Berlin
Some Time Ago

Christoph Nord, also known as David North, entered his small apartment. He went to the kitchen and took a beer from the refrigerator, sitting down in a comfortable leather recliner in front of the small television.

He reached under his leather jacket, drawing the Glock he kept hidden there and flicked the safety off. “You might as well come out, I know you're there.”

“You're very good, Mr. Nord,” said the woman who emerged from the shadows. Her black hair was pulled up in a bun, save for the straight bangs which framed her pale face. She was dressed all in leather, a bustier and matching pants with a trench coat over the entire ensemble. There were black marks, like tattoos or scars, under her eyes.

“I don't remember arranging for female companionship tonight.” Nord aimed the gun at her. “Tell me who you are and what you want or I'll put a bullet between those pretty eyes.”

“I'm not here to fight you, Mr. Nord. On the contrary, I'm here to make you an offer.”

“What kind of offer would that be?”

“My name is Tessa, I represent Sebastian Shaw.”

“Shaw's dead,” said Nord.

“These days, that's hardly a guarantee of anything,” said Tessa. She motioned to a chair. “May I sit?”

“Assuming you're telling the truth, why would I want anything to do with Shaw?” asked Nord.

“German hospitality at its finest.” Tessa sat in the chair anyway, crossing her legs and laying her hands upon her knee. “How long have you been alive for, Christoph?”

“You can do the math,” said Nord.

“You've been working in the intelligence community so long, I bet you can scarcely remember your life before it.”

“Memory implants have that effect,” said Nord.

“And now what are you doing?” asked Tessa. “Ever since the end of the Cold War, you've been working as a freelance mercenary. Or at least you were, before Fury and Wisdom got their claws into you. And now, what are you doing? What defines your life?”

“Helping others like me,” said Nord.

“Not quite,” said Tessa. “The problem with being a soldier, Christoph, is what happens once your war is over?”

Nord said nothing, but he relaxed the gun a little, resting his arm on the chair, although still keeping it fixed on his uninvited guest.

“You become a relic, a dinosaur. Slowly rotting away, dreaming of your glory days. Trying to discover where it all went wrong.”

“That's the nature of life.”

“What if it didn't have to be?” asked Tessa. “What if I could give you a new war to fight? Think back to it, Christoph. The thrills, the danger—fighting terrorists just isn't the same as fighting a world superpower. You're a soldier without a war, and if you don't pick up that gun again, soon there won't be anything left of you. Fury can't give you that war, he's too busy trying to stop it from erupting once again. But Sebastian and myself, we can give your life a purpose once again. We can give you something to fight for.”

Nord raised his gun and the clip slid free. He set the gun and the clip on the table beside him and stood. “Would you like a drink?”

Tessa smiled.

Marvel 2000 Proudly Presents

COLD WAR
Part Three

By Dino Pollard

Osaka
One Week Ago

“C'mon, you tattooed fucks!” shouted Sabretooth. “You're supposed to be Yakuza? My granny could take you apart, don't matter that she died a paraplegic!”

Razor-sharp bone claws opened stomachs and throats as Creed built up a body count. Off to the side, Brass watched and cursed himself for what felt like the umpteenth time for agreeing to be part of Wisdom's unit. The more he stayed with X-Force, the more he realized just how insane most of them were.

Brass tried to at least make any deaths he was responsible for quick and painless. But Sabretooth, he was an animal. Brass had heard that this infamous sociopath had supposedly reformed, but watching this scene, he found it hard to believe. Even if Creed was now fighting on the side of angels, he was still every bit the vicious monster Brass had been told he was. The only difference was now he had a badge to back him up and the thought of that was every bit as frightening.

Sean Watanabe was suddenly struck from behind by an energy blast. He quickly recovered, getting to his feet and spinning around. A black woman with blond hair and a blue and white SHIELD uniform stood, holding a gun in one hand and her other hand crackling with energy.

“Agent Watanabe, I order you to stand down,” she said.

“And who are you?” asked Brass.

“Shard, Agent of SHIELD,” she said. “Wisdom and his X-Force unit are unlawfully operating and abusing SHIELD resources. We're here to shut you down.”

“That's not possible, Fury was completely aware of everything we were doing,” said Brass.

“Then obviously, Wisdom's been spinning a good tale,” said Shard. “I'll be happy to hear it once we're on a transport bound for the Helicarrier.”

“And how do you expect to stop Sabretooth?” asked Brass.

“I don't,” said Shard. The temperature suddenly increased to extremely high levels and Brass had to shield his eyes to protect them from the bright light of the flames.

A Japanese man surrounded by fire hovered onto the scene, facing down against Sabretooth. Brass just watched in shock as Sabretooth leapt at the flaming man and Shard smiled as her partner engulfed the mutant in flames.

“I expect Sunfire to do his part and take out Creed,” she said.

“Tell me what you know about Shaw's operation,” said Wisdom.

“He contacted me, told me he could use my aid in transporting some shipments into Japan, wanted me to set him up with some potential buyers,” said Harada. “I told him to go to hell.”

“Damn interesting, that is,” said Wisdom, drawing a Silk Cut from his pack.

“Why weren't you smoking those before when you were with the girls?” asked Harada.

“What, and turn down a freebie?” Wisdom lit the cigarette. “You must be out of your mind.”

“If you knew what Shaw was doing, why didn't you stop him?” asked Dust.

“I have no interest getting involved in those affairs,” said Harada. “I have the Clan Yashida back under my power once more and most of my enemies still believe I'm dead. I'm content with my life, thank you.”

“While your own kind suffers,” said Dust.

“Those I care for are safe and that's all that matters to me.”

“What else can you tell us about Shaw?” asked Wisdom.

“Nothing, I'm afraid. Shaw never divulged any pertinent details of his operation. Tonight, you've told me more than he has. I'm afraid there's not much more I can do for you.”

“Dust, get Mystique off of security detail,” said Wisdom. “Time we got moving, we need to rendezvous with the rest of the group.”

Dust nodded, shifting to her sand form and flowing out the window. The Silver Samurai watched her leave and then turned his attention back to Wisdom. “Interesting company you keep these days.”

“They come in handy when the time's right.”

“Former terrorists,” said Harada.

“They're out to protect mutants, so I don't give a toss what they were doing before this,” said Wisdom. “Besides, sometimes you need to get your hands dirty.”

“Have you considered the implications of your operation?” asked Harada. “The possible negative impact they will have for human/mutant relations or the impact they could have on Fury and SHIELD?”

Wisdom cocked an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I said have you considered the impact this could have on SHIELD?” asked Harada. “This is potentially damning to their reputation with other nations.”

“That's an interesting theory,” said Wisdom. He moved his hands to his knees, or at least appeared to. In reality, he placed his palms on the table's underside and flipped it forward at Kenuchio Harada. Wisdom jumped back, his fingers elongating and glowing with extreme heat. The Silver Samurai drew his katana, holding it in a defensive stance.

“You died before I hooked up with SHIELD and I never mentioned them during our conversation,” said Wisdom.

“Word gets around,” said Harada.

“Except according to SHIELD's records, I'm unemployed and my unit doesn't exist,” said Wisdom. “So answer this, Kenny-boy—how did you know I'm working for Nick Fury?”

“Because we told 'im, Pete.”

Wisdom turned his head to the door at the sound of a sweet voice with a beautiful Irish brogue. “Oh bloody hell...what did you do to Mystique, Terry?”

Theresa Rourke-Cassidy, known as Siryn. Daughter of Sean Cassidy, the Banshee. Formerly of X-Force and formerly a friend of Wisdom's. Now, working with SHIELD to bring in her ex-leader.

“I didn't do anythin' to her,” said Siryn.

“But I did.”

Mystique's limp body landed on the floor in front of Wisdom. Team X's field commander made his entrance. A large, imposing man with a shaved head and an M tattooed over his right eye.

“Long time no see, Bishop,” said Wisdom.

“Apparently, not long enough,” said Bishop. He raised his gun and pointed it at Wisdom. “I'm giving you one chance to surrender. Don't make me shoot you.”

Wisdom moved towards Mystique but Bishop cocked his gun. “I'm warning you.”

“Take it easy, mate...” Wisdom stepped back, slowly raising his arms in surrender. He glared at the Silver Samurai. “So much for honor and all that bollocks, eh?”

“There's no honor in helping a fugitive,” said Harada.

“Is that what they told you?” asked Wisdom.

“Prove us wrong, Pete,” said Siryn. “Come with us quietly an' we'll sort all this out. It doesn't have tae be like this.”

“Sorry Terry, wish there was another way,” said Wisdom.

“By now, the rest of our team will have apprehended your teammates,” said Bishop.

“One question,” said Wisdom. “How'd you know where to hit us?”

Bishop kept the weapon trained on Wisdom's head. “Ask your friend.”

The Triskelion
Now

“Maverick.”

“Had no way of knowing.”

“Sounds like he was the only one with the stones to go against you.”

“North never gave reason for him to be doubted,” said Wisdom. “Sure, we had some red flags. Brass was a big one and Dust's history made her a likely candidate. But Mav was with us at the beginning—you brought him onboard yourself, remember? The idea that I didn't do my homework is as much your burden as mine.”

“Difference being, Maverick worked out for my purposes,” said Fury. “He turned on you for SHIELD.”

“No, he turned on me for his real boss,” said Wisdom. “I told you what I found out.”

“You did, and it's a damn interesting story you've spun, Pete.” Fury leaned against the wall and lit a fresh cigar. “Interpol, mutant rights violations, black market Sentinel tech, and at the top of it all—Sebastian Shaw himself. A man who's supposed to be dead.”

“We both know what's been happening to dead mutants.”

“Cut the crap already, we've got you dead to rights and you know it.”

“I'm not making this up, Fury,” said Wisdom. “You know me and you know that I may be many things, but I'm not what you think I am.”

“Wish I could believe you, Pete,” said Fury. “But you can't prove a damn thing.”

“You're right, I can't,” said Wisdom. “Not yet, anyway. But I plan on finding out. Don't you think it's interesting that we're being investigated—that SHIELD's being investigated—once this intel turned up? Niles Roman and Interpol, working together in conjunction with who knows how many governments to create a new Super Soldier Program, using mutants. And Shaw is one of the men who benefits the most from it. So the question becomes who is pulling the strings?”

Fury chewed on the end of his cigar and just listened as Wisdom spun his tale.

“Think about it, Nick—the Americans wouldn't be working with Interpol on something like this. They're not satisfied unless they're the ones with the best—not too big on sharing. So that means this goes above them, this is something involving your bosses.”

Wisdom lit a fresh cigarette and sucked on the tip. “The United Nations Security Council. They're in the early stages of a global Super Soldier Program.”

Fury scoffed. “Black helicopter bullshit, Wisdom. Who's your source on that, David Icke?”

“We both know the psychology of men like North,” said Wisdom. “Cold Warriors don't have much going for them in this world. Private security contractors, terrorism, it's not the same as the Americans and the Soviets crossing swords. A lot of them miss that old rush. Maverick's no different.”

“Bullshit, it's not in Maverick's character to turn so easy.”

“No, but he had a seed of it in his head. All he needed was some proper nudging,” said Wisdom. “And that nudging was done by one of Shaw's people.”

“Who would that be?”

“We saw Tessa in Seychelles, she's the most-likely candidate. Not a full-on telepath, but one who can help move things in one way or another. Without her manipulation, Maverick likely wouldn't have turned. But with her help, she pushed him against us. Promised him things, spun it in a way that he thought he was doing it for the greater good.”

“Well because of you, I've got the Security Council breathing down my neck,” said Fury. “You've violated all sorts of international treaties, not to mention basically spitting on the Geneva Conventions after what you did in Southeast Asia. So I'm ready to give Maverick a fuckin' medal after turning you in.”

“No more X-Force, eh?” asked Wisdom.

“SHIELD is no longer in the business of mutant affairs. They feel after the embarrassment X-Force has been, we're doing more harm than good. Maybe the problem was bringing you on at all,” said Fury. “Siryn's resigned, as per Brand's agreement with her, and the rest of Team X—including Maverick—have been reassigned to separate divisions.”

“And mutant affairs?” asked Wisdom.

“The Security Council has drafted a resolution called the X-Factor Sanction. A global treaty for mutants. Under the resolution, a global organization has been set up to deal specifically with mutant rights in the world—X-Factor Sanction Enforcement.”

“XSE, they sure love those letters. Bet Bishop and Shard thought it was a pip. And just who have they found to head this up?”

A knock came at the door and Fury walked towards it. “Here she is now.”

Abigail Brand crossed from the doorway to Wisdom's chair, staring him down as she crossed her arms over her chest. “How are you feeling, Wisdom?”

“Truth be told, I've been better, love,” said Wisdom. “How's it feel to be the new top dog?”

Brand smiled. “Pretty good, especially considering that under the X-Factor Sanction, you are no longer SHIELD's prisoner. You fall under XSE jurisdiction, which means your ass belongs to me.”

Wisdom smiled. “Naughty.”

She turned to Fury. “I need him bound and ready for transport in fifteen minutes.”

Fury grumbled. “Please would be nice, Agent Brand.”

Brand offered an arrogant smile. “That's Director Brand.”

Wisdom boarded the transport, strapped into the back with Brand sitting across from him. The hatch closed behind him and the transport disengaged from the Triskelion, moving through the sea to the surface of the Atlantic.

“What did you do about Weapon X?” he asked.

“Did some digging, found out that he still has family in Canada. We'll see to it that his remains are transported to his family.”

“They shouldn't know what he was turned into.”

“They won't,” said Brand.

“Never figured you for the sentimental type,” said Wisdom.

Brand drew a pack of cigarettes from her belt and lighter. She placed one between Wisdom's lips and lit it for him. “I'm not. It's a security issue.”

Wisdom reached his cuffed hands for the cigarette, removing it from his lips. “And the others?”

“Darkholme and Creed are held in custody given their backgrounds.”

“At least until the XSE decides they need them.”

“And Brass is on leave right now. We're thinking of bringing him into the XSE.”

“He's a good soldier,” said Wisdom. “What about Dust?”

Brand smiled. “Still unaccounted for. With her powers, she could be anywhere in the world by now, but our intelligence sources believe she'd go somewhere she can blend in.”

“She's a clever girl,” said Wisdom. He took another drag on the cigarette and smiled at his captor. “Thanks for getting my brand.”

“Don't mention it.” Brand looked out a small window and saw they were now airborne. “Looks like this is it.”

Sand flowed out of the pouches on Brand's belt, coalescing onto the ground and then forming into a full figure. Brand stood and unlocked Wisdom's cuffs and the chains that bound his legs. Wisdom placed his hands on the hatch and looked at Brand.

“Any word from our contacts, Pru?”

When Brand spoke this time, it was with the voice of Prudence Leighton and a psychic fairy appeared in her forehead. “Fixx is monitoring us. Once we jump, Portal is standing by to catch us.”

“You sure this is a good idea?” asked Dust.

“Definitely,” said Wisdom. “I was right, it can be only opened by the pilot. Go to it, love.”

Dust transmuted back into sand and burrowed through the metal hatch. A giant hole formed and the cabin quickly depressurized with Wisdom and Brand being sucked out into the sky and Dust following after them in a trail of sand. On cue, a portal opened beneath them.

“I love it when a plan comes together,” said Wisdom.

Brooklyn
One Week Later

Fury sat in the rear of a bar, sipping on a whiskey. Thanks to the smoking ban, he was without a cigar in his mouth at the moment and he needed one now. Maybe more than ever.

“Can you believe this non-smoking shit?”

“You read my mind,” said Fury. “Was starting to wonder if you'd even show.”

Wisdom sat across from Fury, holding a scotch in his hand. “I'm wounded, Nicky. You know I'm a man of my word.”

“I'm glad to see that,” said Fury. He raised his glass to Wisdom. “Looks like we pulled it off.”

“That we did.” Wisdom clinked his glass against Fury's. “Cheers, mate.”

“This isn't gonna be easy,” said Fury. “Once Brand came to, she was livid when she was told what happened. Keeping Dust on the sidelines, having Leighton contact your buddies in the Underground, all very smart moves. We never would've seen it coming.”

“Pru took a ride in Dust's head and that way, they were able to get into the Triskelion so Pru could take over Brand,” said Wisdom.

“Things are gonna get rough for you, Pete. Brand has declared open season on you. She'll come for you and she'll be after blood. Then there's the matter of Shaw. Plus, I'm guessing the Underground isn't too happy with Maverick after killing one of their friends.”

“You let me worry about Maverick and the Underground,” said Wisdom. “The important thing is that we got this far and we've got a scent of what's really going on.”

“You have to understand you're on your own,” said Fury. “This conversation never happened. I've got a lot of heat on me and I need to take stock of SHIELD—find out who I can trust and who I can't. That'll take some time. And you also have to realize that Brand's employed some of your old friends in the XSE, which means you also don't know who to trust.”

“In our line of work, you never do, Nicky,” said Wisdom. He raised his glass. “Here's to going underground.”

FORCING THE ISSUE

This issue took me a while to write and I went through a few drafts of it, actually. The ending for this arc kept escaping me and getting further and further away so I had to revise what I was going to do. I apologize for that and for those who expected a more definitive closure for my run, but I hope it worked for the most part.

There are problems, but I do think this issue reflects the reality of a world and that taking down something as massive as what Wisdom uncovered isn't something that can be resolved in one story-arc. I know there is some interest in this book continuing with another writer, so if that happens, I hope this story proves to be a good starting point for them.

As for me, it was fun writing X-Force for these past fifteen issues. Not a bad run in fanfic (hell, even in comics these days). Back when I first discussed taking on the reigns of this book with Cory and Dave, we decided that it would be best if the book had a stronger focus on the espionage angle, something that we all felt had been slightly lacking in the book despite its concept.

So I took that concept and ran with it and this book became sort of the underdog of the X-branch. It didn't get a lot of press, but what little it did was very positive. Judging from the comments, I succeeded in getting the espionage feel across.

As far as Weapon X goes, he's dead as dead can be. I feel like the character has sort of outlived his usefulness at the site and I felt I owed it to him to have him go out by my own hand rather than end up in obscurity.

There were mistakes and a lot of characters I brought into this series towards the end were done with the idea that I would be on this book for a longer time. That didn't end up playing out so I apologize for bringing in characters who appear to have no purpose in this book.

Also, perhaps one of the biggest flaws with this book is that it was more like Pete Wisdom and X-Force with all the focus on him. Again, I apologize for that and I realized after getting quite a bit into my run that X-Force should have ended with issue #12 and then I should have done these stories in a Wisdom series. But unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20.

Speaking of Wisdom, there was some discussion of me doing a solo series, but that's been curbed pretty much indefinitely. I've got too much other stuff going on at the moment and although I love Wisdom and would love to write him in a solo capacity, I'm afraid the story ideas just aren't there right now.

Hope you all enjoyed the run.

Dino Pollard
April 30, 2009
pollards-picks.livejournal.com