THE STORM BREAKS An Alternate View of the Avengers/Thunderbolts Confrontation by Michael Weyer Greetings. I am Uatu, the Watcher. Like the others of my race, I am pledged to observe, but never interfere, in the affairs of other species. For centuries, I have observed your world. But not just yours. I can also look into other realms, other realities. Just like yours, but with differences, some minor, some major. Worlds where the Nazis won World War II. Worlds where John F. Kennedy lived. Worlds where AIDS and cancer do not exist. One reality is much like the one you know. Here, Earth's greatest heroes were believed to have been killed battling the incredible Onslaught. After a year in a parallel dimension, they managed to return to their own world. Among these heroes were the core of the Mighty Avengers: Captain America, the Beast, Wasp, Yellowjacket, Namor, Ms. Marvel and the Vision. In this reality, as in your own, the villainous Baron Zemo hatched a plan during the heroes' disappearance. He and his Master of Evil disguised themselves as the Thunderbolts, playing at heroes while planning to conquer the world from within. The return of the Avengers delayed their plans, but did not stop them. However, the Black Widow has discovered the Thunderbolts' true agenda and is warning the Avengers. Here now is how the Avengers/Thunderbolts conflict plays out in this reality. How will it end? I cannot say. I can only watch. THUNDERBOLTS #31 "The Final Storm!" The final issue of the Thunderbolts The afternoon sun is coming out as Spider-Man swings toward Avengers Mansion. "Been a while since they called me in for reserves," Spidey thinks. "Well, I haven't seen them since they came back. It'll be nice to see Cap and the rest again. Besides, I need a break from that mess with the Jackal and Baby May*." [*See current issues of the Spider-Man mags for the truth behind the Norman Oswald hoax!] Swinging to the door, Spidey is greeted by Jarvis, who shows him into the main living room. There, Spidey is more than a little surprised to see the Avengers standing around a bound-up MACH-1. "What, he try to steal the silverware?" Spidey asks. "I'm afraid it's more serious than that, Spider-Man," Captain America says as he pulls MACH-1's helmet off, exposing his face. "Holy-! Beetle?! What's going on?" "I'm afraid that the Thunderbolts have been fooling us all along, Spider-Man," the Black Widow says. "I only hope it's not too late." At Four Freedoms Plaza, the Thunderbolts have gathered: Citizen V (Baron Zemo), Meteorite (Moonstone), Atlas (Goliath), Disc and Spiral (The Brothers Grimm), Techno (The Fixer), Current (Electro) and Trapdoor (The Trapster). With them is their reluctant hostage, Dallas Riordan, who wishes she hadn't stumbled onto the unmasked V (just last issue). Citizen V is screaming at Techno for letting the Widow capture MACH-1. As a desperate Techno tries to defend himself, Dallas taunts V. "It's all ending, *Baron*. The Beetle's spilling his guts to the Avengers and they'll be down your throat before you know it." Fixing her with a gaze, V responds. "Ms. Riordan, as much of an asset as you've been to us these last few months, I would advise you to keep quiet. Insulting a Zemo could be a very big mistake." "The biggest mistake I ever made was trusting you!" Dallas yells. "And the second biggest was falling for one of you," she glares at Atlas, who can't return her gaze. "Look, boss, what're we going to do?" Current asks. "As soon as MACH-1 spills, we're going to have half of New York on our tails. Maybe we should split." "Never," V says. "I believe it's time we set our plan in motion. It'll be a bit more rushed, I'll admit, but it will still be successful. Prepare for the assault." As the Thunderbolts move, Atlas takes Dallas to a holding cell. He tries to apologize to her, but she refuses to listen. "I trusted you, opened up to you and you were using me all along. I don't want to hear anything from you." Atlas bites his lip and keeps quiet. Back in the control room, V and Meteorite are discussing their situation. Meteorite has some doubts about rushing into their plan like this. "Don't attempt to overthrow my authority again, Meteorite. You remember what happened to you the last time." Touching her scarred cheek, Meteorite decides to keep quiet. Trying to change the subject, she asks where Songbird is. Confused, V says he thought she was with the others. The two realize that Songbird is gone. We soon see where. At Avenger's Mansion, MACH-1 has been quiet to all of the questions the Avengers have been throwing at him. The Widow explains how she deduced the Thunderbolts' true identities but MACH-1 refuses to tell them anything. At that moment, Jarvis enters to announce that someone has arrived that may be of help. Songbrid enters, much to the surprise of the others, who seem ready to fight. "I'm not here to fight," Songbird says. "I need to talk to Abe." "Mellisa, you shouldn't be here," MACH-1 says. "Zemo will have your hide." "To hell with Zemo," Songbird says. "After what I just found out--He killed Jolt, Abe. It wasn't the Wrecking Crew, it was him. He and Meteorite planned it out to get rid of her when it looked like she was going to figure things out." * [*See issue 20.] "He did that?" MACH-1 says in shock. "Jolt, your junior member, right?" Cap asks. "She wasn't a villain," Songbird explains. "Just a kid who thought we were heroes. She didn't know, but she was going to, so Zemo had her--" "And that bothers you," the Widow states. "Look, I've done a lot in my life I'm not proud of," MACH-1 says. "But I trusted that kid, I liked her. She actually looked up to me, ME, I can't--" He breaks off and looks at the Avengers. "All right. You want info? I'll give you info. I'll give you Zemo's head and I'll even polish the platter for you. Sit down. This is going to take a while." As MACH-1 begins, starting with Zemo recruiting the new Masters of Evil, the Thunderbolts unexpectedly arrive at the SHIELD helicarrier. With Dallas in tow, they stride onto the deck where they're met by Dum Dum Dugan. "Is Colonel Fury here?" V asks. "Naw, Nick went to check out terrorist activities in Madripoor. (See the Nick Fury/Wolverine/Deadpool one-shot now one sale!) What's up, V?" "I have reason to believe that the helicarrier will soon come under attack by a hostile force." "You sure about that?" "Quite," V says as he punches Dugan in the jaw. Techno, Disc and Spiral fire off gas canisters that take out the agents on deck. Trapdoor soon spreads the gas throughout the ventilation system, knocking the entire personnel of the helicarrier unconscious. Immune to the gas, the Thunderbolts go the bridge of the carrier where Techno quickly hacks into the SHIELD systems. "I do believe it's time for our close-up," Zemo says with an evil smile. Back at Avengers Mansion, MACH-1 and Songbird have finished their confession. However, they do not know the exact specifics of Zemo's plan. "He's been cutting us out of meetings since Jolt died," MACH-1 explains. "Maybe he suspected our doubts, I don't know. Whatever he's planning, it's gonna be big." Jarvis interrupts to announce that someone is jamming television transmissions all over town. Hurrying to the communications center, the Avengers see Citizen V on the screen standing on the bridge of the carrier with the Thunderbolts behind him. "Ladies and gentlemen of New York City," V begins. "I believe you all recognize me. I apologize for interrupting your programming, but I have an announcement that I believe is of vital importance to you all. First, I would like to thank you for all the courtesies you've extended to us over our time here. The adulation, the press, our headquarters, our equipment, I thank you all for it. It's such a shame, though that you spent perfectly good tax dollars on--" V pulls off his mask, revealing his disfigured visage. "BARON HELMUT ZEMO, leader of the Masters of Evil!" He throws his head back and lets out a huge laugh. "Oh, how I wish I could see your faces right now. That's correct, ladies and gentlemen, I and my Thunderbolts, or should I say, Masters of Evil, have been fooling you all these months. And now it's paid off. I am now in complete control of the SHIELD helicarrier currently circling Liberty Island. More importantly, I am in control of its magnificent arsenal, capable of reducing Manhattan to ash. "My demands are simple. You have precisely one hour to hand over all control of governments to me. If not, I will begin my assault, starting with the United Nations building. After we have destroyed New York, we'll head over to Washington. Maybe they'll be a little more reasonable. I would not recommend an assault on us. We are more than capable of blowing any aircraft out of the sky. One hour, ladies and gentlemen. Otherwise, Manhattan becomes the world's largest desert island." Laughing, Zemo signs off. "I do believe this is his plan," the Beast remarks. Cap turns to MACH-1 and Songbird. "Will he do it?" MACH-1 nods. "In a heartbeat. If he can't have the world, he'll destroy it." "Is there anyone else on the team who may fight against him?" Widow asks. "Normally, I'd say Atlas, but since Zemo's got his girlfriend hostage, I don't know," Songbird says. "The others will follow Zemo, definitely." Cap begins to move to the hangar. "Beast, Spider-Man, you stay here and keep an eye on MACH-1 and Songbird. The rest of us will take on Zemo." "We want to help," MACH-1 says. "With respect, taking along two members of the Masters of Evil with us isn't tactically sound," Cap says as he leaves. Shortly, at the helicarrier, Techno picks up a signal on radar. "Looks like we've got company, boss," he says. "Is our contingency plan ready?" Zemo asks. "All set." "Good. Stay here and keep working on the codes. We'll provide a reception." As the Quinjet approaches the helicarrier, Trapdoor fires an adhesive spray that jams its engines, sending it out of control. Cap uses an emergency exit and he, Widow, Wasp, Yellowjacket, Namor, Ms. Marvel and the Vision land on the deck of the helicarrier as the Thunderbolts arrive. "Ah, my hated enemy," Zemo says. "How nice to see you once more." "I knew something was wrong the last time we met, Zemo," Cap says (Avengers #406-407) "I've got to give you credit. Even the Red Skull couldn't have pulled off a scheme like this." "I take that as a massive compliment," Zemo says. "Now, would you care to save us some time and trouble and surrender now or would you prefer we destroy you?" "Not gonna happen on both counts, Z," Ms. Marvel says. "Let's see about that, Ms. Denvers. Gentlemen and lady?" With that, the Thunderbolts begin their attack as the Avengers quickly break up. They soon pair off: Cap goes after Zemo, Namor takes on Atlas, Vision battles Current, Wasp and Yellowjacket take on Disc and Spiral, Ms. Marvel battles Meteorite and the Widow takes on Trapdoor. The battle extends across the carrier's deck. Atlas is reluctant to fight but is goaded on when Zemo promises to kill Dallas if he doesn't. "That's always been your way, hasn't it, Helmut?" Cap says as he nails Zemo in the jaw. "Always with the threats and terror. You may have played the role of a hero, but there's no way you had the heart of one." "On the contrary, Captain," Zemo says, knocking his sword on Cap's shield. "By killing you, I will become a hero in the eyes of my father and his followers." "Your father's dead and your followers are few. You didn't have to follow your father's insane dream, Helmut. You could have carved out your own life. Instead, you took the same sick path. I pity you." "Save your pity for your pathetic country," Zemo says as he renews his attack. The rest of the Avengers are beginning to get the upper hand. Yellowjacket and the Wasp have evaded Disc and Spiral's sphere weapons and have them pushed back; Namor is hitting Atlas with hit-and-run attacks; Ms. Marvel is outpowering Meteorite; Trapdoor, never much for physical fighting, is outclassed by the Widow; and, despite his attempts to overload the Vision's circuitry, Current is on the ropes. "Give it up, Zemo," Cap says. "There's no way you can win." "Ah, but you of all people should know that there's always a way, Captain," Zemo says with a smile. Suddenly, a blast of energy knocks Namor away from Atlas as a ball attached to a chain hits the Vision in the back. Looking up, the Avengers see a teleportation hole created by Techno and through the hole come Zemo's reinforcements: The Wrecking Crew, the Absorbing Man, Titania, Mister Hyde, Kang and Radioactive Man. "Behold your defeat, Captain," Zemo gloats. "Behold the dawn of a new age. Forever after, today will be remembered as the day the Avengers died. And as the day when the Masters of Evil became the Masters of the WORLD!" Back at the mansion, Spider-Man and the Beast are viewing the battle on the main screen. "This could be problematic," the Beast states. "That's one thing that never changes about you, McCoy, you terrific gift for understatement," Spidey says. "Any ideas?" "Frontal assault," MACH-1 answers from behind them. Turning they see he and Songbird heading for the front door. "Hit them fast and hard before they recover." "Where do you think you're going, Beetle?" Spider-Man asks. "I'm not the Beetle anymore, Spidey. The Beetle's dead. Gone. I'm MACH-1, for better or worse. For what's it worth, I'm sorry about all the stuff I've done to you over the years. I may not have lived a hero, but I'm going to die as one." With that, he and Songbird take off towards the helicarrier. "Should we stop them?" Beast asks. "Nope," Spider-Man replies. "We should help them." TO BE CONCLUDED! Avengers #423 "Let Down the Thunder!" MACH-1 and Songbird race towards the helicarrier, going full speed. Reaching the helicarrier, they see the badly overmatched Avengers trying to fight off the Masters. Swooping in, MACH-1 fires rounds of lasers, smoke bombs, missiles and anything else in his arsenal to separate the Thunderbolts from the Avengers. Songbird sets off a sonic cry that knocks Titania and the Absorbing Man off their feet. "Thanks for the assist," Cap says, getting back to his feet. "No problem," MACH-1 answers. "Come on, we've still got a lot to do!" Songbird circles Atlas, trying to reason with him as the battle continues. "Erik, you know this is wrong. Throw in with us! We can use you!" "Songbird, I'm sorry," Atlas says as he grabs her. "I have to do this. I don't want to hurt you. Just give up and we'll go easy on you." "If you believe that, you're dumber than I thought, Atlas!" MACH-1 says as he fires a barrage at Atlas, causing him to release Songbird. "Zemo doesn't care if we live or die, Erik, as long as he wins. It's all about him, remember? His plan, his rules, his victory!" "Listen to them, Atlas," Cap cries. "You think Zemo will actually keep you around if he gains power? Keep around people he knows he can't trust?" "I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!" Atlas yells. "There's always a choice, son! Always!" Inside the helicarrier, Techno has finished his hacking into the SHIELD database. "Yes," he says. "Full control of weapons and navigation belongs to me now." "You mean, it belongs to me," Meteorite says as she comes up behind Techno. Turning, Techno sees her aiming a charged-up arm at him. "Going for another coup, Meteorite?" Techno says. "Seems a good time for it," Meteorite says as she steps forward. "Give me the codes for firing the weapons and I may let you live." "Zemo won't like this." "Zemo's got bigger problems at the moment." "So do you." Meteorite is confused before gasping in pain as Zemo jams his sword into her back. "My poor doctor," he says in mock sympathy. "Did you really think your absence from the fight would escape my notice? I warned you before about your treachery. Never double-cross a professional double-crosser, Meteorite. If you somehow survive, remember that." "You give a whole new meaning to the term back-stabbing, Baron," Techno says with a crude metallic smile. "Enough witticisms, Techno. Take Ms. Riordan and come up to the flight deck. I think it's time we put an end to all this." On the flight deck, Atlas has been brought down by the combined effort of Namor and the Vision and the tide is beginning to turn in the Avengers' favor when Zemo and Techno come up on deck with Dallas in tow. Placing his sword by Dallas' neck, Zemo begins to speak. "I believe the end game is here, my old enemy. Techno is currently in the process of arming the weapons for a strike on Manhattan." The Avengers realize that during the battle, the helicarrier has moved over the United Nations building. "In approximately one minute, the full might of this helicarrier will be unleashed below. And you will have a front row seat for the festivities. And, should any of you think of interfering, Ms. Riordan here will be forced to become an extra on 'Highlander.'" "Knew I shouldn't have gotten cable for the HQ," Techno mutters. "Quiet. Wave good-bye to New York City, Avengers. I'm setting the town on fire. Techno, fire at will when ready." "NOOOOOO!" Atlas' hand comes down right on top of Techno, smashing him to pieces, causing a shudder throughout the helicarrier. The vibration knocks Zemo off balance enough for Dallas to elbow him in the ribs and throw him over her shoulder. "Dallas, you okay?" Atlas says as he picks her up. "You saved me," she says, staring at him. "You stopped the missiles and you saved me." "I couldn't let him murder innocent people," Atlas says. "And I couldn't let him kill someone I love." "KILL THEM ALL!" Zemo shrieks, inciting battle once again. "Glad to see you pick the right side, buddy!" MACH-1 says as Atlas smacks a hand into Kang. Songbird quickly hurries Dallas to the bridge, where she'll hopefully be safe. "It's not over, Captain!" Zemo cries. "As soon as I destroy you, I can reconnect the firing mechanisms and--" "And get yer big bad butt kicked, pal!" Swooping in on a Fantasti-Jet is the Fantastic Four, with Spider-Man and the Beast along. Setting their vehicle down, the FF quickly jump to the attack. "Reed, what are you doing here?" Cap asks. "Spider-Man and Beast contacted us, although we probably would have been here anyway," Reed says. "No disrespect, mein kapitan, but we thought some reinforcements were needed," Beast says as he kicks back Kang. "None taken, Beast," Cap says. "Reed, Zemo could still arm the missiles if we don't--" "No, he can't," Mr. Fantastic says, smiling. "I was delayed because I hacked into the SHIELD command system and placed the weaponry under my own control. Zemo will never be able to reconnect it." With the addition of the FF, the Masters of Evil soon find themselves overmatched. The Absorbing Man nails the Thing with a punch. "You trying to make me mad, sonny?" Ben Grimm asks. "Naw, I'm just getting a hold of your rocks!" The Absorbing Man quickly changes his skin to match the Thing's rocky hide as the two begin to trade blows. Spider-Man nimbly avoids the blasts of Current as Trapdoor pries at the webbing over his eyes. "I didn't know Zemo was actually desperate enough to hire you guys," Spidey says. "How's it going, Pete?" "Trapdoor, blast you, Trapdoor!" Trapdoor tries to fire a blast of glue at Spider-Man. Warned by his spider-sense, Spidey dodges the burst, which nails Current to the floor. "Nice going, Pete!" Spidey yells. "Good to see you haven't lost your touch." "Hey Pete! Remember me?" The Human Torch fires a low- intensity flame burst at Trapdoor's feet, making him jump right into a Spidey punch. "You change the name but not the talent," Spidey says. "Or lack thereof," the Torch adds. As Namor and the Vision battle the Wrecking Crew, Titania kicks the Widow in the gut. "Time to get squashed, Spider!" She says, raising her fist. "Don't you know we spiders stick together?" Spidey says as he webs her hand. "You little worm! You think you can stop me?" "Stop you? No. Distract you? Definitely." Turning, Titania has just a second to Ms. Marvel's fist coming at her before she's knocked twenty feet in the air. "And it's good!" The Absorbing Man and the Thing continue to rain blows on each other. Getting in a shot that doubles the Thing over, Creel raises his wrecking ball, intent on bringing it down on the Thing's skull. At the last second, the ball is stopped before it hits the Thing. Looking up, Creel sees the Invisible Woman who has extended a force field bubble around him. Without being able to touch the Thing, Creel soon loses his rocks. "Ready when you are, Suzie," Ben says as he throws a mighty blow at Creel. Sue lets down the bubble at the last moment and the Absorbing Man is knocked across the deck, landing next to Titania. Reed has wrapped himself around the Radioactive Man, his special suit protecting him from the effects of the radiation. This gives the Beast the chance to plant both feet firmly in RM's face, knocking him out. "Nice work, Beast," Reed says. "Ever consider changing teams?" "Sorry, the Avengers have a better dental plan." As the Wrecking Crew and Kang get their clocks cleaned by the rest, Captain America advances on Zemo. Zemo tries to stab him with his sword but Cap brings his shield down, shattering the blade in half. "It's over, Helmut," he says. "Not yet," Zemo says, pulling out a remote control detonator. "I took the liberty of placing several explosives around the engines of the helicarrier. As soon as I transmit this signal, they'll detonate, sending the carrier crashing down into the heart of Manhattan!" "You madman! That'll kill thousands!" "That's the point, fool! Farewell, Captain! We enter death's door together!" "Afraid you're gonna have to cancel your martyrdom, Baron!" MACH-1 grabs Zemo from behind and yanks him up into the air. "You fool!" Zemo screams. "You can't stop me! No one can stop me! I am a Zemo! I am your master!" "You may have been the Beetle's master. And you may have been MACH-1's master. But you were never Abner Jenkins' master!" Struggling to get loose, the enraged Zemo manages to push the button, detonating the explosives. "Reed!" Cap yells. "We've only got minutes before this thing crashes!" "Then let's get to work!" Reed stretches himself down to the ground, providing a slide for Spider-Man, Beast and the Thing to come down on. As the Widow and Ms. Marvel quickly lock the Masters of Evil onto one of the SHIELD supply rooms, the others try to stop the carrier's descent. Namor and the Vision both fly to the bottom of the helicarrier but their strength is not enough to stop it. Songbird sets up a massive sound bubble underneath the carrier, but, weakened by the battle, she cannot hold it for long. Then Atlas begins to grow. He grows larger than he ever has before, reaching almost a hundred feet. He grabs the helicarrier and stops its descent. He and the others quickly begin lowering the carrier towards the ground. Spider-Man quickly unloads his web-shooters to create a giant net to hold the carrier in place a hundred feet off the ground. "Good thing I just upgraded my web strength," Spidey says. "But we'd better get this thing fixed before the webs dizzolve." "No problem, Spider-Man," Mr. Fantastic says. "I should be able to whip up an anti-gravity device that will keep the helicarrier afloat long enough for repairs to me made." "Say, where's that crumbbumb Baron?" The Thing asks. MACH-1 comes blasting down to the ground, Zemo in his grip. "Here you go, Cap," he says throwing Zemo down to the ground. Shaking his head, Captain America looks down at Zemo. "You've used and abused the faith of the people for too long, Baron. This time it really is over." "You're lucky, Baron," MACH-1 says. "If I was still the guy you recruited, I'd have let you splat on the ground. But I'm a hero now. I don't do that anymore." Within minutes, the media and the police have descended on the scene. "I guess I'd better go and admit what a fool I've been all these months," Dallas says. "No more a few than anyone else, Dal," Atlas says. "Zemo had everyone conned." "Yeah," Dallas smiles. "Even himself. He thought he had a bunch of villains with him. He couldn't see the heart of a hero in you." She moves forward and kisses Atlas before going over to the reporters. The police have begun loading Zemo and the Masters of Evil to waiting wagons. Meteorite is on her way to the hospital and a group of Guardsmen have loaded what's left of Techno for study. "Hey, Baron," Atlas calls as Zemo is loaded. "When you get to the Vault, ask for the northeast corner. It's got a great view in the spring." Struggling against his restraints, Zemo yells at his former compatriots. "I will not forget this betrayal, do you hear me! NEVER! I will be revenged upon you all if it's the last thing I ever do! You've not heard the last of Baron Helmut Zemo!" Still screaming, Zemo is thrown into the restraining vehicle which then drives away. "Well, so much for the Thunderbolts," Songbird sighs. "Is was a fun ride while it lasted," MACH-1 says. "I guess we're getting a separate ride to the Vault, huh?" Atlas asks. "Not really," Cap replies. "In fact, I think with a little talk, the governor might see fit to pardon you all." The three look at him in surprise. "Huh? But, we've still got criminal charges on us," Atlas says. "So did Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch when they first joined," Cap says. "Namor was an enemy at first. You three proved yourselves today. You never really had the hearts of villains anyway. You just took a few wrong steps. I think if anyone's deserved a second chance, it's you." "Wait, what are you saying?" MACH-1 asks. "I'd like to offer you all a trial membership in the Avengers. You'll be remaindered to our custody and any actions you perform will go a long way towards cutting down on your sentences." "Us? Avengers?" MACH-1 asks, astounded. "Wow, you'd really do that?" Songbird asks. Cap nods. The three former Thunderbolts look at each other. It doesn't take much thought. "Why not?" Atlas says. "We're in." Smiling Cap raises his shield. "Might as well start now," he says. "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!" And so it is that MACH-1, Atlas and Songbird joined the Avengers. They proved their worth time and again, rewarding Captain America's trust. In the years that followed, that continually reflected on the irony that if it were not for Baron Zemo's evil, their good would never have been discovered. I am the Watcher. This is my tale.