Spider-Man #9 - Golden Endeavors

Spider-Man #9

"Golden Endeavors" Part of the Phalanx Ascension

Written by Karl Volmer

"It has been several months since Spider-Man has gone a complete spree of capturing many of his escaped enemies, all of which have been returned to the Vault, a high security prison facility specializing in unique paranormal criminal cases. Spider-Man has gone to extensive lengths in order to capture his assorted villain’s galleries. One report has that he paired up with an apparent sorceress just to capture Mysterio. No matter what his reasons, Spider-Man’s new mission has everyone asking the same questions. Has Spider-Man finally buckled under the pressures of being a superhero? Or is this an attempt at freedom to pursue the volley of all new sightings of transforming robots in and around the New York area? Or, perhaps there may be an unknown personal reason for all of this. Tell us what you think America."

"Perhaps it’s all three." Peter lamented as he turned off the television.

Mary Jane chased after the precocious little May, who had recently discovered the inherent fun of walking around. "You’re doing great Tiger, don’t let it get to you."

Peter allowed a half smile. "MJ, I should have done this a long time ago. I was always afraid about the use of my powers, and now I realize that fear needs to be controlled."
"Well, it’s better than knowing nothing at all." MJ frowned at the thought.

Peter sighed for a moment. "While I’ve been rounding up every little nook and cranny in my life and Ben’s, I thought we could round up yours as well. I think we can discover what your power is, but we can do it in a controlled environment."

"Peter, I’m just not ready to be even poke and prodded. I’ve been placing all my concentration on Little May. I don’t have anything left after that."

"I know MJ. You are a great mom, and I appreciate everything you’ve done to let me do what’s needed. But, I think we need to really find out exactly what activating the x-factor gene means for us." Peter looked at MJ and then Little May.

MJ nodded her head. "I know Peter. I’m just not ready yet."

Peter walked over and hugged his beautiful red headed wife. "Hey, I do have some free time now that almost everyone is in the Vault."

"Almost everyone?" MJ’s demeanor grew serious.

"Venom has managed to do a real good job of hiding himself. It’s not like Eddie and the other to be totally obscure to this degree."

"Peter, do what you can. I don’t want anything left to chance. Venom knows who we are, and he has a repeated history of going back on his self serving beliefs about being a hero."

"I know that all too well MJ. I’ll make sure he’s brought in for good. Maybe I’ll ask Joe and see what he has."

***

The great myriad of gold and black permeated the walls of the room, as a group of humanoid beings seem to stretch out from the walls themselves.

"This designate Spider-Man has a past association with our host. Perhaps we should invoke him into our collective."

"No, that would alert others to our presence here. Our other shall alleviate any worries about Spider-Man’s involvement in our endeavors. The Praetor has been chosen and soon we shall have complete control over the Cybertronians. However, we can not ignore the threat which this human’s abilities present to our plans."

"We should send his counterpart as a diversion. His consciousness seems troublesome at best. His mind is conditioned for symbiosis with this creature." Another Phalanx cohort produced the black liquid like life form in its restrictive container.

"Agreed, our troublesome host will provide an ample distraction while we have our other operative complete the second phase of our plan."

"Assimilation of secondary and less known hosts has proceeded without any further ramifications. Perhaps we should bolster the ranks with the other three that we’ve assimilated. The troublesome one has had nothing but a volley of losses to Spider-Man."

"Produce the others, and present them as joining this Venom. The fourth one of this mutant collective is still attempting to assimilate the highly advanced robot into our ranks."

"As you wish, but what do we do with the symbiotic creature?"

"Free it. If the host does not accomplish the mission, it will provide a back up to our plans. It will attempt to find a new host will distract Spider-Man as well."

***

Spider-Man’s well had run dry with the leads he had on Venom. He was right in telling Mary Jane that there would be one other alternative, Joe Wade. As Spider-Man swung by the office building, he smiled as Joe had left the window always open for his most prized guest.

"Joe, you’ve been doing great. You’ve really made an impact with your agency." Spider-Man leaped into the Detective’s office. "I’m proud to consider you a friend."

The Detective became beet red with embarrassment. "Well, I suppose that is good news. I’m still afraid I have reached a dead end with one case though. And, he’s my highest paying client yet."

"Hey, I suppose I could help you if you can help me." Spider-Man said with a wink.

"I had a feeling you were about to say that. This client wanted me to investigate the Hellfire Club."

Spider-Man tried to sugarcoat his words for his friend. "That’s some heavy stuff for someone just out of the gate, no offense."

"You did say something about help." Joe countered.

Spider-Man sighed for a moment. "Yeah, I did. What exactly is it all about?"

"My client wanted to find out exactly why the Hellfire Club went to the trouble of setting up a reporter as his sidekick, in a manner of speaking. The funny thing is, she has no connection to the Hellfire Club at all. Even as horrid as the setup, I basically reestablished her innocence."

Spider-man flinched at the familiar story. "I think I know who exactly you are talking about. It’s obvious that the Hellfire Club wants someone that they can trust. And, it’s certainly not going to be one of their regular members."

"I’ve established that much. But, there’s has to be something more to it. She seemed a bit too blessed with her escape from their forces."

"To be honest Joe, I literally meant I know who you are talking about. Irene Merryweather is an involuntary plant to find out information from Cable’s future. It’s no doubt that the Hellfire Club wants to use that information to their own ends. It’s not really a question of why they want her to get the information. It’s a question of how they are getting the information from her since she’s not volunteering it anytime soon."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa...that guy was from the future?"

"Welcome to the hero business." Spider-man lightly smiled beneath his mask.

Joe pondered for a moment. "Thanks, I guess I should do research on Cable rather than Irene. But, that would cause the...oh...stupid..."

Spider-man surmised what Joe had. "Hence why Hellfire Club went to the exorbitant lengths to get an insider that wasn’t part of their little deal."

"They would probably offer her a spot in there later on...probably just to be rejected by her and have Cable open up even more. Man, I’ll need a new day job if this keeps up."

"I wouldn’t be too pessimistic, like I said you’re doing a great job. Speaking of the hero business, what about our arrangement?"

"I gave it some thought. I’d like to make up for the trouble I caused, but as I got more cases I realized I didn’t need a costume to do it after all. In fact, I’m thinking of expanding and hiring some more hands."

Spider-Man seemed a bit unsteady about the news. "That’s great, but what will New York do without a web slinger?"

"I’m sure that it will do without one, since you’ve managed to capture all your enemies."

"Except one." Spider-Man stated in a monotone fashion. "Venom."

"Okay, I’ll tell you what. I’ll find Venom since you’ve given me a start on my case."

"Start?" Spider-Man sounded surprised.

"Yes, you mentioned exactly how the Hellfire Club gets their information from Irene. I’m sure she’s not doing it voluntarily as well; otherwise Cable would pick up on it by now."

"They have plenty of mutants in the Hellfire Club. All they need is a good mind reader to get all the information they want. I suppose they wait for Cable to go on some excursion, otherwise he’d detect someone trying to tap her mind." Spider-man explained to Joe.

"Okay, we’ll switch. I’ll attempt to find Venom, and you go to Cable with the news."

"Fine, I could use a break anyway. Good luck." Spider-Man swung back out the open window, as Joe began his new investigation.

***

"Next time Spidey, why don’t you manage to tell him that you don’t have the faintest inkling of where Cable is hiding?" Spider-man sighed since the new search was a fruitless as the one for Venom.

Well, if you didn’t attempt to ring in my head through Grey’s connection. A voice boomed in Spider-man’s head.

"Hey, where are you?"

Rather busy right now, with X-Force.

Fine, be that way. Spider-man finally managed to retort back without speaking out loud. Irene is a plant for the Hellfire Club, they’re managing to get information through her about you.

There was a silent pause. I know, I just wanted someone else to verify my suspicions.

Well if you’re so smart how come you’re allowing it to happen? Spider-man quipped.

I believe it’s called misinformation.

"Oh, yeah. Right. Joe sends his regards."

Tell him good job. And, if he wants he can have a position on my team. I’ve been keeping tabs on his other exploits.

"Whoa, I never got offered."

Consider yourself a temporary member just like the Avengers.

"Cool!" Spider-Man actually thought about what Cable just said. "Hey, that wasn’t fair."

Watch your back.

No sooner than Cable made the ominous statement, Spider-Man’s sense alerted him to the presence of others.

"Hello, Spider-Man. I believe you were looking for friends, new friends. I believe I found them." Venom replied as three other mutants were with him.

I believe I’m cashing in my temporary card right now.

Sorry, won’t get there...but there’s a few others to help you out. Watch out for that SHIELD agent, all though I still don’t know how he managed to heal himself after the inferno he endured. Joe’s coming there too...and something else...

"SHIELD agent, my spider sense should have picked up a SHIELD agent. And, what’s something else?" Spider-Man looked up to see the alien symbiote roughly form a humanoid shape as it landed next to him.

"Wait a minute, if you’re here. How is Eddie still Venom?"

"Protocol breach, kikt. The Subject is aware of our deception. Begin assimilation." The four figures turned black and gold in front of Spider-Man’s eyes.

"Oh no, I’m not becoming Locutus." With a defiant twip, Spider-Man reeled himself up his line. The increased drag of the Phalanx slowed the four assimilated fiends.

As Spider-man got to a good distance, he stopped for a short second with the symbiote coming up from behind.

"I hate to say this, but you can merge with me for now."

The symbiote shook it’s head in disagreement, and produced a tendril, which showed the slug like creature.

"So, you’re no longer chemically dependant either. Fine, but can you lose my motif?"

The symbiote seemed a bit depressed at the news, but then changed to a semi humanoid shape of Scarlet Spider.

"That’s not funny, and I meant totally lose it."

"Well, it was a good thought." Spider-Man recognized the voice behind some weird amalgamation of all the Slinger costumes on one person. "Better than mine."

"J...Uh...what should I call you?"

"Names are unimportant right now." The costumed persona of Joe Wade responded with hesitation.

"I agree." Another rather tall man with black hair seemed to pop out of nowhere. "I’ll help you take care of your problem, then I’m taking you both in custody"

"Why the hell didn’t you..."

"Set off your Spider-sense? Ancient Tibetan secret."

Spider-Man was boggled by the statement, but couldn’t let the error slip. "Isn’t that Chinese?"

"Trust me, it’s Tibetan. And, you can refer to me as Agent 18. I also brought my personal assistant."

A robotic figure stomped right next to Agent 18, then turned to the heroes.

"I recognize a former LOK prototype anywhere. Does that one transform too?" Spider-man got a dark stoic response as an answer.

"Assimilation into our collective is inevitable." Venom and his other Phalanx cohorts stated as they interrupted any further thoughts.

"You know I actually prefer Eat your brains to that. Sad really. Shall we?" "We shall not. You will be assimilated." Spider-man looked as the costumed Joe Wade produced long blank and gold tendrils that encased Agent 18 and the LOK prototype. As the symbiote watched and knew it must do something it dreaded. It immediately cast itself upon Spider-Man, and changed back to his old standard blue and red costume.

"Hey, I was wearing black you know. But, considering these guys fashion sense I guess it’s for the best." Spider-Man dodged a volley of tendrils that the group cast out toward him.

"What is wrong with these guys anyway?" Spider-man attempted to devise several thoughts as the symbiote interrupted them.

The symbiote gave its thoughts on the history of the Phalanx and it’s races encounter with them, as Spider-Man attempted to try to keep up with the story.

"Okay, that’s nice. But, what about humans?" Spider-Man still managed to evade more tendrils, as the symbiote didn’t respond.

The symbiote stopped Spider-Man’s body and uncovered itself almost all the way as it left a few tendrils attached.

"Hey, what the?" Spider-Man shouted as he bombarded with Phalanx tendrils.

Through the link the symbiote created, it relayed all the important information about the Phalanx and their purpose on Earth.

"Disconnect! The other is preventing full assimilation while the human host learns of our plans."

"Way to state the obvious, question is how to do I get out of this mess." As soon as Spider-Man said something, there was a wind click and whir of gears.

The Phalanx retracted from Spider-Man. Spider-Man looked at his would be savior.

"Well, what are you waiting for human, an invitation?"

Spider-man recognized the rather lumbering red robot from a previous encounter. "Yes, I was. Now, do you mind explaining why these guys don’t like you besides that ego?"

"We have a special metallic alloy that doesn’t mix with their kind. We’ve dealt with them once before on a few occasions."

"Great, anyway I can examine a piece of that alloy? I can probably find a way to replicate the properties that make it disagreeable to the Phalanx."

The robot thought for a moment. "Let’s go before I change my mind."

"Uh, I don’t have a ride, and I think used up my mode of transportation."

The robot gave out the equivalent of a sigh. "Come on."

As Spider-man climbed into the robot after it transformed into his vehicle mode. Spider-man looked at the angered faces of the Phalanx minions. "Are you absolutely sure it’s not your ego?"

"Kikt, the altered human has learned of our directives and one of our weaknesses. He has the aide of a Cybertronian." The assimilated Venom reported.

"It is no matter. The presence of the repaired Cybertronian indicates they are replenishing their resources against us." The Phalanx induced Joe Wade stated. "We must regroup and assist the Praetor."

Cable #3 - Unmasked

Cable #3

"Unmasked"

Yesterday was quite a wild roller coaster to say the least. It didn’t take long for me to get rid of Cable's crew. A simple wink and telling them to put all the necessary information down on a notepad was enough to give them a smile on their faces. I didn't want to do this as much as they did. My task was to chronicle Cable's life, not theirs. So, I excused myself for a moment, giving some time for them to depart. And, they didn't waste one second. When I came back the room was empty and I couldn't help but smile.

I quickly left as well before Cable came back with the woman known as Storm. It seems there is something deep and unrequited between the two. I think this is the main reason that Storm was so willing to leave her other responsibility so quickly. At least, that's what I figured out so far.

My little venture took to the office of Jonah Jameson, editor of the Daily Bugle. I knew he had a penchant for working late, and so I went up to the office. I was surprised by the slam of the door as he quickly walked out of the office, with a cigar in his mouth. He said he wasn't surprised to see me, and wondered what took so long to retract my decision of not taking the job. At that point, I told him I wanted to take the assignment for Sector 17. He sheepishly grinned at me and said it was mine, and Peter Parker would be my photographer. He told me I could find Parker in his office, and added the odd statement he didn't care if I told the whole world.

I figured the guy was working a bit too late, and it was effecting his brain. When I walked in the office, I found Parker bound by some type of rope. Needless to say, I was puzzled by his predicament. He constantly asked for a pair of scissors while I was trying to find out what happened. I finally stopped giving him the third degree and looked in Jonah's desk for a pair. What I found was something I never thought possible. The first, a picture of the elusive Sector 17, obviously taken by Parker. The second I won't mention here just in case anyone with an evil intent should get a hold of this chronicle.

I freed Parker with a little bit of effort and followed him back to his house. I had the small opportunity to meet another big figure. Where Cable was a knight in shining armor, this guy was King Arthur. His words were in even bigger surprise as he asked Parker a question. Parker didn't answer right away, and was confounded by the question. "King Arthur" gave me some line about keeping this off the record, and I took that as a cue to leave. I excused myself at an opportune moment and left the happy household of "King Arthur", Parker, and his wife.

I returned here to a rather impatient Cable and Storm, as they wondered what happened to the team. I gave him my little white lie, and he seemed to know what I had done. Fortunately for me, the team returned after a short time. I guess Cable trained them well, and they felt enough loyalty to him not to go off on their own.

Cable told everyone the plan, and to rest up for the night. He figured a daytime strike would catch The Mechanic off guard. And, that the search for the black metallic panther would be fruitless, since he couldn't even find traces of its presence. Everyone agreed and found a place to sleep, except the poor claustrophobic Storm.

As usual, I am left here with the gnomic Blaquesmith. Cable felt the necessity just in case the odd circumstance of Apocalypse actually being there. He didn't want me to be turned into one of his many agents, and I felt the same after the horror stories he shared with me. He and his team took off in their little ship, as I watched it disappear in the horizon. I just hope to see that ship return with everyone alive.

"Sir, I don't mean to complain. But, why did you switch back to the big gun motif?" Cannonball's southern drawl sounded bothered.

"Sam, it has to do with the prophecy. Since I lost the Psimatar, this weapon is supposed to replace it." Cable said as he placed the controls on autopilot and held the weapon in his hand.

Storm shook her head. "I still think the placement of the weapon was too convenient Nathan."

"Look, I appreciate your concerns, but right now is not the time to debate gun control. I'm a soldier and I know how to use a weapon the right way, trust me." Cable turned his attention back to the controls when he switched back to manual.

"I don't get it though. Why would the big A require the help of anyone for his armor? I mean this guy has a mutant power of adapting to just about anything."

Siryn's Irish lilt gave her away to Cable. "Theresa, Apocalypse has always used other people to cull out the weak from the strong. My guess is that this Nestor Forbes has extreme connections to the criminal world. Apocalypse may be making his move there."

"Why not just let him stir up the criminal masterminds against each other? I mean it would make life easier." Jesse "Bedlam" pointed out.

"Because, the weaker ones always seek to make themselves stronger. Wipe out the weak ones, and the strong ones can concentrate on more illegal activities, and not worry about the small guys 'taking a piece of the pie', as the expression goes." Storm spoke up for Cable's behalf.

"You sound like you speak from experience." Jesse hypothesized.

Storm nodded. "I was a thief in my youth. I am trying to repay for my misdeeds by being part of something that represents hope for the future. That's why I joined the X-Men and why I am now part of Cable's Twelve."

Domino grew impatient. "Yeah, the dirty dozen instead of the Six Pack. Not to sound like one of these kids, but are we there yet?"

"I'll have to land in an indiscrete area first. Then, we can go to his factory. Hopefully, he'll still be there. Just be prepared for anything." Cable noted so they could ready themselves mentally.

The ship landed with a thud as it hit the hard ground.

"Yeah, like putting ourselves in crash position next time." Domino spoke, as she was the only one to make it unscathed from the harsh landing. The rest had only minor scratches from being tossed in the small ship.

The team exited the ship to find a small groove of tropical trees lying out before them. They looked back at the ship to see that was cloaked. Cable stepped out to see wondering glances.

Cable nodded his head at the indirect questions. "It's been there. I try not to use it since it takes up a lot of fuel while flying. But, we are too close to a local military instillation. I didn't want to alert them."

"Sir, I reckon you're going to alert a lot more with that gun of yours." Cannonball tried once more to state his concern.

Cable finally took Sam's words to heart. He had yet to actually try and shoot the gun to test its power. It was the best time, as Cable spotted no one in the vicinity. He pointed the gun at a large rock and pressed the trigger. Then, something had happen which no one expected.

"Greetings, I am the Parabolic System Integrated Matter/Antimatter Transforming Autonomous Resonator."

The wild looks came from everyone and Cable almost dropped the gun in surprise.

Storm's worries were confirmed. "By the bright lady! What sort of weapon is this?"

Cable shook his head. "I don't know, but weapons from my time didn't have central processing units. I think the use of them in weapons stopped way before my time because of too many glitches. I just hope I didn't get a lemon from Rachel."

"The P.S.I.M.A.T.A.R. Weapon System is dedicated to its carrier's protection. Please state any verbal command that you wish this Weapon System to carry out before firing." The voice was low and grating, as though the voice chip was defective.

"The stun setting is to be used on all living things, except for one. His designation is Apocalypse, also known as En Sabah Nur." Cable shrugged at the rest who continued to stare at the white gun.

"This systems primary function is to protect the carrier at all costs. Such a request would put the primary function in jeopardy. Do you wish to proceed with this request?"

Cable looked at the gun with an odd glance. "Yes, I wish to avoid too much attention from other parties. It would be a hindrance to my mission of hunting the designated target."

The gun remained silent for a minute, as though it were processing the request. "This unit has been set to stun on all living beings, except for Designate: Apocalypse, En Sabah Nur. The P.S.I.M.A.T.A.R. weapon system is now ready for use."

X-Force and Storm gave the gun wild stares as Cable rubbed his chin in thought.

"Well, I guess that answers all of your questions. Now, I have an image inducer that will render the gun invisible. That will prevent anyone seeing it and raising alarm." Cable placed the small object on the gun as it cloaked the weapon from sight.

"Um sir, just how can you see it then?" Cannonball scratched his head.

Cable gave a smirk and pointed to his glowing eye. "Although I fight it every day, it has a few advantages. Ororo, can you scout ahead and see what trouble we might expect?"

Cable made a motion, which indicated he slung the weapon on his back. The members of X-Force continued to stare a few times to see if the invisible weapon would do anything further. Storm took Cable's order without hesitation, as she wanted to avoid Cable's new 'toy' as well. Cable walked a few feet away and leaned on a tree as the rest stood around and waited for Storm's return.

"Look, I hope Mr. Eastwood there can handle that piece. Would someone mind filling me in on this Apocalypse thing?" Jesse's curiosity got the best of him.

"Sure, if you don't mind a long story short. Cable came back from a future where an Egyptian man called En Sabah Nur ruled. He simply came back to prevent that future. And, right now, big blue goes by another name, Apocalypse. " Theresa explained to Jesse.

"Big Blue?" Jesse was at a loss from the reference.

"Aye, for some reason Apocalypse likes his armor blue. I don't know the significance, if any." Theresa shrugged her shoulders.

"So Gargamel intends to kill Papa Smurf to make things golden, nice." Jesse lamented.

Meltdown was the only one to laugh at the reference as the rest glared at her. "What? I thought it was funny."

Storm's quick return gave the team and Cable an ominous feeling.

"There are no signs of Apocalype's minions. I doubt he would ever expect us to trace this Mechanic to his location." Storm surmised.

"All right, two flanks. I want Storm, Domino, Cannonball, and Proudstar to be in the back. Meltdown, Bedlam, Siryn, Sunspot, and Moonstar will be the frontline and I'll take point. This guy can disappear on us once he's warned, so I want this as quick and quiet as possible. Let's go."

"He wants it quick and quiet as possible and he puts all the noisemakers in the frontline. Cable is focusing too much on Apocalypse if you ask me." Domino complained to Storm.

"He has been hunting for this madman ever since he came back to our timeline. I guess he is feeling more urgency as the so-called "millennium" approaches." Storm replied.

Domino simply shook her head. "Well, whatever it is, it's starting to make him inefficient. If push comes to shove, one of us is going to have to take over the Twelve."

Storm's got a stoic face from the statement. "If the time comes, and the situation warrants. I shall take command. Until then, Cable is in charge."

Domino seemed more shocked that Storm actually said something about taking charge. There was no doubt left in her mind that what she had suggested was wrong. Cable had grown too distracted by his mission and was beginning to compromise the very thing he had traveled through to time to accomplish. Though Storm was right as well, it would take more than Cable making poor battlefield and weapon choices. Cable interrupted Domino's thoughts as he held his hand up, a sign to stop and drop low.

Cable pointed to Meltdown to sixteen specific areas. For each one Meltdown created a 'time bomb' that would explode the mines obviously underneath the ground. Fortunately, the ground was hard and dry and covered the noise of the explosions well. Cable held his hand up for a couple more minutes just in case anything was heard. Domino and Storm looked at each other and almost blushed in embarrassment about their previous statements. Cable waved forward with his hand and also made a sign to still stay low. The team moved about ten more feet and Cable held out his hand once more. This time he motioned for Sunspot. He pointed to six small towers each containing a type of camera device. Sunspot flew up and shot six searing solar flares, which disintegrated the devices on impact. Cable waved forward once more, repeating the procedure with Siryn this time. She let out a sonic wave disabling twenty hidden booby traps. Cable seemed more at ease as he tapped Moonstar on the shoulder and pointed to a couple armed guards patrolling a security gate. Moonstar took aim and released as the psionic arrows hit them with deadly precision. The guards fell to the ground with a thump, as Cable looked to Jesse. Jesse nodded and gave a quirky smile as he placed his hand on the security panel as it short-circuited. The gate unlocked as Cable smiled with satisfaction.

"All right, let's switch positions. Domino you take point, the rest of you need to be on the look out for more guards that may come from behind."

Domino nodded as she slipped through the gate and walked up to the door while stepping over the unconscious guards. She checked the door and noticed it was unlocked. She opened it as it creaked loudly and gave pause to the others.

"Thank goodness you have luck on your side Domino." Siryn commented as she still looked over her shoulders.

Cable shot a glance at Theresa as she covered her mouth with her hand. The others made a mental note not to speak above a whisper. Domino slipped through the door and after few seconds of examining the first hallway, gave the all clear after. Everyone else filed in one by one as Domino did a series of flips and rolls down the hallway. She flipped a switch as the sound of more security devices powered down.

"Cable, this is too easy. It's like a rat in a maze." Domino commented as Cable and the rest came up to her position.

Cable nodded with hesitation. "It is some sort of game, I know. I think this is for explicit purpose of Apocalypse being warned that I am coming."

The next set of doors were rather large and indicated that the main workshop was ahead. Cable looked at each of those who were following him into battle. They all gave a nod or a thumb up to signify that they were ready for what lay ahead. Cable made the motion that he was grabbing the gun and taking off the image inducer as the large white weapon became visible once more. Cable gave the nod to Domino as she shoved open the swinging set of doors, and the others followed her in with their mutant powers at the ready.

The sound of metallic hands clapping greeted them. "I am impressed. You must really be informed about the master."

Cable instantly looked at where the voice was coming from and only saw a shadowy figure. "Nestor Forbes, I know what this little test is all about. Unfortunately for you, I have no troubles killing the messenger."

A slight chuckle bursted forth from the dark figure as it stepped a little into the light. "I think young one, that you are too late for that. Apocalypse has known that you would come for him since you arrived. In fact, he wanted you to know that is was your little time trip that awoke him in this era."

Cable spotted the reflection from the blue gauntlet and aimed his weapon at the figure. "PSIMATAR Target Designate Apocalypse straight ahead."

A brilliant flash of energy came forth from the barrel as the figure was hit and melted into a pool of slag. Another round of applause was heard.

"A remarkable weapon, the fusion cannon. It shouldn't be something from your time either. Of course, there's a lot that has changed due to their presence, I should know."

Cable seemed confused as the rest at the statement "Stop babbling and spit it out. What does Apocalypse want with these aliens?"

A silent moment passed before the man answered. "Simple, they represent the ultimate test of culling those who are weak from those who are strong. Even the dark lord thinks it is a test for him. That’s just how big of a deal these aliens are. Now, speaking of tests, I don't like my creations destroyed. So, I have a few more robots to keep you occupied while I make my report to the high lord."

"Target Designates Apocalypses non sentient constructs, presence of sentient being in armor detected." The weapon informed with a hurried tone.

"Give location of the designated target." Cable commanded as the robotic minions walked forth from their storage receptacles.

"Fifty feet and rising. The sentient being is trying to escape out the West End of this facility." The gun droned.

"I'll get the Mechanic, you guys take care of the droids." Cable headed towards another large door about twenty feet away.

The robots immediately took after Cable as he ran towards the exit. X-Force and Storm began to pummel the constructs from behind.

"Well, this is no fun. And, excuse me for saying this, but I thought the android bit was Doom's area." Cannonball said as he blasted through another robot.

"It was meant as a distraction for Cable. They probably didn't expect the heavy artillery." Meltdown destroyed a couple more robots with her 'time bombs'.

"No pun intended." She finished with zeal.

Storm noticed all of the robots had a small antenna on them. "Siryn, they are radio controlled. If you find the right frequency..."

"I'm one step ahead of you Storm." Siryn pitched her voice up and down to find the right one.

The robots faltered on one pitch, as Siryn smiled.

"Everyone cover your ears."

They obeyed her warning as Siryn let out a shrill horrid sound as the robots fell like a stack of cards.

"Carnage in C-minor." Siryn coyly bragged.

***

Cable noticed a short stout man entering a van from afar, and aimed at the tire. The van squealed out of control as the axle and tire was completely disintegrated. It hit the side of the garage as the occupant was ejected from the car. Cable ran to see a mangled body, and instantly knew it was too late. He was barely able to recognize the short stout man's face. Storm flew in to see the last of the commotion as she approached Cable.

"Cable, is he?" She asked as she flew overhead, then looked down at the body.

She turned her head in disgust. "Never mind."

"Go ahead and tell everyone to search for information on Apocalype's current location. I'll take care of the body."

"Of course, Nathan. Are you okay?" Storm's voice rang with deep concern.

Cable nodded in reply. "I'll be fine."

Storm flew back into the factory as Cable found a small fire blanket to cover the man's body. He walked back in to find an empty factory. He saw a set of stairs leading up to an office area, and figured where that's where the rest might be. His assumption was proven correct as he caught a glimpse of Storm peeking out from the corner. He walked up the stairs, and looked at the woman directly in the eyes.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a sheepish grin.

She smiled and nodded. "I will be fine. The others found a computer which may have some information."

The small office was packed with the team as Cable tried to squeeze through.

"Hey, watch your elbow!" Meltdown complained as Cable managed to finally barge his way to the office desk. He saw Theresa at the terminal typing away.

"Ach, I can not find anything." She hit the keyboard as her Irish accent came out deep with frustration.

Cable patted her on the shoulder. "Allow me."

Cable seemed to type a million words a minute as he instantly found what he was looking for. The others looked at each other with worried glances.

Jesse rolled his eyes. "Damn all this way to some way off location in Africa, just to find out you have to go all the way back."

"It could be just another ruse." Storm added in defense.

Cable shook his head. "No, it's true. I know it. He sent his Harbinger to New York. It would only make sense he would go there as well. I just didn't know when."

"That's ironic coming from a time traveler." Jesse snapped with contempt.

Cable gave Jesse a dark look. "Look, you want to appoint yourself the leader's critic that's fine. But, I appreciate it if you bring your problems to me and not to the entire group."

"Yes, sir." Jesse gave a sarcastic salute.

Cable stood up and shook his head. "Let's go back. We have no time to waste."

***

Epilogue:

Recent reports of some cyborg tearing up the streets and gunning after the President prevented the little men into making me some mechanical Frankenstein. I'll have to thank that Deathlok later, personally. But, I'm still sitting in this damn forsaken pod, and S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't know what to do with me. Then, someone made a call, obviously a big connection with S.H.I.E.L.D. They wanted to test some new technology on me, and I'm the guinea pig. So, I may get my chance to finish what we started hero. And this time, I'll make sure it's nowhere near something flammable. Not that I fear fire now, I just don't want anymore interruptions. Next time we meet, I will make it my defining moment.

Cable #5 - The Test

Cable #5

"The Test"

He has lost count of the times he has cursed himself for allowing his defenses to fall at the last crucial moment. He looked at the ebony beauty that still slept in his bed peacefully. He let out a long-winded sigh as he finished changing into his uniform. Using his telekinesis, he floated slowly out of the room. The strain was extreme but necessary to avoid the trained ears of the former master thief. He levitated back down to weapons storage area. He grabbed the new PSIMATAR gun he had recently acquired. He gave the weapon an odd glance as it seemingly jumped into his hands. He checked on the other members of the safe house to ensure his movements did not awaken them. He shut the door quietly as he levitated back down. He was now free and clear to complete his mission.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! He turned around to see a man holding a small gadget as it wailed loudly into the night air. Cable's jaw dropped as he looked at SHIELD Agent who had seemingly returned from the being burned alive.

"Well, my mission is done hero. The little gizmo is beeping at your gun. Your safe house wasn't that tough to find especially with all your friends travelling in and out of it lately. You're getting extremely clumsy lately, and that means one thing. You are too focused on the mission that you are about to embark. Niece piece by the way. It seems to fit you better than that caveman's spear you were packing before." The SHIELD agent stated whimsically.

Thanks for the advice. Now, get out of my way. Cable replied telepathically as the Agent was thrown off guard.

"I guess you got everything back. That's good. But, I came here to finish what we started." Agent 18 replied as he tossed the gadget to the ground.

"I don't have time for this." Cable prepared to take him out telepathically.

THUMP! A diving kick came from above as Agent 18 was knocked out from the blow. A winged man observed The SHIELD agent closely.

"Is this the guy that has Bridge's spot Cable?" The X-man asked the mutant.

Cable shook his head. "Your sense of timing is not really good Warren. Especially considering the circumstances."

"Those circumstances are what I came to talk about. I know where to find him. Cable, I made another deal with that devil and the only way out is you." Archangel bowed his head after admitting his treachery.

Cable's stoic face didn't reveal any judgment passed on the X-man. "I don't care anymore. Take me to him now. I want this over with."

Archangel nodded and took to the air. "Follow me. I can take you to his last known location."

***

"Damn. One of his people must have ambushed me." Jack Truman, known as Agent 18, stood up as he caught a glimpse of an albino woman with a black tattoo around eye.

"Your luck isn't really good today mister. You better let us know where Cable went." She grabbed the man by the collar.

Truman easily broke the grip. "Domino, I presume. I have your dossier as well. He took of with one of your other teammates, some guy with wings. I saw them heading north before I completely blanked out."

"This is not good." She replied beneath her breath.

Agent 18 scratched his head. "He acts as though he's on his final mission."

"He is. Stay here. I will get the others. Cable will need backup if Apocalypse has all of his Horsemen chosen." The mutant went back in the safe house.

"I guess he won't be the only one playing hero. All I care about is finishing what we started. And if means helping him to accomplish his mission, then I'll do just that."

A short time later, Domino came back out with Storm, Irene, and Blaquesmith all in full gear.

"Now, let's go stop Cable before he makes the biggest mistake of his life." Domino said passionately to the rest.

Storm tried to hide her emotions from the rest. "I shall use the winds to carry us to our destination. I pray that we arrive in time."

***

Archangel was perplexed, as there was no sign of Apocalypse or his Horseman of Death. Cable searched the small sanctuary for any signs left behind.

"What does Cable-Nathan search for?" A low growling voice came off from the distance.

Cable turned to see the missing X-Force member, Caliban and beside him another constant foe of his, Sinister.

"Apocalypse." He answered the former Morlock's question.

"I assume you came back to see my mission completed." Cable sneered at Sinister.

Sinister rolled his eyes. "Come now Nathan. I did not see you off to die today. In fact, the Morlock told me that Apocalypse was searching for me. Apparently, I am to become one of his Horsemen. I don't know why the detestable wretch wants me. I suppose it's just a ruse to kill me for my treachery. I tried to infect him with the same techno-organic virus you carry."

"Kill you? Don't you understand? Apocalypse chose you for that specific reason. Death kills himself. Your betrayal signifies the guarantee that you will die. And then be reborn, as his Horseman of Death." Cable explained to the man.

"Ha, as you well know, the mutant known as Nemesis has been chosen for that position." As if on cue, the glowing skeletal mutant entered.

"It is too bad that even a manipulative person such as you can not see through a simple ruse. I am more than a mere Nemesis of the normal man. I am a Holocaust to all flatscans. And the only way to bring about my vision is through the master. Therefore, I am his Horseman of War and not Death."

"Well spoken, my Horseman. However, a simple addition of a gene does not separate the weak from the strong. It is this test which must be carried out." The Egyptian voice resounded throughout the walls of the sanctum.

Sinister gave a look of fear and horror at the voice. "Cable tell me you wield the Psimatar."

Cable brought forth the gun. "I have a replacement."

"It is the one." Apocalypse's voice seemed almost in awe.

"That is no spear." Sinister observed with a slight tone of loathing.

Cable shook his head. "I found it out in the open. It even introduced itself as the Psimatar."

"This is no time for madness. He seeks to kil...AHHERRRRGHh..." Sinister fell to the floor as he seem to choke on his own breath. He finally stopped as his body lay still on the floor.

Cable checked his pulse. "He's dead."

At the announcement, Sinister's body stirred once more. His white face contorted to that of a skeletal one. The new Horseman spoke. "No, I am DEATH!"

"So the first true test begins." Apocalypse revealed himself as he watched.

Cable pointed the weapon at the Horseman. Cable pulled the trigger as The Horseman of Death yelled in agony. The Horseman of War quickly knocked the big gun out of Cable's hand with his club like appendage.

"This time I will not miss." The Horseman of War pointed the club like appendage at point blank range and fired. A tap on his shoulder interrupted his look of surprise.

Cable slammed the Horseman of War with a right hook then a finishing telepathic bullet. "And you never learn."

Apocalypse applauded. "Very good. War and Death, to me at once."

The pair responded immediately to his beacon. Apocalypse smiled with grim satisfaction.

"And so now, you have passed the physical rigors of the test. I came to expect no less as you are a soldier of war. So where are the rest? " Apocalypse walked within a ten foot distance from Cable.

"The Twelve are not yet gathered. Besides, I see your short of Horsemen as well." Cable noted with extreme hate.

Apocalypse stood silently for a moment. "It is of no consequence. The time has come for the final test. But, it shall not be here. This is a secluded field ten miles from here. There is where the test shall be held. I shall finally have my answers."

The Horsemen escorted Cable and Apocalypse out. Caliban and Archangel were left behind.

"Feathered friend did come back. Brought Cable-Nathan to his death. I hope Patch eye can make things better." Caliban remarked to the X-Man.

"What do you mean Patch eye can make things better?" Warren seemed to ignore the insult.

"Caliban sense that Patch eye not far away. They have one of your friends as well." Caliban remarked.

"Good, we'll wait here for them. We'll need a full army for Apocalypse's Horsemen." Archangel added.

"Caliban does not understand. Why do we work for Cable-Nathan and Apocalypse at same time?" The big monstrous mutant stared quizzically at Archangel.

"We were just his errant slaves. He used us when he needed us, and we get to live our lives as normal outside of that. That is until he calls us to his side." Archangel clenched his fist.

"Caliban hope Apocalypse keeps his promise of freedom."

Archangel was about to say something cryptic, and then he gazed upon the childlike expression of hope upon Caliban's face.

"I hope so too." Archangel patted Caliban on the shoulder.

***

"Why did you bring me here?" Cable questioned the brooding Apocalypse.

"It is quiet. And one of few locations overlooked by the satellites that circle this Earth. There shall be no visual record of this battle." Apocalypse explained.

"Fine, chose your weapon and be done with it." Cable grunted in frustration.

"I have no need of any extra weaponry. I am strong without it." Apocalypse walked over to Cable.

Cable looked up at the blue armored figure. "Now, it is time to finish this once and for all. I shall end your tyranny here and now."

"What I do is not to be judged as good or evil. It is the simple laws of nature, that the strong shall inherit this earth and the weak shall die. The countless ages that have passed have brought forth many tests on those that surround me. Now, it is my turn. By testing myself against an opponent which defeated me in an uncertain future." Apocalypse glared down at Cable.

Cable clenched his fist. "I guarantee that future will never happen."

"So, it begins." Apocalypse turned and walked away as Cable drew his weapon.

"PSIMATAR, target Apocalypse." Cable pointed the gun directly at the ancient mutant.

"So it ends." Cable finished at he was about to pull the trigger.

Apocalypse turned around to face Cable and noticed the weapon. "A simple gun and not the true Psimatar. I have adapted myself to many weapons like it before. It is truly a pity you rely on technology to make you strong."

"Target Apocalypse acquired. Full force authorized." The gun announced as Apocalypse was gave a slight chuckle.

The ancient Egyptian reached out his arms. "I am unarmed. Do you really wish..."

ZZZRRRRAACKKKKK! A loud burst of energy blazoned forth from the gun as it hit Apocalypse. Cable watched as Apocalypse fell to his knees. Most of the armor melted away revealing an old man. The old man crawled out of the wreckage of the armor and managed to get to Cable's feet.

He climbed up painfully to face Cable. "How can this be?" He looked on in confusion and wonderment as he felt his body dying.

Cable regarded the man with an uncaring stare. "You overestimated your power. One thing that makes you weak."

The old man hacked painfully as he slipped back down. "No, this can not be. I am not...weak."

With those last words, En Sabah Nur, the mutant known as Apocalypse died. Cable had no time to answer as he simply disappeared. The gun dropped with a thud to the ground. The voice spoke once more.

"Ravage, a chronal anomaly has occurred. The human is gone. Initiate retrieval procedure at once."

Sinister reverted back to normal as Apocalypse's mutant changing energies died as well. He walked over to the body of Apocalypse. "The possibilities of adding his DNA to my other templates will yield results beyond my imagination."

Sinister picked up the body as he walked away. Holocaust stood over the gun and gave it a curious glance.

"I swear this thing spoke as though it were alive. No matter. If it can kill Apocalypse, then it can kill me. It must be destroyed. " Holocaust pointed his weapon at the gun and prepared to fire.

"You shall not destroy anything this day, Horseman. Now tell us what has happened to Cable." Storm stuck the armor of the Horseman with the force of several lightning bolts.

The Horseman of War reeled from the blow. "Your friend is dead and so is Apocalypse. Confirm it for yourself by finding that traitorous Sinister."

He retreated as Domino and the rest came entered the clearing.

"I thought I saw Sinister walk off with Apocalypse's body. Let's split up and search the area." Domino suggested to Storm.

"Agreed. Caliban, we require your tracking skills. Find Sinister for us." Storm ordered the big gray mutant.

"Caliban will find Sinister again." Caliban charged forward into the trees as the rest followed.

The gun spoke once more. "Finally, all the humans have gone out of range. And, with no human tracking systems, I can revert to my true form for the moment."

A whirl of mechanized gears was overshadowed by a large yell. The man who had put his future on the line came back but not without a price.

"Oath. I know what I will become. And I'm still here. That must mean he's still alive. He adapted to the energies of the gun." Cable noticed the sudden chill and the moon's light blocked out by a large shadow. He gazed up to see a towering robot that bore the same symbol as the gun.

"Stab my eyes!" Cable exclaimed as he thought this was some type of new Sentinel.

The robot smiled. "An interesting request. Now that you have seen my true form, I will be happy to accommodate it."

The robot sheathed one of its hands into its arm and then produced a new appendage, a glowing chain with a spiked ball attached at the end.

"Wait! The target is not yet destroyed." Cable shouted to the looming machine.

It sneered in contempt. "Megatron can kill any organic creature with the first shot."

"Wait, didn't you notice an anomaly?" Cable also wanted an answer for himself.

"Yes, I scanned one as you disappeared and came back. It is of no consequence and you attempt to delay the inevitable." The robot stated as it began to twirl the ball and chain.

"It is of consequence. That time anomaly was caused when your blast killed him. And, I can only assume that he's alive since I came back. I came back from a future where he no longer ruled." Cable stepped back to get a better chance at dodging any attack.

"Your insight to temporal mechanics bears some truth human. But, be warned. If you dare betray me, I shall oblige your earlier request." The robot stopped the ball and chains as it retracted it back in and extended its hand back out.

"It's a statement of surprise from my time. It is not meant to be taken literally." Cable noted.

The robot smiled. "Very well. We shall continue the hunt."

Cable stepped back as the robot leaped in the air. His eyes glared wide open as it began to shrink and shift parts to form the gun once more.

Cable grabbed the gun tightly as it landed in his hand. "Now, no more tricks. What are you?"

"I am Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. Now, take me to this Apocalypse so that I may correct my error." The gun's voice ordered.

"I'm afraid that we can not kill him. If we do, I become a worst monstrosity than he will ever be." Cable grunted in disgust.

"You begin to sound like an Autobot. Why would you change you mission of destroying this flesh creature if he threatens your future?" Megatron seem to grunt in equal distaste.

Cable stood silent for a moment. "That brief period while I was gone. I learned everything. I learned what I would become. If I kill Apocalypse, I will only replace him as the tyrant of a dark future. We will not kill Apocalypse."

"Then, I have no more use of you. I shall depart as soon as one of my soldiers retrieves me." Megatron coldly announced.

"If they believe all of humans to be weak like you, I'll be happy to inform your soldier how you could not destroy one of us." Cable snapped back.

Megatron was silent for a moment. "They would not believe such a thing from an organic creature like you."

"If they have sensors like you, they would be able to trace your energies on Apocalypse. The mark of your failure will be permanent." Cable's statement made Megatron silent again.

Megatron defiantly spoke up after a few minutes. "Very well, human. We shall proceed by your rules for now."

Cable slung the gun on his back as he began to search for Apocalypse once more.