relieved when she recognized her savior as All-New Hawkeye.

Kate put a finger on her lips, to mention her to stop making noise.

The woman nodded.

Kate moved to a spot that would allow her to ungag the brunette while also keeping an eye on the corridor to prevent an ambush. She removed the tape.

“Where is she?” Kate whispered.

“In the safe room. Last door to the left. She’s dressed as a guard.”

“Figured that one out. Police is on its way. I’ll leave you here where you’re safe.” She quickly cut the ropes binding the security guard’s wrists with a knife, and gave it to her so that she could finish freeing herself.

Kate then went to the safe room, and discreetly opened the door.

A woman dressed as a security guard – black cap, dark blue uniform button-up shirt, equipment belt, black trousers, and black shoes – was busy trying to open the safe.

When Kate entered, the woman sensed danger and turned around.

A blunt arrow hit her in the forehead, dazing her. She squeaked in pain, and fell on her butt.

Kate was on her before she could recover. One martial arts move was enough to pin her onto her stomach, one arm twisted behind the back. Handcuffing her afterwards was child’s play.

“Wait! I can explain-”

“You’ll explain it to the police.” Kate interrupted her as she grabbed her by the shoulders to force her to stand up. She checked the woman’s face from up close. The robber was average-looking in every way. Medium brown hair, plain hazel eyes, a nondescript light skin, average height and body mass, round-shaped face. No wonder this specific crook had chosen infiltration as her modus operandi.

“A pity you’re not the mistress of disguise I’m looking for though…” Kate commented.

Still, delivering the criminal to the police and rescuing her victim felt VERY satisfying. Hopefully, she’d get her hands on Trapstr and her accomplices soon...

When she left the crime scene to return home, Kate mused to herself the city was becoming crazy. Well, crazier than usual...

Kate was watching the news – like everyone else – and got some tips from her ex-boyfriend. She was aware of how tense the political situation was. She was aware open warfare between armed militias wasn’t just science-fiction at that point.

And criminals were aware of that too. With the police busy trying to quell the quasi-street warfare between pro-mutants and anti-mutants, all would-be robbers and petty delinquents were taking advantage of the situation.

Kate wished she could do more than damage-control – but she also knew Magneto and the likes were way out of her league. If only there was a way for her to contribute…

Kate entered her apartment.

“Hello!” a voice politely called above her.

Kate readied her bow, though she didn’t release the arrow.

“Ghost Spider.”

The spider-themed heroine, wearing her inimitable white, black and pink costume, was crouched face down on the ceiling.

“I’m thankful for the rescue last time, but they say you tried to murder Robert Kelly.” Kate added. She looked at the redhead flying near Gwen. “And Firestar. You’re a fugitive too. Fallen heroines are sticking together?”

Angelica chuckled bitterly. “And since when All-New Hawkeye trusts in the words of Orchis and William Jefferson?”

There was a short beat. Then Kate lowered her weapon.

“You’re right.”

However, she kept glaring at them.

“Still, I assume you’re not here for a courtesy visit.”

Gwen nodded. “The team assembled by Taylor Woodward. I believe you have a beef with them.”

Kate clenched her fists. “Indeed I do.”

“Then it’s your chance to pay them back.”

**************

Jeanne Foucaut – aka Finesse – was mortified.

Her mission to protect Robert Kelly had been a complete failure. She had been beaten, humiliated, and robbed of her clothes with embarrassing ease. Then left on a toilet seat to be found – adding an extra layer of humiliation.

And worst of all, she still had no clue on Guillotine’s whereabouts.

Finesse finished investigating the floor of an abandoned building in New York City. Apparently, the same team that had assaulted her had once laid out an ambush here for All-New Hawkeye. Finesse had hoped she had found a lead, had hoped she could find some clues. But it was an other dead end.

Suddenly, a figure clad in a white, black, and pink spider-themed costume dropped from the ceiling, and landed in front of her.

Finesse reflexively grabbed her batons.

Ghost Spider showed her hands. “Please don’t freak out. I’m here to talk.”

“You! You were part of the raid!” Finesse attempted to lunge forward.

Webs were shot to immobilize her wrists to the wall.

“What the-?!”

“Apologies, but I need you to hear me out first. Then I’ll release you, and we can fight to your heart’s content if you want.”

Ghost Spider’s voice was assertive.

Finesse calmed herself a bit.

“Okay. I’m listening.”

“I have a lead on Guillotine’s disappearance.”

Finesse’s eyes widened. Being a polymath, she could tell her interlocutor was telling the truth.

Ghost Spider realized she had Jeanne’s full attention now. “It’s a crew led by a former Canadian spy named Taylor Woodward. They work for Magneto. They’re responsible of the attempts against Robert Kelly. And they took my friends hostage, just like they did with yours.”

Ghost Spider released Finesse’s wrists.

“So. You want to fight? Or you want to rescue your friend with my help?”

**************

Gathered in Firestar’s apartment, they were quite the crew.

A fugitive web-slinger, her equally-fugitive mutant friend with fire powers, a police captain moonlighting as a masked vigilante, an elite bowwoman, and a French polymath.

Then again, Taylor’s team was as ragtag, and it hadn’t prevented them from becoming a country-level threat.

Gwen stepped forward. “We may not have common goals, but we can work together to achieve them. And most importantly, we’re the only ones who can do something. The AVENGERS are busy with Magneto’s heavy-hitters, SHIELD is being blackmailed, and police and FBI can barely contain the angry citizens.”

“So what’s the plan? Not that I don’t have faith in our capacities, but I believe Magneto is a bit above our league.” Kate intervened. She glanced at Angelica. “Except maybe yours.”

The redhead smiled, and nodded as thanks for the compliment.

Gwen smiled lightly “Good thing then that we won’t need to fight him.”

“Care to explain?”

“The main strength of Taylor’s team is and has always been the fact they’re beneath notice. Because it means the AVENGERS can’t afford sending their heavy hitters to crack down on them – there will always be a bigger threat to contend with. Sure, for your regular human, Taylor is impossible to defeat. But what is she compared to a Thanos? Or even a Doctor Doom? That’s what Magneto’s been counting on. That’s what he’s counting on even now. He won’t send his heavy hitters to guard Taylor. Nor will he intervene personally unless he thinks things are getting out of control. Because if he does, then he’ll put the spotlight on her.”

Gwen looked at all the women assembled.

“In a way, we’re also in Taylor’s situation. Magneto is focusing on the heavy hitters. The Avengers, SHIELD, the Champions of Europe… He devised contingency plans for them. He even got some leverage.”

Finesse bit her lower lip.

“But we’re under his radar – at least mostly. We’ll beat him at his own game. The game of infiltration. I anticipate he’ll send help. Mutants powerful enough to contend with the likes of me – since that’s why they took my friends hostage. Both Firestar and I can match that kind of opponent in battle, and I’m pretty sure you all have tricks up your sleeves to knock out super-powered opponents. The gap in power level won’t matter if we sneak inside the place, and take them by surprise. Because that’s what I intend to do.”

“It’s all fine and dandy, but there’s one problem. How will we find where Taylor is hiding?” Finesse objected. “From what you’re saying, SHIELD can’t help us.”

“Ironically enough, I think Orchis is our best shot for information. Jefferson’s network is huge. He can count on the help of the whole anti-mutant agenda, and on his ties with the criminal world. We’ll let his informants do the work… and then we’ll snatch the results before he can make his move.”

“He’ll refuse to share his information.”

Gwen’s face turned harsh. “I never said we’d take ‘no’ for an answer.”

**************

The first step of the plan was to create a distraction. Enter Yuriko Wattanabe.

Using her police captain status, she sent a fake alert, pretending a strike team of Magneto was about to bomb Central Park. Orchis was called as reinforcement. She promised them good PR and the gratitude of the police. Jefferson jumped at the opportunity, and sent most of his New York staff.

The next step of the plan was to create an other distraction. Enter Kate Bishop.

Among the main financial backers and shareholders of Orchis, there was one businesswoman named Susie Newell. A powerful loan shark who also owned and rented many apartments in New York City. Coincidentally, she also shared a passing resemblance with Kate – roughly the same size and build, black hair, light skin, and blue eyes. With only a little hair dye, contact lenses, make-up and a couple of prosthesis for the face, Kate could pass herself for Susie with ease.

A surprise visit of such an important shareholder of the company would certainly catch the attention of most of the remaining staff of New York’s Orchis headquarters, in which Gwen intended to break into.

Now, like any self-important businesswoman, Susie traveled with a bodyguard, a chauffeur and a personal secretary.

Thankfully, Gwen, Angelica, and Jeanne were all available…

Susie went to the underground parking of her company’s head office. The black-haired brown-eyed light-skinned businesswoman was wearing a sharp ensemble: blood red high-heels, black tights, a bottle green pencil skirt, a matching business suit jacket with her initials on the heart over a silk white button-up shirt. Her hair were tied into a stern-looking chignon.

Susie was escorted by Leslie – a slim ex-soldier with short brown hair, clad in the usual attire of corporate bodyguards (black shoes, black trousers, white button-up shirt, and black jacket). Her aide Sharon, a smart-looking blond-haired woman with blue eyes and rectangle-shaped glasses, was following her. She was wearing a plainer business ensemble than her boss: black high-heels, a black pencil skirt, grey tights, a light grey button-up shirt, and a black business suit jacket. Her hair were neatly tied into a high bun.

Susie’s personal limousine was waiting for her. The engine was already on. Her driver was sitting behind the wheel – clad in the inimitable dark grey trousers, with matching jacket and chauffeur cap.

The businesswoman entered the back of her limo, followed by Sharon, while Leslie sat on the passenger seat next to the chauffeur.

“Drive Andrea, I’m in a hurry.” Susie said through the intercom, as there was a bulletproof glass between the front and back seats.

Firestar adjusted her driver cap, and the wig she was wearing underneath.

“It won’t take long, ma’am. I’ve already turned on the sleeping gas. With the remote hidden in my hand.”

“What?”

Leslie was the first to react. She grabbed the cross of her handgun. Angelica was faster on the draw. Stun gun already in hand, she knocked the bodyguard out by pressing the device against her neck. With a grunt, Leslie slumped onto her seat. Out cold.

“The sleeping gas.” Angelica then said. “Hadn’t you noticed the small gas bomb under your seat?”

Sharon checked, and found the small device.

“Oh…”

But it was too late. Susie and her secretary were already feeling dizzy. They both slumped onto their seats, their legs now too weak to support them.

Sharon’s head was already lolling to the side. The mousy secretary was dozing off.

Susie attempted one last threat: “I’ll… have… your head… for… foooorrr…”

“- for this, yeah, yeah, just take a nap.”

Susie and Sharon went still, falling into a deep sleep.

Angelica turned on the engine, and drove away.

**************

Angelica parked the limousine in the empty backyard of an abandoned warehouse. An innocuous-looking van was waiting for her.

And standing next to the van, dressed in civilian clothes, there were Kate and Jeanne.

Angelica exited the limousine, and stretched her back.

Her two partners went to greet her. “How did it go?”

“Like clockwork.”

Gwen jumped into the courtyard from the nearby building. She had discreetly followed the limo from the parking, swinging from building to building.

“Even better than that.” she commented.

“Let’s get down to work, then.” Kate proposed.

First, they recovered Andrea from the trunk of the limo. Susie’s real chauffeur was an auburn-haired light-skinned Caucasian woman with green eyes. Stripped of her uniform, her only articles of clothes were plain (but comfortable) pink briefs, white socks, and a beige t-shirt bra. She was deeply asleep because of the soporific drug Firestar had injected her. Her wrists and ankles were zip-tied and a strip of tape was gagging her, just in case.

Firestar scooped the snoozing woman in her arms, carried her inside the van, and laid her on a sheet on the floor.

Next, they opened the doors of the limo to clear the sleeping gas, before dragging all its occupants into the van – Kate grabbed Susie by the undershoulders, Jeanne did the same with Sharon, and Gwen carried Leslie.

Inside the van, they stripped the bodyguard and the secretary first – leaving Sharon clad in mellow yellow boyshorts and a mango orange t-shirt bra, and Leslie wearing a surprisingly raunchy set of black high-cut panties with red lace and a matching plunge lace-adorned bra, as well as black suspenders and garter belt. Both women were zip-tied and tape-gagged in a way similar to Andrea, in case one woke up too soon.

Then, while Jeanne was disguising herself with Sharon’s business attire, and Gwen was with Leslie’s bodyguard outfit, Kate rolled Susie onto her stomach, took off her high-heels, and unfastened the belt of the businesswoman’s pencil skirt.

“Careful with the outfit here.” Gwen commented.

Indeed, Susie’s business suit was the main reason they had to mug her and her employees. The businesswoman only wore unique tailor-made haute couture clothes. They couldn’t just buy a similar set of clothes, and use a fake call to make the businesswoman leave town for a day. They had to capture the real deal, and take her outfit.

“Don’t worry. I may not be a pro at this, but it’s not my first time.” Kate answered.

She shimmied the skirt down Susie’s legs, then peeled off the tights, revealing emerald green high-cut panties made of silk and adorned with lace. She unbuttoned the business suit jacket, did the same with the shirt underneath, then lifted Susie’s upper body to pull off each garment, leaving the woman clad in a lacy full-cup bra matching the emerald green colour of the panties.

Susie’s underwear were also tailor-made, but thankfully for her Kate didn’t need them for her disguise.

Kate also used a device to imprint Susie’s fingerprints on a fake skin she’d later stick on her fingers.

Once the clothes were removed, they zip-tied and tape-gagged Susie, and left her out of the way.

The businesswoman, Leslie, and Sharon were laid next to Andrea on the rug.

“We leave them like that?” Jeanne asked.

Gwen nodded. “They’ll be safe here. We’ll tip Yuri about them once we’re done.

Kate put on Susie’s outfit. Once she was done, Gwen (disguised as her bodyguard), Jeanne (disguised as her aide), and Angelica (disguised as her chauffeur), helped her put on the hair dye, make-up, prosthesis, and fake fingers skin.

Finally, they exited and locked the van, and all climbed into Susie’s limousine to drive away.

**************

Angelica stopped the limousine in front of the gate.

“Mme Newell? We weren’t expecting you today.”

Kate used the cover story they had agreed on. “I had to come unannounced. I have important information. I suspect wanted mutants are hiding in one apartment belonging to a subcontractor of mine.”

The cover story was tailor-made. Orchis wouldn’t be able to resist such juicy intel.

“I see. Do you mind if we do a little test?”

Kate didn’t miss a beat. “It’s not like I have a choice.” she retorted, staying in-character.

The guards smiled awkwardly. One pulled out a small device to check her fingerprints.

Kate didn’t hesitate – she trusted the fake skin on her fingers. And indeed, she fooled the machine.

The guards then grabbed devices with small needles.

“Molecular disruptor. It disrupts the powers of shape-shifting mutants.” one explained.

They gave each woman in the car a small prick. Angelica made sure to use her chauffeur cap to obscure her face.

Of course, the disruptors had no effect on them.

“You’re all clear. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Angelica drove them to the VIP parking lot. An other mercenary – high-ranked this time – greeted her. He had been warned by the guards at the gate.

“Mme Newell. Please enter. Most of the officers aren’t here, but we’ll do our best to search the database.”

Kate nodded. She looked at her ‘chauffeur’ and ‘bodyguard’. “Leslie, Andrea, wait here. I trust Orchis to provide my protection.”

The mercenary saluted. “Ma’am. Your trust won’t be misplaced!”

Kate glared at him. “I expect only the best. Given how much money I invest in your company...”

“O- Of course, ma’am.”

Kate smiled dryly. “Good.” She was clearly having fun playing the part of the haughty businesswoman. “Sharon, come with me.”

With one last encouraging glance, Jeanne followed Kate, playing the part of the meek aide.

Gwen and Angelica.

“Morons didn’t even recognize me as Firestar…” Angelica mentioned.

“Nobody ever pays attention to the chauffeur. Or the bodyguard for that matter.” Gwen took her phone, waiting for the message of her teammates. “The moment Finesse has managed to neutralize the cameras, we take action.”

**************

Giorgia moved her fire helmet to scratch her forehead . Her green eyes were displaying her confusion. She was aware she looked very out of place clad in her full firefighter protective equipment and uniform: fireproof gloves, boots, pants, coat, helmet, and head stocking, with her Self-contained Breathing Apparatus strapped onto the side… next to a warehouse that was, in fact, not burning.

“I don’t get it. We were told it was an emergency.”

Her teammates were as confused as her.

“And we’re alone? It’s as if we were the only ones who received this alert.” Giorgia added.

“You think this was some kind of prank, ‘cause we’re the only all-female team?”

“I hope not! For their sake!” Girogia shook her head. “I’m gonna check the radio.”

Leaving her colleagues to watch the area, she opened the driver’s door of her fire truck, and grabbed the transmitter of the radio.

She frowned. “No signal. Odd. It’s as if-”

“As if somebody hacked your radio to lure you into a trap?” a woman commented behind her

Giorgia turned. “Now, now, let’s not get paranoid… Those things only happen in cheap movies and-”

Trapstr sprayed the redhead in the face with a hefty dose of knock-out gas. “Surprise.”

The firefighter coughed and staggered, her eyes teary. “Wh- Wha-?!” Her legs shook. The gas was already dulling her senses.

Giorgia’s vision was blurry, but she still managed to notice all her colleagues were lying on the ground nearby, unconscious, while a group of women were busy divesting them of their firefighter equipment and uniforms.

The redhead’s body gave up, and she passed out with a faint moan. Trapstr caught the limp woman, and dragged her next to her colleagues.

Just like the rest of her crew, Giorgia was stripped off her protective gears, coat, and pants, as well as the short-sleeved uniform she wore underneath. The removed helmet and head stocking revealed her bright red hair tied into a crown braid, and once the rest of her outfit and gear were removed, her well-toned freckled body was displayed. She was left clad in striped red-and-blue boxer undershorts, black socks with red polka dots, and a comfortable orange racerback bra.

Trapstr bound the red-haired firefighter’s wrists and ankles with zip-ties. She restrained her upper-arms with one length of cable. Finally, she gagged her with small sponge shoved into the mouth and tape wrapped around the lips and lower face.

The three other firefighters were similarly stripped, bound, and gagged. A blue-eyed blonde was left wearing a matching set of night blue knockers, bra, and socks with a pattern of black stars. A tanned-skinned hazel-eyed brunette was left clad in zebra cheeky panties and a matching balcony bra, and white socks. A black-skinned black-haired brown-eyed woman was left wearing white control briefs, a pink full-cup bra, and red socks.

Taylor, Trapstr, Mystique, and Jenna dragged the girls out of sight, and concealed them in an empty dumpster.

They put on the firefighter’s uniforms and protective gear, using the helmets and head stockings to hide their identities.

Jenna and Trapstr then went to retrieve a rectangular device, and loaded it into the fire truck.

“Careful with the bomb.” Taylor instructed.

“I find the choice of disguise a bit ironic.” Mystique commented with a smirk.

“And I don’t need your comments on the situation.”

“Looks like someone’s snappy… I mean, more than usual. Still sour you can’t just run away like a coward?”

“Still sour your boss uses me like a pawn against Orchis.”

“Oh trust me, he doesn’t see you as a pawn. You’re at least a rook.”

Mystique didn’t press on her advantage though. She was good at reading people. She knew Taylor would react to any more jab with violence. The black-haired mercenary was already furious she had had to leave Charlotte and Sarah unsupervised.

And she was soon going to be even more furious when she'd learn Magneto intended to send some of his people to watch their hideout. Or that he soon would ask Sarah to directly help with her powers once more.

**************

Once the cameras were neutralized, discreetly roaming the corridors was child’s play when you could either fly or crawl on the ceiling.

“This is the room?” Firestar asked.

“The main database, yes.”

Gwen checked the door. It required a keycard and a password.

“We’ll need the right security clearance.”

“Then I propose we borrow one.” Angelica answered. “It’s not my first time with Orchis grunts…”

Gwen’s spider-sense warned her of an upcoming danger. “Speak of the devil.”

She wasn’t too worried though. With the camera neutralized, as long as the guards couldn’t grab their walkie-talkies, they’d be fine.

The two Orchis mercenaries patrolling the corridors halted. They were wearing the inimitable red full uniform jumpsuit, black protective pads on the knees and shoulders, black equipment belt with pouches around the waist, black pouch around the right thigh, black combat boots, and red helmet with a yellow protective transparent visor.

One was a tall slim athletic white-skinned woman. The other was of average height, with an angular face, a light skin, an average breast size and average curves, but a body was slim and well-toned due to her training.

They were familiar faces.

“You again?!” Marilyn exclaimed.

“You?!” Firestar and Ghost Spider both retorted.

There was an awkward beat.

Gwen and Angelica shared a glance. “You too?” they couldn’t help but exclaim.

Ruth also glared at her partner. “Both?! And also Black Cat?! Just how many girls have stripped you anyway?!”

Marilyn’s face turned lobster red. “Enough talk! Today, I’m getting my revenge!”

She aimed her machine gun.

Angelica made the weapon overheat with her powers.

“Ow!” Marilyn dropped the machine gun.

Gwen shot a web to snatch the weapon away before it could hit the floor.

Marilyn attempted to grab her walkie talkie.

Angelica made the device overheat.

“Ow!” Marilyn dropped the walkie talkie.

Gwen shot a web to snatch the device away before it could hit the floor.

Marilyn looked uncomfortable. “Errr…”

Ruth discreetly tried to grab her walkie talkie.

Angelica shot her a nasty glare.

The blond mercenary froze awkwardly, then raised her hands.

Gwen assessed the women’s uniforms, then smiled. “Say. I assume you two have security clearance...”

**************

Inside a maintenance closet, the underwear-clad Marilyn and Ruth were sitting next to each other against the wall, thoroughly webbed up. Each woman’s legs were wrapped together with web. A second cocoon of web was immobilizing the arms and shoulders. They weren’t gagged yet because their captors wanted to ask them a few questions.

The black-haired mercenary was clad in a candy pink t-shirt bra, white briefs, and light pink socks; and the blonde was wearing green boxer undershorts, white socks, and an emerald green sports bra. Both mercenaries glared at Gwen and Angelica with undisguised hatred and scorn.

The two heroines finished putting on the gear and uniform of Orchis mercenaries – both were used to this kind of outfits by now.

Angelica turned towards the webbed-up mercenaries. “I noticed your key cards won’t be enough. We also need a password. Since you’re patrolling this zone, I assume you have it. So be nice little bigots, and give it to us.”

Ruth spat at her feet. “Bigot? Magneto killed my cousin! He was a delivery guy! Sent his van flying across the street! Didn’t give him a chance!”

Angelica ignored the spit on her boot, and made a show of looking all around her. “Strange… I don’t see Magneto among us… Unless he took a lot of plastic surgery…”

She grabbed Ruth by the chin.

“In fact, when was the last time you scored a victory against him? Scratch that. When was the last time you even fought against him, instead of bullying my friends of the Institute?”

Ruth attempted to free her face. “Don’t touch me! Filthy mutie!”

Angelica’s glare turned harsh. Her palm began to warm itself. However, Gwen put a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

“You’re better than this.”

Firestar took a deep breath, then released the mercenary.

“I’ll handle it.” Gwen added.

She crouched in front of the captives.

“I’m willing to give you two the benefit of the doubt. I’m willing to assume you’re the kind of bigots who act out of fear and not out of sadism or hatred. So I’ll give you one chance to answer my questions. Then I will get mean.”

She moved her face closer.

“What. Is. The. Code?”

Ruth and Marilyn shared a glance. Then the latter finally fessed up: “1-2-3-4-5.”

Angelica raised an eyebrow.

“I’m serious! It’s 1-2-3-4-5!”

“Jefferson needs to go down…” Angelica simply mumbled.

“Thank you.” Gwen said to the two mercenaries.

Then she shot web at Marilyn’s and Ruth’s mouths to cover their lips and gag them.

Gwen and Angelica ignored their muffled complains, and left the maintenance closet.

Marilyn’s and Ruth’s security clearance and access code opened the door to the database room.

“You’ll find what we need in this maze?” Angelica commented.

“Miles and I came up with a program that will help me. I just need a console directly linked to the database.”

Gwen found one, and inserted a USB key. She typed a few commands, and waited.

“It’s working… There! I have it! We'll be able to locate Taylor with those...”

“You copied the information?”

“That should do it. Now, let me delete everything, and we leave…”

However, right in the middle of the process, the alarm began to blare. The walkie-talkies strapped onto their belts sprang to life.

“Attention all units! We’re under attack!”

Angelica grimaced. “Shit! You think they found about us?”

Loud explosion. The entire building trembled.

“I think not.”

“Taylor?”

“Or Magneto. Who cares? We need to get out!”

They grabbed the USB key, and rushed outside the database room.

Listening to Marilyn’s and Ruth’s walkie-talkies, Gwen and Angelica soon learned that the compound was on fire. Some sort of bomb attack. Their enemies had disguised themselves as firefighters to bypass security.

“We go to the parking lot, and grab an Orchis van.” Gwen instructed her partner.

She wasn’t worried for Kate and Jeanne. She trusted All-New Hawkeye and Finesse were resourceful enough to flee unscathed. Same with the few Orchis mercenaries remaining in the buildings.

Orchis mercenaries…

Gwen frowned.

“Oh!”

“What?”

Gwen began to retrace her steps.

“Come with me! We forgot something!”

**************

Mystique was feeling ecstatic. "You saw those fireworks?! Now, this is what I'm talking about! One or two more hits like that, and they'll be ready for open warfare in the streets..."

Sitting behind the wheel of the fire truck, Taylor didn't take her eyes off the street, but also didn't attempt to conceal a noise of disgust.

"You'll thank us when we'll have built a world in which your little Sarah can live free, without having to always glance over her shoulder in fear."

"Too bad this isn't a world in which people won't use her for their own gain."

Mystique wisely didn't dwell on the topic.

**************

Gwen and Angelica stole an Orchis van to escape the compound.

In the back of the vehicle, Marilyn and Ruth were complaining in their gags. Of course, since they were trussed up and lying half-naked on the metal floor during a bumpy ride, it was hardly surprising.

Gwen was a heroine. So of course she was nice enough to save these two’s lives and take them with her. She however had her limits. She wasn’t nice enough to leave them in a comfortable position.

“I was expecting a bit more gratitude…” Firestar complained. She turned and barked at the captives: “You know we could have left you behind, right?!”

The two mercenaries stopped moaning.

“You don’t save people just because you like them.” Gwen intervened. “Besides, you’d be cranky too if you were carried around like luggage in your underwear.”

“Fair point.” Firestar shrugged. “What’s the next step?”

“We drop these two at the nearest police station, then regroup with the others. We got what we wanted. And we need to act quickly. It’s only a matter of days before the situation escalates into open warfare.”

[meditions142]

Some really fun scenes in this chapter.

I actually really liked the way you let us hear but not see the take out of the ambulance crew. Great description "Around the corner of an alleyway, the noises of punches and swift jabs were briefly heard, alongside some ‘Ow!’, ‘Ouch!’, and ‘Ooof!’. Then the dull sounds of three limp bodies falling onto the ground, and being dragged behind dumpsters and trash cans." Very cool description.

Also amazing it sounded like Jill knocked out all three women herself. Impressive! And then she got to make the wonderful "pro tip" comment.

I also liked the image of Susie and Sharon being put to sleep by the gas. Fun scene that Susie at least fought back enough to try and threaten Angelica but Sharon just went out with the gas. Love the description "Sharon’s head was already lolling to the side. The mousy secretary was dozing off."

I also like the scene of Kate finding the guard. Fun scene of discovering the real guard already having been robbed of her uniform and tied up. It is fun to imagine what the thief did to the guard.

Just such fun, nice touches.

[rufusluciusivan]

Some really fun scenes in this chapter.

I actually really liked the way you let us hear but not see the take out of the ambulance crew. Great description "Around the corner of an alleyway, the noises of punches and swift jabs were briefly heard, alongside some ‘Ow!’, ‘Ouch!’, and ‘Ooof!’. Then the dull sounds of three limp bodies falling onto the ground, and being dragged behind dumpsters and trash cans." Very cool description.

Also amazing it sounded like Jill knocked out all three women herself. Impressive! And then she got to make the wonderful "pro tip" comment.

I also liked the image of Susie and Sharon being put to sleep by the gas. Fun scene that Susie at least fought back enough to try and threaten Angelica but Sharon just went out with the gas. Love the description "Sharon’s head was already lolling to the side. The mousy secretary was dozing off."

I also like the scene of Kate finding the guard. Fun scene of discovering the real guard already having been robbed of her uniform and tied up. It is fun to imagine what the thief did to the guard.

Just such fun, nice touches.

Hello! Thanks a lot. I admit this is far from my favorite part of this saga - it's mostly a transitional chapter to set up everything I need for the climax (most importantly Gwen gathering her team of heroines), but I'm happy to read you found enjoyment in the scenes of this part.

I think by now it is clear how much I like featuring from time to time "off-screen" scenes of the women being knocked out - with only the sound effects being portrayed - before we cut to the aftermath. Glad you enjoyed this new iteration! (Jill didn't knock the three women on herself. She and her teammate each knocked one paramedic out. I also loved her "pro tip" comment.)

Ambushing a woman by impersonating her limo driver is a stable of the USB, so I tried giving it justice with that sleep gas bomb twist. It's always fun to give the victims a bit of personality - hence why the more aggressive Susie gets to say one final threat while the meek Sharon just quietly dozes off.

Scene with Kate discovering the guard was added to feature a bit of USB fun in-between the exposition, I'm glad it resonated with you.

[tirepanted3]

A transitional chapter, following the action and confrontations that have defined the previous few installments. Those can be more difficult to write, but there's a lot of fun stuff here amidst the setup.

The best character moments here, unsurprisingly, were between Felicia and MJ, who had some fun banter even as they spent most of their scenes unconscious and/or gagged. Felicia's internal thoughts ('This is like, what, kidnapping number thirteen for you? Don’t tell me you haven’t built an immunity to sleeping drugs by now!') were very funny.

I enjoy the idea of Gwen putting together a new "team" made up of heroines and supporting players from previous chapters. Feels very Marvel-esque in its use of continuity and in giving minor characters from prior chapters their chance to shine. As a longtime fan of Kate Bishop, I'm thrilled to finally see her take a central role.

“Don’t worry. I may not be a pro at this, but it’s not my first time.” Kate answered.

Curious how many times the Kate in this universe has engaged in USB tactics, as the one in regular Marvel continuity has done it quite a few times. Could this be the rare case where the original version is more of a USB pro than their alternate version?

The USB scenes were entertaining as usual, particularly once the story kicked in. I confess I didn't much care for the opening rave scene, as there were a few too many USB targets to make for a convincingly immersive scene. Though Charlotte's annoyance when Mystique uses her shapeshifting powers to create an employee's uniform was amusing.

Jill, Erin, and Lynn are three of the greatest love-to-hate villainesses in any of your stories, I think. Their smug disregard for the paramedics whom they knock out is palpable, as is their general cruel attitude. Hoping they receive some comeuppance before long... (And as usual, I did quite enjoy the offscreen knockout itself.)

I like how you find ways to weave USB scenes into side events of the story, like Hawkeye finding that poor security guard. My one complaint is the missed opportunity to make the infiltrator in that scene a familiar (or even obscure) Marvel villain. But that's a minor detail.

It was also fun to see a firefighter USB scene, those are pretty rare.

The scene with Susie and her employees was a highlight - love how the chauffeur was replaced beforehand, and how the glass partition between the front and back of the limo is put to good use with regard to the gas bomb.

And Ruth and Marilyn get taken down once again. The exchange between Marilyn and the two infiltrators was great.

“You again?!” Marilyn exclaimed.

“You?!” Firestar and Ghost Spider both retorted.

There was an awkward beat.

Gwen and Angelica shared a glance. “You too?” they couldn’t help but exclaim.

It's a small world, clearly.

Things look to be set for an exciting climax. Can't wait...

[rufusluciusivan]

Transitional indeed. Far from my favorite part, and not the one that inspired me the most, but a necessary step to set up the climax.

So even gagged MJ and Felicia have good banters... That's quite the compliment. USB heroines being bound and gagged at some point of their stories is a classic, but I had tons of fun featuring these two in this scenario. Earth USB Mary-Jane is a lot more pro-active than some other MJs out there, but I couldn't shy away from at least one Damsel in Distress joke.

Gwen assembling her rescue team wasn't in the original draft when I began the story months ago, but the development felt natural so here it is. Glad you enjoy it.

This story hasn't been kind to Kate until now, but this is now her moment to shine. More of her in the next part! Bow and (blunt) arrows make for perfect silent weapons! I'm not done with Kate!

Curious how many times the Kate in this universe has engaged in USB tactics, as the one in regular Marvel continuity has done it quite a few times. Could this be the rare case where the original version is more of a USB pro than their alternate version?

No. Just Madame Masque once in the backstory. And Susie. For now.

The rave scene was a late addition. It had been a long time since the last "mass replacement scenario", and it was fun to feature a radically different mood.

Mystique is indeed quite the mean girl, always making Charlotte feel inadequate!

Jill, Erin, and Lynn embody the worst aspects of Orchis, so of course I want them to be as hateful as they are threatening. As for what happens next, you'll have to find out.

I like how you find ways to weave USB scenes into side events of the story, like Hawkeye finding that poor security guard. My one complaint is the missed opportunity to make the infiltrator in that scene a familiar (or even obscure) Marvel villain. But that's a minor detail.

I indeed was quite lazy on that one - didn't want to dwell on this part of the story. In hindsight, a missed opportunity.

Yes indeed, firefighters are actually quite rare in USB stories. Last time I recall seeing one was in a picture of sakanre.

The scene with Susie and her employees wasn't my favorite to write, but I'm glad you liked it.

Ruth and Marilyn indeed came back for one (last?) round of good old USB fun. A part of me wish I could make their return a bit more meaningful, but climax is meant to be more serious than average so their scene wouldn't have fit later.... Personally, my favorite line was Ruth's right afterward. "Just how many girls have stripped you anyway?!" She's (USB)-kinkshaming!

I also can't wait to upload the climax!

[tirepanted3]

I indeed was quite lazy on that one - didn't want to dwell on this part of the story.
In hindsight, a missed opportunity.

Hey, you never know. That character could turn out to be retrospectively important, or a noteworthy Marvel villainess on some level. That's the great thing about comic book worlds.

Ruth and Marilyn indeed came back for one (last?) round of good old USB fun. A part of me wish I could make their return a bit more meaningful, but climax is meant to be more serious than average so their scene wouldn't have fit later.... Personally, my favorite line was Ruth's right afterward. "Just how many girls have stripped you anyway?!" She's (USB)-kinkshaming!

That was also a fun line. Recurring USB victims are an endless source of good comedy.

[rufusluciusivan]

I indeed was quite lazy on that one - didn't want to dwell on this part of the story.
In hindsight, a missed opportunity.

Hey, you never know. That character could turn out to be retrospectively important, or a noteworthy Marvel villainess on some level. That's the great thing about comic book worlds.

True. Then again, I can still use comicbooks's greatest tool: RETCON, and one day edit this part to change the identity of this no-name crook.

As for Marilyn and Ruth, I MUST find a way to feature them in the epilogue. Fun fact: The Epilogues are completely written. (Well, almost, now I need to feature Marilyn and Ruth.) So you can say I finished the epilogues before the climax...

[meditions142]

Ambushing a woman by impersonating her limo driver is a stable of the USB, so I tried giving it justice with that sleep gas bomb twist. It's always fun to give the victims a bit of personality - hence why the more aggressive Susie gets to say one final threat while the meek Sharon just quietly dozes off.

Overall there is something so perfect of a gas bomb. Release it and the women are put to sleep with ease and no problem at all.

[esercito sconfitto]

Rufus, apologies for my lack of comments, I assure you it's not lack of interest, as matter of fact I read everything at this part of the board

I want just to say thanks for the ten "sorority girls ", the rave party goers ambushed, it's a formidable and unforgettable scene ... you are aware I love the mass scenarios

[rufusluciusivan]

Ambushing a woman by impersonating her limo driver is a stable of the USB, so I tried giving it justice with that sleep gas bomb twist. It's always fun to give the victims a bit of personality - hence why the more aggressive Susie gets to say one final threat while the meek Sharon just quietly dozes off.

Overall there is something so perfect of a gas bomb. Release it and the women are put to sleep with ease and no problem at all.

Sleep gas bomb are indeed quite a powerful tool.

Rufus, apologies for my lack of comments, I assure you it's not lack of interest, as matter of fact I read everything at this part of the board

I want just to say thanks for the ten "sorority girls ", the rave party goers ambushed, it's a formidable and unforgettable scene ... you are aware I love the mass scenarios

I indeed remember your love of mass scenarios. I'm glad you liked this one.