Firestar had accompanied him on the trip to the South Pacific Island. Doctor Angelique Marin had preformed surgery on Black Diamond after she had been teleported here by the Enchantress. Dr. Marin was just exiting Di's recovery room as Firestar and Muskateer approached. She was dressed rather plainly in her hospital smock. Muskateer remembered that the blonde doctor had cut quite a fashionable figure at the Starstruck Lounge, the night he had spent here with Glitter.
"Hey, Doc. How's she doin'?", Muskateer asked.
"Oh hello," Dr. Marin said, looking up from her charts. "We upgraded her condition after surgery on her wound last evening. She seems to be recovering nicely now."
"Can we see her?", Firestar asked hopefully.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt, but just for a few minutes..." the doctor responded. "She will still tire quickly and needs her rest."
"Don't worry, Doc," Muskateer said, as he opened the door. "We'll make sure we avoid Twister or Limbo for another few days at least."
Firestar stepped hesitantly into the room as Muskateer held open the door. Doctor Marin, meanwhile, proceeded on her rounds.
Linda was resting in a hospital bed, with a couple of monitors attached to her. Standing near the bed was Sapphire. Metalla had informed Muskateer upon their arrival that Sapphire was performing personal security for Black Diamond while she recovered on Sanctuary.
As the two Avengers stepped into the room, Sapphire nodded knowingly in their direction. She then quietly vacated the recovery room, stepping out into the hall beyond.
Firestar looked on for a moment and then back at Muskateer. He put his hand on her shoulder and motioned her closer.
"I see you have one of those machines that goes 'ping'," Muskateer said after a moment.
Linda opened her eyes and a weak smile formed on her face. The tension in Firestar's body released noticeably upon seeing that Linda was at least somewhat normal by now. "I didn't know this room came with a floor show," Linda said hoarsely.
"Well, the Doc said Twister was out for now," Muskateer answered. "How are you feeling, fearless leader?"
Linda thought for a moment. "Road kill," she said simply. Muskateer chuckled at that. Firestar poured her a glass of ice water. "Thanks."
"At least you didn't hurt your funny bone, Black D."
"The flowers that the team sent are very pretty," Linda said. Two large flower arrangements flanked the bed. "How have things been holding up back home?", Linda asked between sips of water.
"Oh, everything's been pretty quiet so far," Muskateer began. "Except for PRIMUS showing up at the front door looking for Lightburst.
"It's not really that big of a surprise," Linda answered.
"That's true." Muskateer looked around the room for a moment and peered out the window at the scenery. "Heck of a view ya got here, Di."
Firestar had been silent up until this point. She was still taken aback by the whole situation. Had Firestar been the one who was ambushed, she would have most likely perished in the attack. That very sobering thought resonated through the heroine. "Aren't you going to tell her the rest?", Firestar said finally.
"Tell me what?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah," Muskateer said, looking back at Linda. "Are you sure you're up for all this right now?"
"You're going to have to tell me eventually," Linda said. "Might as well get it over with now."
"Okay, you asked for it." Muskateer paused for a second, reviewing his thoughts, before continuing. "Like I said, PRIMUS showed up looking for Lightburst. I ended up getting into an argument with Major Tom and then Lightburst actually showed up."
"The creep pretended like we were hiding him and actually got PRIMUS to attack us. So, unfortunately, we had to trash the lot of them, including a Silver Avenger. Lightburst got away though. They didn't give me a chance to go after him."
"Then, the PRIMUS base ended up getting sacked by VIPER, while they were messing with us. The whole thing was pretty much a big set up and we got caught in the middle of it all. Cassie and I took care of everyone though."
"Sounds like the usual chaos and mayhem," Linda said quietly. "What was VIPER after anyway?"
"They swiped some advanced weaponry, plus this Stone Crown thingie and freed my buddies Ogre and Thermax in the meantime, before they were transferred to Ryker's Island. I think they managed to raid all the refrigerators and try on some of their clothing too."
"I see," Linda said. "Unfortunately, you're going to have to deal with the situation. I'm not sure how much longer they're going to be keeping me here. I'm still pretty worn out. Guess I'm taking that vacation that Chris always badgered me about taking."
"We won't keep up you much longer," Muskateer responded. "So who did this to you anyway? Cassie and Gwen didn't recognize her."
"I honestly don't know," Linda answered. "She called herself Artemis and claimed to know me, but I didn't recognize her or her fighting style. But it might have been the poison's effects clouding my mind."
"Well, at least we have a name. Maybe the Freedom League has something on her, or the Huntress can find something out for us."
"Who's the Huntress?", Firestar asked innocently.
Muskateer and Linda exchanged knowing glances. "She is Hunter's daughter," Linda finally said.
"I heard she was interested in meeting you, hot stuff." Linda gave Muskateer a disapproving look.
"Really? That's cool."
"Frankly, I'm a little surprised that you would turn to her for help," Linda stated quietly. "You two didn't exactly hit it off when you first met."
"Must be my charming personality," Muskateer said. "Anyway, I'm itchin' to stomp this Artemis' white-armored butt. They don't call us Avengers for nothing, you know."
"I appreciate... the sentiment, Muskateer." Linda's eyes had been drooping as the conversation wore on.
"Maybe we better go, Musky," Firestar offered.
"Yeah, sure thing, kiddo. Get yourself some rest, Di." Muskateer watched as Firestar fluffed Linda's pillow for her and adjusted her covers before leaving the room.
Sapphire remained vigilant outside the room. "You are now departing?"
"Yeah, Saph. We have a bunch of nonsense to deal with right now," Muskateer answered. "But we'll be back again later. The Thing and the Enchantress will probably be by soon as well."
"Very well," Sapphire said, as she re-entered Black Diamond's recovery room. At least Diamond was in good hands, Muskateer thought. If anything, Sapphire took her job seriously. If Artemis had any intention of trying to finish the job she had started in New York, she would be in for a hurting. Provided Muskateer didn't do the job on his own first.
Later that day, back at Avenger's Mansion, Muskateer was on his way to Black Diamond's office. If he was in charge of this mad bunch of loonies for now, he may as well try to stay as organized as possible. There were a lot of loose strings right now. In his hands he held one of Artemis' spears. A quick trip to the labs below showed that it was made from carbonite and the tip was razor sharp.
Muskateer spun the lethal weapon in his gloves for a moment. The tip was blackened from the poison it had contained. He was just itching for an opportunity to trash this Artemis. More importantly, why did she attack Diamond in the first place?
Muskateer opened the door and flicked on the light. "What the hell are you doing in here?" Sitting on the edge of the desk was none other than the Huntress.
"I get the distinct feeling that you don't like me," the Huntress responded, as she stood up. "Or are you just rude to all your guests?"
"Take it whichever way you want to," Muskateer said as he strode to the desk and took a seat. "Something I can do for you, Helena?"
"Actually, I was hoping to do something for you," the Huntress responded.
Muskateer leaned back in the leather chair and continued to fiddle with the white carbonite spear. "Oh really? And what might that be?"
"I came here to offer my assistance to you," the Huntress began. "What with Black Diamond's injury and everything... Seems to me that someone's out to get you guys."
"Everyone's out to get the Avengers, Huntress," Muskateer responded.
"True," she said. "But no one's ever gotten this close. If you think about it, you have had three members killed, three have vanished, and now Diamond is assaulted in less than two months. Sounds to me like somebody's out to get the team."
Muskateer sat the spear down on the desk and stared at it for a moment, contemplating. His glove rubbed his jaw as he thought.
"Look, the Avengers was my father's dream. I'm not asking to join, I just want to help. I'm not about to see the Avengers destroyed." Muskateer continued his silent musing. She waited a few moments, but he wasn't even looking at her. "Linda is my friend, too. So, what do you say?"
"I'm thinking," he said simply. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Muskateer could really use the Huntress' help. He didn't like the thought of giving her back computer access, which would also be needed. After a pause he looked up. "I'm still not sure about this, but okay. I have some scores to settle and I have the feeling I may need all the help I can get." He reached his hand across the table.
"Deal", the Huntress said, as she shook his hand briefly. "Care to update me on the situation?"
"To be honest, I was on my way here so that I could gather my thoughts and put everything down in black and white." Muskateer reached over and flipped on the computer console, as the Huntress stepped around the desk and leaned in to confer.
"How is Linda doing?", the Huntress asked. "When Ben let me in, he said that you had just gotten back from Sanctuary."
"Di's hanging in there. She's still extremely weak, but the doc says she's past the worst part."
"That's good to hear. Where do we begin?"
"First of all, we have a psycho alien magic-using crystal which is broken into pieces and then reforms. Right now, it's still missing one piece. The crystal then ends up in Avengers Mansion, likely intentionally, and kills two Avengers."
"Plus it seriously injures my father."
"Not to mention zapping Captain Valor off to who knows where. Mechassassin then is contracted to kill your father."
"The Avengers stopped him, but the autopsy showed that Hunter was poisoned," the Huntress stated.
"Poison, huh?", Muskateer asked rhetorically. "And now Diamond ends up poisoned. I doubt it's coincidence."
"Anything's possible, but they're likely connected."
"The big thing that clouds all the connections is this damn Supervillain Contest they're having," Muskateer said, disgustedly. "It's hard to tell who's collecting heroes and who's a part of this big conspiracy."
"Whoa, there, what's this about a Supervillain contest?", the Huntress asked.
"It's a big mystery too," Muskateer explained. "But the gist of it is: supervillians are competing for some prize. They gain points by catching or beating up heroes, among other things. That accounts for quite a few of the hero disappearances around the country lately. Now we can't be sure if Supreme and Lightburst ending up missing is part of the contest or part of the grudge."
"Interesting. That does explain a great deal about the weird behavior that's been going on. Anything in particular you want me to concentrate on?"
"A few things actually," Muskateer began. "Anything you can find out about this Artemis would be a plus. Who is she? Who hired her? I'd really like to know who we're up against."
"I'll see what I can find out."
"Also, see if you can find out anything about why VIPER attacked PRIMUS yesterday. They stole some weapons and this Stone Crown."
"Why would they want a stone crown?"
"It's a magical artifact. The Enchantress told me some things about it. She said that..." Muskateer stopped in mid-sentence and considered for a few moments. Things were starting to come together or was he just being paranoid. The magical overtones were a little bothersome to Muskateer.
"Well? What did she say?"
"Sorry. 'Tress mentioned some demon called Krim who made these three crowns to control people. One is the Stone Crown. PRIMUS captured it from the Grandmaster. The villain Earthmaster has another one, the Earth Crown. See if you can locate him, if someone hasn't nabbed him already. The last one, the Iron Crown, belongs to Dark Seraph, who we just happened to tangle with last week."
"Seems suspicious," the Huntress stated.
"There seems to be quite a bit of magical overtones to things, but that doesn't necessarily explain the poison or Artemis and Mechy." Muskateer thought for another moment. "When you get a chance, we could use an in depth list of any individuals or organizations who use magic. It's pretty much fishing, but it can't hurt to have the info. I'll get the Enchantress to go over it when we can. We're still trying to locate that damn crystal."
"You do realize that I'm going to need access to the computer again?"
"I thought about that already, Huntress," Muskateer said. "I'll set up an access code for you to use."
"Great," the Huntress responded. "What are you going to be working on in the meantime?"
"I'm stopping by the Freedom League's facility to see if they can tell me anything about anything we don't know. Especially this spear," he said as he picked up the weapon again. "They're the technical wiz's, after all. I have a few other stops in mind as well."
"This would be a rad fashion statement, if you ask me." The girl who stood next to Muskateer was named Tiffany. She was kinda cute, he thought, even with the green hair and far too much make-up. She also blew bubbles with her gum when she wasn't talking, which annoyed Muskateer to no end. "If a superhero wanted to turn heads, this would be the outfit. Very retro, with a modern flair."
Muskateer looked at himself in the full-length trio of mirrors. He wore a snug black leather jacket with wide lace-trimmed lapels. A ruffled shirt peeked out in front and through slits on the back and arms. The sleeves ended in French cuffs. The short gloves were also black leather.
Black leather pants ended in pirate style boots, with lace trim on the folds. A black cavalier hat with a bright aqua plume rested over a black mask. Muskateer looked at himself again. It wasn't his version of what a superhero should look like. In fact, if the outfit was purple, he thought it could be an outfit Prince would choose.
"I really wasn't planning on this kind of change, Tiffany," Muskateer said, flatly. He really was just looking for a new cape, but the eager salesperson hadn't stopped talking from the moment he had walked in to 'Super Starz', the New York outlet for Tara Lemick's superfashions. Tara was well known as Lady Blue and her lucrative designs were worn both by heroes and people who wanted to look like ones.
"Your costume is just so simple," Tiffany cajoled. "Wouldn't you like something that people would notice as soon as your face appeared on TV. You certainly couldn't get any serious movie deals without a marquee look."
"I'm not trying to get my face in the movies, young lady," Muskateer said firmly. For a moment, he felt old. Hopefully, taking over the Avengers wasn't diffusing his fun-loving attitude. "Tell you what. You bring me some capes to look at and I'll take this outfit too."
"Alright!" Tiffany clapped her hands in glee at the large commission she would be getting. "You won't be sorry, Muskateer."
He already was sorry that this was taking so long. Muskateer hadn't expected buying a new cape to be a couple hour event. Changing back to his regular royal blue and orange costume, Muskateer stepped out of the dressing room and back onto the sales floor.
"Muskateer! Muskateer is that really you?" He turned to see Tara Lemick coming towards him. She was out of costume, but easily recognizable as her face often appeared on television. Lady Blue was the darling of the media. Another woman, who had been browsing costumes, approached with her.
"In the flesh," Muskateer responded "Or in the spandex, actually."
"Glad to see you could stop in," Tara responded. "This is Karrie Madigan. Karrie, meet Muskateer." Karrie was a beautiful woman, with a few too many diamonds, Muskateer decided. Some people just had to overdo it. The Rolls he saw in the parking lot was likely hers.
"The Madigans are hosting a benefit masquerade party for charity next week."
"Charmed." Muskateer took the woman's hand and kissed it. He figured she'd probably get a kick out of it, or expect it or something.
"The pleasure is all mine, Muskateer." She smiled briefly at the hero, but quickly turned her attention back to the two outfits in her hand. "Which do you think would suit me better?"
"I'm guessing the light blue one myself." He looked at Tara and shrugged.
"Wait right here while I try it on." Karrie excused herself and headed for the dressing room as Tiffany approached.
She began to lay out various capes on the nearby mannequins. "I brought a number of choices," Tiffany began. "My favorite is the black one with the gold lame' lining. But of course, there's always..." Muskateer was learning to filter out the young woman's ramblings.
"So you decided to make the costume change I suggested, Muskateer," Tara asked, excitedly. She clearly enjoyed her alternate profession.
"Yeah, I didn't have a spare for the purple one, and frankly I was getting tired of it anyway." Muskateer grabbed the white cape Tiffany had brought out and tried it on.
"A perfect fit," Tiffany continued. "Would you like to try..."
"I think I'll take this and call it quits, Tiffany," Muskateer interrupted. "Now, if you can find a hat like this one to match?"
"There's one waiting in my personal holding area," Tara said to her employee. "I figured you'd be by," Tara explained, as Tiffany ran to retrieve it.
"Good guess. This is nice. Hope it holds up better than my last one," Muskateer said, while examining the new cape.
"Oh, not to worry. That's part of our authentic line. The fabrics are high quality, denser and resistant to tearing, burning and are even soil retardant," Tara said proudly.
"More expensive too."
"You get what you pay for," Lady Blue said with a wide smile.
Muskateer pulled up to the front gates to Campbell Industries International. He wasn't sure where on the massive complex the base for the Freedom League was located. CII was an extremely diverse conglomerate which dedicated itself to high-tech solutions to modern problems. The wide range of applications required many departments and labs. The complex had grown dramatically in the last decade especially.
The gate and guard shack looked deserted, but was most likely automated in a place like this Muskateer reasoned. He stopped the car near an access panel.
"Welcome to Campbell Industries International, Muskateer. How may we assist you today?" The voice sounded like the Scarlet Sabre.
"How's it going, Scarlet? I've got some questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with. You have some free time?", Muskateer asked.
"You may call me Jaime. I shall dispatch a guide drone to your location momentarily. It will escort you through the complex quickly and efficiently."
"Thanks, Scarlet. I mean, Jaime." Muskateer waited a moment and a silver orb the size of a basketball appeared and the gate opened for him. Putting the car in gear, Muskateer followed the guide deeper into the complex.
A surprisingly modest and plain looking structure turned out to be the base for the Freedom League. The Scarlet Sabre, dressed in normal clothes and a white lab coat, stood at the entrance to the facility. Muskateer parked the car and exited, carrying Artemis' white carbonite spear in one hand.
"Well, this is certainly a switch," Sabre stated. "What's that you have there?"
"Thanks for taking the time to see me, Red," Muskateer said, handing her the weapon. "It's one of a number of javelins used by a villainess calling herself Artemis."
"As in the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon from Greek mythology?"
"Exactly. I retrieved it after Diamond was attacked yesterday," Muskateer explained.
"We saw the news. Is she okay?"
"She's on the mend, but doing better," Muskateer said. "I was hoping you guys might be able to tell me anything more about this Artemis or her weaponry."
"Metallurgy is not my forte', but let's go inside and see what we can find."
Inside the complex, Muskateer watched as numerous experiments and scans were done on the weapon. Muskateer was capable of many of these at the Avengers Mansion; he just didn't know what he might be looking for. Here there were experts that could handle those simple details.
Nearby, a monitor sprung to life with the Scarlet Sabre's image on it. Muskateer looked at it a moment, then at the Sabre, who was standing nearby and back at the monitor. "Would you care for some refreshments, Muskateer?"
"That's either one heck of a computer program or are you some kind of android?", Muskateer said to the Scarlet Sabre in the room.
"Pardon?" She was concentrating on what she was working on and hadn't appeared to pay any attention to the monitor.
"Never mind." He figured that it wasn't worth interrupting her. He turned back to the monitor. "Got some cranberry juice?" Muskateer was curious what would happen next.
"Of course," the image on the monitor said. "Your beverage will arrive shortly." Muskateer thought the whole exchange odd and then returned to watching Scarlet work.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Muskateer." Muskateer looked back at the monitor. Scarlet's image was smiling at him. "I know all about your exploits." Caught off guard, Muskateer turned again to face the monitor. He then looked around the room.
"Is this some kind of joke or something?"
"Not that I am aware of," the image continued. "Did I say something humorous?"
"Not really." Muskateer moved closer to the screen to speak. "So, who am I talking to anyway? Aren't you standing right over there?"
"My chosen designation is Jaime. I am talking to you and Scarlet is standing over there. I greeted you at the front gate. Have you forgotten already?"
"No, I didn't forget." Muskateer was starting to get the idea. Somehow, this was an independent entity that happened to look exactly like the Scarlet Sabre. "I just thought you guys were the same person at first."
"An understandable mistake," Jaime stated. "We are very similar, although I do not have a physical form like that of my sister. I appear and sound like her through the various interfaces with which I have access."
"Nice to meet you, Jaime." Muskateer felt odd talking to a computer screen like it was a person, but this was clearly no simple artificial intelligence program. Jaime was able to converse like a real person.
"Here is your drink, Muskateer." A small ovoid robot appeared with his beverage resting in a holder in the robot's top. As he retrieved it, the robot returned from where it had come. "Scarlet has uncovered something which you may find interesting."
"Huh? Oh thanks." Muskateer walked over to the Scarlet Sabre. "What did you find, Red?"
"The style and design indicate that it was created by an entity or group which goes by the name of 'The Hanged Man'," the Scarlet Sabre explained.
"The Hanged Man?", Muskateer repeated. He had never heard the name before.
"Ever wonder where crooks get all these armored suits and high-tech weapons?"
"Well, it's never kept me up at night, but go ahead," Muskateer quipped. He took a long drink from the glass Jaime had offered him.
"A good deal of them come from a nebulous entity known as the Hanged Man. He is a genius at what he does. However, his style is easily recognizable, if you happen to know what you're looking for," Scarlet said.
"That doesn't tell me anything about who's inside the suit and what her agenda may be, but we might be able to learn a few things from this Hanged Man," Muskateer stated. "Any way to contact him you know of?"
"Just a sec." Scarlet concentrated for a moment.
"Here you go, Muskateer," Jaime said. A print out appeared on a nearby printer. It was a list of minimal information on hundreds of weapon types. In addition, it contained a small notation for making 'special orders at variable cost'.
"I can see it now," Muskateer said, as he perused the paper. "Next thing you know the bad guys'll just head on down to 'Thugs R Us'."
"You might have better luck at the Brown Tree Tavern in the South Bronx," the Scarlet Sabre said simply. "Assorted low lifes frequent the place."
"So I hear." The Huntress had mentioned the location among a few others as places that VIPER agents and other various scum lurked at. Apparently, Muskateer would be making a visit to the infamous establishment quite soon.
"Anything else I can do for you, Muskateer?"
"As a matter of fact, there is, Red." Muskateer produced a disk from inside his hat and handed it to Scarlet. "We're working on some short range flying transportation for us land-bound types.
"Sounds practical," Scarlet responded.
"I can handle the basic models easily enough, operating off existing standard technology. The problem I'm having is with a more personal model. I want one for myself that's a more souped up version with combat capabilities."
"We'll check it out." The Scarlet Sabre inserted the disk into a nearby computer. Numerous images and drawings flashed across the screen. "The design is pretty straight-forward and seems to be in order. We have a few suggestions to make."
Muskateer watched as the updates appeared on the screen in but a moment. "That's pretty impressive there, Red. What kind of interface are you using anyway?" The Scarlet Sabre had appeared to only think the changes and the computer responded.
"A telepathic one." Scarlet said, nonchalantly, while examining the designs further. "Oh," she said, looking up, "you don't know."
"Don't know what?"
"About the connection between us," Jaime said, speaking up.
"What kind of connection?, Muskateer asked Jaime. "You guys have some pretty high-tech operations here," he said respectfully.
"Thank you very much," Jaime answered. She then proceeded to explain about the unique link and bond between the two 'sisters'. The Scarlet Sabre continued working throughout Jaime's explanation. Muskateer thought it was odd that the normally loquacious and free-spirited Scarlet Sabre seemed so somber and serious, but he said nothing of it. She had made some more modifications to his designs. (Editor's Note: See Huntress #5 for detals)
"That looks good there, Red," Muskateer said, examining the computer screen again. "I really don't have the background in aeronautics. The propulsion designs were giving me fits."
"I noticed. It's not overly complicated. We could throw together a prototype if you would like."
"I don't know when I'd get the time to do it myself," Muskateer answered. "You're welcome to knock yourself out on the fancy version, if you want. I'm looking for something that will really tear 'em up. I can always add the combat weapons later."
"That's true. We'll be in touch."
Muskateer returned to his vehicle and exited the compound. The visit was an odd one at best, but at least he had some more information. Plus one task was off his shoulders for now. If only he could get rid of the rest of them that easily. "Sometimes you just gotta do some things yerself."
Late that evening, the sound of broken glass filled the night air again. It was lost among the various sounds of the South Bronx at night. Gunfire, sirens, honking horns and loud yelling were all usually ignored by everyone.
Harry Goodwin was one of those few who were unable to ignore the shattering glass. Mainly because his body, crashing through the window of the Brown Tree Tavern, was what caused the sound!
"I don't like having my time wasted!", Muskateer shouted, more for the remaining patrons than the unfortunate Harry. He was already unconscious. Muskateer had arrived out of costume. A long trench coat and a fedora concealed his true identity.
A group of four mean-looking gang members decked out in leather and chains stepped forward from the end of the bar. "You lookin' for trouble, gringo? I think you found it." Muskateer walked towards them, as the speaker flicked open a switch blade and brandished it at him.
Muskateer didn't even break stride as he grabbed the man by his collar and belt and in one fluid motion raised him over his head and slammed him down onto a table, shattering it. "Sorry, were you talking to me?" A sidekick slammed another into the wall.
The remaining two raised their hands to indicate their surrender, but Muskateer was suddenly attacked from behind. A thin leather cord slipped around his neck and tightened. Muskateer's gloved fingers groped for a hold on the garrote, but were unable to find one. Swinging wildly, Muskateer's elbow connected with the man's head and the pressure ended.
Muskateer spun around and grabbed the dazed attacker by the collar, delivering two powerful punches to the man's face. The second one broke his nose.
"Alright! Who's next?!" Muskateer looked around at the crowd who were growing angry and more belligerent.
"Who the hell do you think you are anyway?" A couple more groups of menacing hoodlums moved in from each side.
"There won't be anything left when we're done with you, Ace."
Muskateer stepped towards one of the groups threateningly, but they weren't ready to back down. "You must have me confused with someone else." Before they could react, though, he had slammed two of their heads together, dazing them both. A flurry of fists ko'd three more men before they could put up much of a fight.
In a blur one of the patrons brought a pool cue down on Muskateer's head. The cue shattered. As the thug stared at the broken weapon in his hands and the apparent ineffectiveness of his attack, Muskateer slammed him in the stomach, doubling him over. He then grabbed the man and flung him into another group of oncoming assailants.
"You guys just don't know when you're outmatched. Someone's gonna end up hurt." The patrons just seemed to keep coming from out of the woodwork. It was like trying to squash a bunch of cockroaches. No matter how many you stepped on, there seemed to be more. Muskateer was holding his own well enough. Until the gunfire started, that is.
Bullets from two separate weapons slammed into Muskateer. He crumpled to the ground, toppling a table as he fell.
"Ya nailed that sucker, Rat!"
"Somebody throw this garbage out in the alley with the rest of the trash."
One of the men reached down to grab the fallen hero and suddenly found himself held in a vise-like grip around his throat. Muskateer stood up, still holding the man by his neck. His feet dangled off the floor. A number of the patrons begin to flee the bar. Those that remained backed off after seeing that this masked assailant appeared bulletproof.
"He ain't human!"
"Must be some kinda superhero," another whispered.
Muskateer was glad he wore his protective armor under the coat. He had been too caught up in the fight. Now, he had their undivided attention, especially the unfortunate punk in his hand. Muskateer's eyes narrowed and his grip tightened. He pulled the man closer to his face. "You have a choice. You can answer my questions or I can squeeze tighter. Got it?"
The man struggled to speak and then just nodded his head rapidly.
"Good. You ever heard of the Hanged Man?" The man shook his head 'no'. Muskateer tightened his grip and he quickly started nodding again. "We're making real progress here. Now, where can I get a catalog of his goods?"
The man looked frantically toward the bartender. The bartender hesitated a few moments before pulling out a tattered and worn book from under the bar. He tossed it in Muskateer's direction, who let the man go as he caught the catalog. The man dropped to the floor gasping for air and holding his throat.
Muskateer stuffed the catalog is his coat and turned back to the remaining crowd. "One last question: who knows anything about members of VIPER?"
The crowd was silent as two more unsavory fellows entered the Brown Tree Tavern. "Someone say the magic words: VIPER?", one of men bragged.
"Here we go again," Muskateer thought to himself and leapt at the two newcomers.
The next morning, back at Avengers Mansion, Muskateer was engaged in his morning workout in the gym. His thoughts led him back through the previous night's escapades. The last two arrivals had in fact been VIPER agents. The fight had gone quickly, as they were unprepared to face him.
From the information that Muskateer had gained last night VIPER, or at least the Manhattan Branch, hadn't pulled off the attack on PRIMUS. It either was another branch trying to set them up, or someone else altogether. The next question was: who? "Seems that every time we solve one dilemma two more pop up," Muskateer thought as he set the barbell back in its holder.
He was on his way to work on his sword fighting in the Combat Simulator, when a message interrupted his workout.
"Hey, Junior! Ya better get up here."
"What is it, Ben?"
"MIS-ter Gamble from the NSC is here," Ben said. "He don't look too happy n' he wants ta talk ta you."
"Oh great, first PRIMUS and now this. Be right there." Muskateer headed for the foyer. "At least the NSC won't be attacking us."
Reaching the foyer, Muskateer saw that the man he referred to as 'Mr. Warmth' was already ordering a large contingent of workers around. They were heading to all levels of the Mansion.
"What's going on here, Gamble?" Muskateer looked around as technicians continued streaming in the front door.
"That's Mr. Gamble to you," the bureaucrat said, puffing on his cigarette. "The NSC is extremely disappointed in how the group has been performing recently."
"What are you talking about, you twit? We took out Power Crusher and his stooges, Mechassassin, Dark Seraph, and VIPER among others! And you're not happy about our performance?" Muskateer was beside himself with disbelief.
Agent Gamble pulled out a notebook and began to count off from it. "First, Lightburst goes AWOL and robs a bank, while killing guards in the process. The team then interferes with an official PRIMUS investigation and even does battle with them." Muskateer just shook his head. "Then there is the matter of the security breach of the computer system. There are numerous instances of unauthorized activity. The unnamed perpetrator gained access through the Avengers system." Muskateer clenched his teeth as Gamble spoke. He knew that the Huntress' hacking would cause problems.
"I don't believe this. Everything you're saying is circumstantial at best," Muskateer protested. "It's nothing but a bunch of bull crap."
"Sounds like it ta me, too, Junior," the Thing agreed.
"Your complaints fall on deaf ears, Muskateer. The NSC has made their decision and there is no appeal process with the NSC."
"No brain activity either, from the looks of it."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that, mister. In any case, the NSC has decided that until further notice and until the Avengers has once again been deemed a worthy and reputable entity, the NSC is hereby severing all ties with the Avengers."
"WHAT?!" The Thing and Muskateer said together.
"Let me rephrase it then," the agent said snidely. "You are no longer a recognized entity to the NSC."
(In Avengers #9)
