Chapter 32: Blades in the North

[doc]

The Avengers were mostly quiet as the Quinjet cut across the border into the Northwest Territories. Atlas spoke up from the co-pilot's seat. "Rendezvous with the diplomatic convoy in 15 minutes."

"Copy that. I'll begin slowing us down to catch up with those helicopters." Captain America adjusted the throttle. "We'll be over the Plodex tunnels and VTOL in for landing at Alpha HQ."

The team had been given a full briefing.

Weapon X had been active again. This shadowy organization, now fully dethatched from any government institution, had begun a mission to capture, control, or eliminate mutants across the world. They had weaponized a strike team of mutants to eliminate or capture threats, and had them held in a remote concentration camp. Apparently, it was the Canadian superheroes known as Alpha Flight who had liberated the camp and engaged Weapon X's elite strike team. An elite strike team led by none other than Sabretooth, who had managed to kill several members of Alpha Flight before managing to escape justice.

Foggy Nelson clutched his armrests even tighter, despite Gabby's presence next to him. "Are we there yet?" He hissed out a breath. "Take it easy, Nelson. You're fine. You're fine...you're just in a supersonic aircraft that Tony Stark probably designed when he was blackout drunk. Everything. will. be. OK."

"Why are you here, again?" The only other non-Avenger got up from his seat and looked at Foggy.




Foggy managed to collect himself. "Because many of the prisoners of this black-ops concentration camp are American citizens and need help repatriating back home. Nevermind the legal challenges if some of them have been declared dead, or missing or-"

Henry Peter Gyrich waved Foggy off. "Save me the ACLU speech. Just because some bleeding heart higher up the food chain recommended you doesn't mean you get to say what goes. Don't forget -" he put a thumb to his chest. "I'm the government here."

"Do you ever get tired of saying that? Bozhe moi." Black Widow's image on the viewscreen rolled her eyes.

"Why aren't you a part of this operation?" Gyrich looked at the screen.

"The Prime Minister's office politely asked that I refrain from activity on Canadian soil. We have...history."

"What, did you have an affair?"

"Him? No. His father, though. When he was Prime Minister."

"...oh."

Natasha could not repress a smile as Gyrich slumped back into her seat next to Blink. Blink, for her part, had known some counterparts of Gyrich in her multiversal journeys - and in all of them, Henry Peter Gyrich was a jerk. But she couldn't be bothered with him right now. She was concerned by the presence of Sabertooth, and the very existence of a mutant concentration camp.

Tabitha was also disturbed by the mention of a camp, but she was also perplexed by a mystery in front of her. Someone had dropped off a new Star of David necklace in her room the day before. It was similar to the one her mother had worn, lost long ago. She had thought of purchasing one, but had never gotten around to it - and now it was here. In her hands. She wanted to learn who had left it to her.

Logan held the bottle of Whiskey in his hand and just stared at it as the Quinjet flew. It was a Canadian brand - not his favorite, but one that he had shared many years ago with David North on some secret mission. David always asked for it whenever he had a chance; something that had perplexed Logan for decades about his Canadian friend.

Friend. He's had his share, but few had lasted as long as David North, the German mutant known as Maverick.

Maverick was dead. Killed by Sabretooth. Apparently he had been coerced into the Weapon X program, but at the final hour, turned against his masters, only to be killed by the man Logan hated more than any other on this earth. It was only Logan's own sulking that distracted him from the urge to drive an unclawed fist into Gyrich's solar plexus. But it was still tempting.

[dakota]

Tabitha heard the conversations around her, but paid little attention to any of it. Instead she focused on the simple gold chain and pendant that lay in her palm. She had done so absently for the past two days since it had appeared without any explanation on her dresser in a plain envelope. She did her best to subdue the stir of emotions the near replica of lost heirloom caused her. She had no idea where it had come from and hoped whichever member of her new family was responsible would come forward so she could thank them, even if it broke her heart to remember the last time she has held one in her hand and why.

She could not help but look up and around the Quinjet at the others passengers , speculating who would do such a thing for her. Gabby was the only one that knew her faith, but most of the others knew this world's Kitty Pryde and her open devotion. Regardless, it was a thoughtful gift that meant much to her, more than her secret benefactor could imagine.

With a deep breath to gather herself, Tabby took the clasp between her fingers before sliding the chain beneath her hair to refasten around her neck. It felt a bit strange at first, since it was the first time she had worn jewelry of any sort since she was a child playing dress up with the other children on Muir Island. She looked down at the Star of David and dragged her finger along it's edge before slipping it beneath her uniform collar and letting out a deep sigh.

Overhearing the exchange between Foggy and the stranger Gyrich, she scoffed before uttering under her breath, "As if the government does anything other than make our lives more difficult."

[yendorj]

(To Gyrich going after Foggy) “And I’m the man with claws you don’t want to sit and spin on. Leave the guy be.”

Thoughts and attention focused on past memories made present by new events. A scowl sets the bottle down, carefully on the seat next to him, digs out a cigar then pauses. Eyeing it, scowls even more and flicks the unlit stogie across the cabin, straight at Gyrich.

[kurff]

Mutant or human any kind of concentration camp was bad. She was raised in one and still had the mental scars of it. Dark Beast and Sinister were two names she hoped not to hear being around here. Between the two of them, they cloned telepathic brains as wardens for the pens and their residents. Among other places on Apocalypse's earth, she began to wonder about. Atlanta and Miami were chief among these cities that had them in her world. she made a mental note to visit them.

The biggest concern was the possibility this was her Sabretooth. Blink was told some of the stories and even fought an interdimensional and alternate reality Weapon X-Team. she crippled a Hyperion, help take down a darker version of Wolverine, and saw a hulk and a Colossus launched into space. the big question was who else did weapon X have on its leash? Looking on briefly as Wolverine and Gyrich were postering she turns back to her thoughts.

"Do we have a list of the other Weapon X operative and any others that are not accounted for? I'd hate to run into a an amped-up Hyperion or Hulk..." Blink added.

[Mierin]

Gabby pats Foggy's hand in a reassuring manner. "Don't worry, Boo." Gabby explains, "Tony does his best work when he's blackout drunk. Besides, ALL the main PCs are here on this plane. The GM isn't going to try and kill of us in a plane crash. That's not his style." She ignores Gyrich as he seems like a useless blowhard. Plus, she knew Foggy could mop the floor with him, being the better lawyer.

[doc]

Foggy tried to smile. "That's...comforting. I'm not sure it makes sense, but it's comforting."

Captain America responded to Blink's inquiry. "Sabretooth is the only one unaccounted for. Mesermo, Sauron, Washout, and the rest were captured; Wild Child and Maverick defected, and rescued Aurora in the process. Garrison Kane was KIA, along with the director and several others."

Gyrich flinched at the cigar hitting him in the face and then sneered at Logan. He was about to respond when the quinjet shook slightly. "Sorry, Turbulence." Atlas gave his best "aw-shucks" grin. Gyrich returned to his seat next to Tabitha.

Looking out the window of the Avengers Quinjet, you could see a trio of helicopters.

"We are on location. Beginning descent." Captain America announced as the jet's VTOL capabilities took over.

The snow-covered tundra beneath parted, revealing a giant cavern of green metal.

"Welcome to Alpha Base. These are the Plodex tunnels that Earth used during Kang's invasion; since then the Canadian government and Alpha Flight has maintained the primary node as a research station and staging ground in the event of any other planetary invasion." Captain America explained.

Gyrich sighed. "Canadians. Sitting on the greatest strategic innovation since the invention of airpower, and they hold it neutral."

Atlas responded. "From what I heard, wasn't this some big-supervillain gig? The Master? Sounds to me like you need time to study all this alien weird tech so it doesn't blow up in your face, right?"

Cap gave the big man an approving nod. "Exactly, Atlas. The Avengers didn't feel we could or should claim this technology, and the primary node is located here at the far end of the Northwest Territories, so it made the most sense to have Alpha Flight take control. They have the most experience with the Plodex, the Master and the technology involved."

The Jet shuddered as it landed. "Alright everyone," Cap removed his headset and stood up, slinging the shield across his back. "We're guests here, so let's be our best." He was the first to disembark the plane.

The giant cavern of metal had been converted into a large staging area. You could see a group of civilians in parkas and business suits disembark, along with a crew of scientists removing heavy equipment.

From the far end of the chamber, a group of individuals were racing for the helicopters.



"GANGWAY!" The woman was pushing a stretcher carrying a young blond man. "MEDIVAC COMING THROUGH! GET OUT OF THE GODDAMN WAY!"

Behind her lagged two figures Wolverine recognized immediately: Shaman and his daughter Talisman.



The mystic Alpha Flight member acknowledged the Avengers with a nod, before turning to Wolverine. "Logan, it is good to see you again, despite everything. Pardon the quickness, but I have a patient to attend to - I have to leave with them." He pointed to the woman, who was now loading the injured man onto the helicopter. Logan could smell the blood before teh man's uniform began to stain, and his daughter was there to catch him.

"Major Mapleleaf isn't the only one who needs to be airlifted out of here." The young woman sighed. "Sabretooth did a number on you too, dad. And ..."

"...and Yukon Jack and Manbot didn't make it at all. And we have many more injured. I am still a doctor, Elizabeth - I cannot put others before myself." Shaman answered her daughter.

"We'll catch up later." Talisman looked to Wolverine as he went to the helicopter.

Another two gurneys were wheeled forward with a pair of young men on them. They were being pushed by one individual - the Alpha Flight member known as Sasquatch



In all the chaos, you didn't notice the diminutive figure who bounded all the way across the staging area to land next to Logan.



"Good to see you, old man." The man called Puck chuckled. "Sorry for the mess - we got a few cases that are just stable enough to transport, but too critical to keep here. " He plucked one of Logan's cigars. "You always had the best taste in these things. Thanks for bringing some here. See that firecracker there?" He pointed to the young woman who had pushed past you earlier. "My daughter - can you believe it?" He chuckles.

"What a mess." Gyrich shook his head. "A freakshow - is there anything else? Anyone with any actual authori-"

He was stopped dead in his tracks by the silent figure in front of him. Gabby was reminded of her father in that uniform.



Logan recognized the uniform - Weapon Omega. He remembered that the man underneath the uniform should have been Kyle Gibney - Wild Child. He wore that uniform when he was taking a serum to keep his animalistic side in check, but this silent figure didn't give off Kyle's scent - or any scent at all, for that matter.

Weapon Omega simply pointed in direction.

"Not the talkative type, I'm guessing?" Foggy entered.

[kurff]

"I'll try to not say 'ehh?' a lot or make references to how the Eagle is a better mascot than a rodent." Blink joked, "But we are going to get proper Poutine and that good maple syrup the Canadians call a national resource before we leave, right?" Blink responded following. 'Major Mapleleaf? wow, they really tried hard there didn't they?' she thought. A name did bring up a memory of her team. Wild Child was Sabretooth's Sidekick.

"Seems like the silent type to me, Foggy. Let's find who's in charge so we can be updated. I'd like like to get out of here as soon as I can." she stated slightly bothered Looking at Cap.

[yendorj]

"I think what she means, Foggy, is if this were a movie, it'd be a piss poor one to have the stars all die in a plane crash. Unless it's to cue a motivational montage." Scowls. "...too much damn time around her. Starting to make sense..."

(To Shaman) "Physician, heal thyself." Tries not to show a smile. "Get going, and for god's sake, keep yourself patched up too."

"Daughter? How drunk did her mother get you?" Hands over another cigar.

"Gyrich, you keep up the attitude, you'll find a hatch quick enough. Not everyone is Foggy. And almost no one is as chatty as Gabby or Wade, thank god."

[dakota]

Tabitha snapped to attention as the Quinjet touched down, and tried to bury the distraction from the flight.

She jumped aside at the warning before a gurney plowed through close to where she had been stand, but said nothing as she saw they had wounded. She held her tongue even longer as others from the local team passed by with more wounded. She did not know or recognize any of them, but the pre mission briefing did mention Alpha Flight, so she guessed this was them. Or what was left of them. Something did not sit right with her about the whole situation, but she hesitated asking for the moment until she was closer to Blink, "Hey. Looks like this Earth's Creed is in full beast mode to tear up this team that bad. I mean I've seen a Sabertooth go into a frenzy, I even caused it once by ticking him off in a sparing match, but to do this kind of damage is above and beyond Anything I've seen him do. You ready to face that?"

[kurff]

"I have no choice, Tabby. Someone has to stop him if we can even find him." Blink shrugged, "I have seen my sabretooth frenzy, too. I can say I would not want to be on the receiving end. I know what my Sabretooth would do to the person who attacks me. One of the downsides of close bonds I suppose." she shivered at the thought of any sort of extreme action by her father. This was something she did not want to ever see or have to contain. More so it made her wonder what she would do in response to him being hurt. what was that expression? it was the quiet ones...

"He nearly took out a few horsemen of Apocalypse and survived. If this Sabretooth took out a near full alpha flight this weapon X must have amped him up. That is the part that worries me. The levels of creativity or durability to do this much damage are frightening." she pauses.

[Mierin]

Gabby grins at Foggy. "If you think like me, it makes perfect sense!" Getting up, Gabby stretches before getting off the plane with the others. Looking at the team members of Alpha Flight, Gabby grins and waves at everyone present. "So great to meet you all!" To Weapon Omega specifically, she says, "Looking good! You must have the same tailor as Deadpool!"

[doc]

Puck laughed as he took the cigar and produced a lighter for both of them. "There's a story there, but that's for later." He looked at Gabby. "Don't mind Weapon Omega....he's a bit intense. Speaking of daughters, is this one of yours? Or is it the intense one with her own sword?" He lead the group forward, with Weapon Omega walking behind the Avengers. Wolverine, Gabby, Tabitha and Blink knew well enough when they were being guarded, and Cap probably did too, but was too polite to give it much notice.

"Yeah, as we go in, don't mention the name Sabretooth, he and the other ones who got away are kind of bad news."

"Others? We thought he was the only one unaccounted for?" Captain America raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, we're still trying to get intell through Department H, but you know government bureaucracy. Yeah, Weapon X enhanced a couple other goons - Reaper and Wildside. They were given enhancements to their powers too, and so was Sienna Blaze. She can now teleport others too, without the big explosions. She was the getaway. But yeah, don't make a fuss. Especially where we're going."

"And where the Blazes is that, you chatty nitwit?" Gyrich bellowed. "We're not here on a social visit or a tour - I'm here on government business."

Puck waved him off. "Going to see the boss. She's in our infirmary."

You walk down a hallway before entering a large room. There are sickbeds with a variety of people laying in various stasis.









As you reached the end of the chamber, Wolverine, Tabitha, Gabby and Blink could all feel a certain weakness, and it was obvious as to the source - the small child on the table in front of them. You all immediately recognized the mutant known as Leech.



Standing by his bed were three other figures. Wolverine remembered Dr. Cecila Reyes, a former X-Man, and a gifted trauma surgeon.



"Stop talking. Without your powers, you aren't the smartest person in the room! And you weren't even before that! I'm the actual M.D. here!" She spat at the man across from her, whom Logan also unfortunately recognized. Alec Thorne called himself Smart Alec and genuinely believed he was the smartest man on the planet. Logan had lead an early prototype version of Alpha Flight into battle with him, and his performance anxiety nearly resulted in a nuclear explosion that was only averted by the self-sacrifice of the man who claimed to be St. Elmo.



"Hah! My Encephalo-Helmet negates the broadcast effect of Leech's mutant power. I'd explain how it works, but that's rather akin to explaining chess to a newborn puppy dog. And I hold 14 Ph.Ds!"

The third figure cleared her throat, silencing the others.



"People - we have guests." Heather Hudson smiled. "Captain, always a pleasure."

"And the same to you - pardon me, it's been a while - is it still Vindicator or -?"

"-I'm back to Guardian, thank you." Her smile widened when she saw Wolverine. "Good to see you again, Logan." the smile disappeared when she saw Gyrich. "And you are -"

"U.S. Government Special Envoy Henry Peter Gyrich." The sneer Gyrich had as he said that sent a chill through everyone's spine. "We're here to help repatriate our citizens."

"and the remains of the ones lost?" Reyes entered. "And what about those from outside the U.S. and Canada?"

"We're seeing to it, Dr. Reyes. The situation is complicated-" Gyrich began.

"Don't hustle me - I lost friends in that camp! Maggott! Paulie..." She shivered. "You get out of here, all of you." She glared at Alec. "I have work to do."

"Perhaps we should take this somewhere else?" Guardian suggested.

[yendorj]

"He was always a threat and a bully. You two get a scott free card," addressing Tabby and Blink. "This Creed will hopefully kill you first. Quickly."

*****

Scowls at Puck. "Ain't that lucky, and if I was, you'd be kept at claws' length."

"Oh for..." Takes a deep breath, lights a cigar. "Weapon X Cap. They modify anyone they get their hands on."

****

"Gyrich." Logan pauses to pop all six claws out then retracts all six taking a pull of his cigar." "Quickhatch, google it." Something he himself knows how to do, for various (beer) orders and sport (hockey) scores.

He pauses for just a second beside each bed, though it's a bit longer at Marrow's and Lil's. Seeing Leech sighs looking almost human. "Kid, what're you doing here? Reyes, how's he doing?"

Though minding his language shoots Smart Alec a glare. "Shut it."

"U.S. Government Special Envoy Henry Peter Gyrich." The sneer Gyrich had as he said that sent a chill through everyone's spine. "We're here to help repatriate our citizens."

"What Gyrich means is, he's going to play nice, or Cap'll have to use his shield to cover his backside from being a pin cushion. And the next smart remark Gyrich while we're in this hospital, will get you a prolonged stay.

Looks to Reyes. "Sorry Doc. We'll move along. Just...do what you can for them? They need to be tougher."

[dakota]

Tabitha looked at Wolverine and heeded his warning, then shied away from Leech, though the energy drainer here nowhere near as powerful as she remembered thankfully. Vindicator was another familiari face, but she had only met her a couple times and at the time Tab was still only a teenager on Muir Island. Still, she nodded respectfully and listened to the conversation around her. At the same time , what they were walking into began to sit in, and she was starting to have no desire to visit a mutant detainment camp.

[Mierin]

Despite feeling the certain weakness, Gabby smiles and waves at Leech. "Hello!" she says in a friendly way. I'm just as awesome without powers as I am with powers! Gabby thinks to herself. She then decides, given how tensions are rising in the room, to stay quiet for now. It wasn't like anyone was mad at her.. well, yet.