Thunderbolts #27
Thunderbolts #27
Title: "Flight Plans”
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Penciller: Mark Bagely
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Joe Rosas
Editor: Tom Brevoort
In San Francisco, a group of flying punks calling themselves the Sky Raiders are terrorizing the city. Some of them are stealing beer and food; some are tipping over police cars. One of them even snatches a woman up and asks her if she wants to join the mile high club without a plane. A policeman on the ground shoots the man, but the bullets only manage to wreck the man’s vest. Another Sky Raider comes along and punches the cop for him. Some Sky Raiders even steal comic books from the Comic Book Experience. Bri and Lar charge out after them, but are awestruck when they look up and spot something that blocks out the sun.
At Mount Charteris, Jolt asks Hawkeye what he is handing her. Hawkeye says that they are new identities he had Moonstone get for her and Charlie so they can go to school. Charlie is happy, but Jolt says that she is not going to school. She says that she is a Thunderbolt. Hawkeye agrees that she is, but that she is also a fifteen-year-old kid. He says that she needs an education. Jolt says that she learns more running with the Bolts than she could in any school. Jolt reminds Hawkeye that this is illegal, and that he seemed to care about the law when he has MACH-1 turn himself in. Hawkeye says that he takes different views of murder and getting a high school diploma. Hawkeye says that he is willing to bend the rules a little so that Jolt can get the chances she should. Moonstone quotes, “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself. I am large; I contain multitudes”. Hawkeye asks Moonstone if she is calling him fat. Moonstone says that she was quoting Walt Whitman. Hawkeye says that he knows, and that they taught Whitman in Iowa even if he didn’t graduate. Hawkeye says that Jolt and Charlie are going to graduate though. Hawkeye says that he wants to make something clear. He says that he may have been an Avenger, and may take a hard line stance on killing, but that doesn’t mean the Thunderbolts are the new West Coast Avengers. Hawkeye says that they are all criminals, and that they are going to have to play a little faster and looser than the Avengers would. Hawkeye says that if that means fake ID’s and cutting corners that don’t hurt anyone he isn’t going to worry about it. Hawkeye says that if they don’t like it he can always quit, but that now they don’t have time to talk since they have school in an hour. Hawkeye excuses himself to go check with Songbird on her scouting mission.
Hawkeye walks out into the corridor, and the echoing footsteps remind him of how alone he is. He quit the Avengers to lead the Thunderbolts, but that he isn’t one of them yet. He thinks that might be a good thing since it gives him perspective. He thinks about how he has to keep them so busy that by the time they slow down that they will be so far down the right road that there isn’t a danger of backsliding. He thinks about how Captain America had to do this long ago with another group and his respect for Cap goes up another notch. Hawkeye calls out to Songbird. She says that this place is enormous. She says that the power seems to be working, but that she has no idea if it is nuclear, electric, or what. She also says that there is enough food in there for years. Songbird shows Hawkeye a package. He looks at the coding and realizes that this food has been here since before the first Crimson Cowl appeared much less the second Cowl. Songbird says that it is too bad Hawkeye sent Abe to jail or he might have figured it out. Hawkeye starts to say that Songbird knew why he had to do that, but Songbird cuts him off and says that he always has to be right and rub their faces in it. Songbird flies off angry.
At the National Security Administration Headquarters in Washington, Val Cooper gives her plan to the colonel there. The colonel says that it certainly seems to look thorough. Gyrich says that he wants to go on the record as being against this. He says that it sends the wrong message. GW Bridge enters the room and says that SHIELD also wants to register an objection. The Colonel says that he is well aware of Gyrich’s attitude towards the superhuman community, and that he also knows that the Thunderbolts made SHIELD look very foolish recently, but that he has to consider this country’s security needs. He says that he is going to go over everything and get back to them.
At the temporary superhuman incarceration wing of the Colorado State Penitentiary, Erik Josten walks in with press credentials that Hawkeye got him through Gayle Rogers. Erik is trying to calm himself down. He says that no one is going to suddenly recognize him as Atlas, and that this is something that he has to do. The guard enters the room with Dallas Riordan. She says that they have five minutes and no more. Erik says that he knows that she doesn’t want to see him right now, but he had to come see her and she knows why. He says that he knows that she is mad at him for betraying her and not telling her who he was, but that she had to be the Cowl long before he did that. Erik says that he still loves her, and that he just wants to understand. Dallas sits with her head down not saying anything. Erik tells her to say anything even if she just wants to tell him to get drop dead. Suddenly the wall explodes open. When Erik gets up, four dark blue garbed men grab up Dallas and fly out of the prison with her. Erik stands knowing that he should stop them and make her explain. He knows that he can’t do that however because he would get recognized, but dismisses that because he knows the real reason he won’t do it.
Hawkeye, Songbird, and Moonstone are looking around the headquarters. They’re looking at the sauna and talking about the movie theater, training facilities, and the Olympic size pool. Hawkeye says that there are miles of tunnels below that they might be mapping for months. Hawkeye says that this is far bigger than what Cowl needed. He says that she didn’t seem like the kind to throw money around and he wonders if she is the one who built it. Moonstone thinks to herself about the key that someone slipped into her cell, and that she hasn’t found out who it was. Hawkeye says that there is one thing that this place is missing, but that he has made arrangements to fix that. He asks Moonstone and Songbird if they want to come with him.
They fly out of Mount Charteris. Moonstone tells Hawkeye that she was thinking that it might help him to lead the team if they got together some evening and discusses the various members’ psychological profiles and where they might need improvement. Suddenly Songbird flies between Moonstone and Hawkeye and warns Hawkeye about Moonstone. She says that Moonstone is a criminal psychologist in both senses of the term. She says that Moonstone is very good at getting into people’s heads and twisting them inside out. Moonstone wonders what that was all about. She says that Songbird is right, but that she thought Songbird was mad at Hawkeye. She wonders if it was revenge for killing the primotur, or if something else is going on.
At Burton Canyon High School, Jolt tells Charlie that she hates this place. Charlie says that he kind of liked it. He says that he only got to go to the Imperial Training Centers when he was underground. He says that he bets nobody got whipped for being late here. He says that the kids seem nice too. Hallie tells him to forget the kids here. She says that she wants to here more about the Imperials and the guy that gave him his powers. Two kids come up and introduce themselves. They say that they wanted to say hi and find out where they were from and things like that. Jolt jumps down their throats and asks why they want to know all that. One says that they were just curious. Hallie tells them to back off unless they’re curious about what their teeth taste like after being kicked down their throats. Charlie says that they were just being friendly. Jolt yells at Charlie for taking their side. She says that she doesn’t need any friends, but as she walks down the hallway she says that she doesn’t want any friends. Three kids watch Hallie go. Angie asks the others if they recognize that girl. One says that she was at that cabin when they went to find the Thunderbolts when there was trouble in that town.. Angie says, “Jolt… at our school…”
Erik Josten goes into a bar and orders a beer. Erik recognizes the bartender and asks her if she is new here. “Wilma” introduces herself and says that she hopes that she isn’t replacing his favorite afternoon bartender. Erik says that the guy was a pill, and that she is a big improvement so far. Erik thinks to himself that he has never been here before, but that he knew she was new. He says that she is disguising her voice, but that she can’t hide her muscles and that she is Man-Killer. Erik thinks to himself that he isn’t 100% sure yet, and even if it is her she is just trying to lay low after things went sour. Atlas thinks that he has been there too, and wonders if maybe she is going straight too. Erik says that it’s hard to think right now. He thinks that if he doesn’t say anything that he lets his team down, but that if he says something he wrecks everything for her just like he wrecks everything.
Moonstone, Songbird, and Hawkeye arrive at a warehouse. Hawkeye tells them to try not to get spotted. Hawkeye says that he rented the storage space under his real name, and that the last thing he needs is people wondering what the Bolts are doing by his warehouse. Hawkeye says that since they wrecked the Cowl’s aircraft, and since Songbird isn’t going to be able to carry everyone all the time, he contacted an old friend to ship something to the warehouse. Hawkeye pulls off the sheet to reveal the Champscraft. Moonstone says, “A used car. How… practical.” Hawkeye says that the price is right. Songbird says that she thinks she has heard of the Champions. Hawkeye starts telling Songbird about them when he is interrupted by Angel, known as Archangel now. He says that he still takes an interest in Champions business since the stuff is kept at Worthington Industries. He says that when Black Widow’s memo came to him asking to have the Champscraft shipped there he tried to confirm it with her. He found that he could not reach her and so he came there to see who was getting it and found a renegade Avenger and two wanted super crooks. Archangel swoops down at them and blows them over. Moonstone hits the door to make sure that he can’t get out. Songbird follows him, but Archangel is too fast and loses her. Songbird says that she knows that he is trying to stomp them, but that she has never seen anyone that good looking before. Archangel punches Songbird and thanks her for the compliment, but he doesn’t want to be captured just yet. Hawkeye says that they have no reason to be fighting. Archangel says that he has thrown in with crooks that tried to take over the world. He says that they can talk when they are in custody. Archangel says that just because he is an X-Man doesn’t mean he is a sap for every sob story. Moonstone reminds Archangel that they took in Magneto and Sabertooth, and asks what was the deal with Onslaught. Moonstone says that all Archangel can do is fly. She says that lots of people can fly. Moonstone charges Archangel, but Archangel dodges and Moonstone crashes. Moonstone gets angry, but Hawkeye tells her to back off and reminds her that he is one of the good guys. Hawkeye tells Archangel to come down and talk. Archangel keeps running from Moonstone. He says that Moonstone is right, and that he is overpowered. He starts heading towards the skylight. He says that it is time for him to go alert the authorities. He mentions that the Champscraft has a tracking circuit that will let him find him. Suddenly the skylight is blocked by Songbird’s sound construct. Moonstone and Songbird surround Archangel. He says that he knows that they are trying to distract him so that Hawkeye can get a clear shot. Hawkeye wraps him up with an arrow. Archangel says that he dodged and was ready. Hawkeye says that if it were anyone else it would have worked, but that he trains not to miss no matter what the target is doing. Archangel drops to the ground, but Songbird catches him.
They let Archangel loose and Hawkeye says that if they were really bad that they could have hurt or killed him. Hawkeye says that Archangel can have the Champscraft back if he really wants it, but suggests instead that he come back to their base so he can satisfy himself that the ship won’t be used for criminal purposes. Archangel agrees. He says that he still has reservations, but that as a mutant he knows how it is to be the target of prejudice. He says that he will give them the benefit of the doubt. Hawkeye says that he will make ribs tonight.
On the flight back, Moonstone asks Hawkeye if he is sure that he wants to cook ribs. She says that she thought that he wanted to convince Archangel not poison him.
Back at the base, Hawkeye sees Hallie and Charlie eating. He says that he was going to cook tonight. Jolt says that is why they made tuna fish. Hawkeye says that everyone is a comedian. He asks how school went. Jolt glares at Hawkeye and Charlie tells him not to ask. Hawkeye sees Archangel looking around and asks him what it is. Archangel says that he think that he may know this place or at least has heard about it. He says that this may be where the Defenders fought August Masters. Hawkeye says that they had been wondering how old this place was. Hawkeye asks who was in the Defenders that they might talk to about it. Atlas’ voice comes over the intercom and tells Hawkeye to get up there.
In the
Comm-room, Hawkeye asks what is happening. Atlas says that he
taped it and will play it back. Atlas shows them the news footage
of the floating island hovering over San Francisco. Atlas says
that it gets worse and skips to the end. Graviton sits on his
throne with beautiful women surrounding him. He says, “Good
morning, viewers. Perhaps you recognize me. I am Graviton, the
master of the fundamental force. And I appear before you today
with a message for San Francisco and for the entire world as
well.
Traitor’s rating: 8 out of 10
An in-betweener issue, but a very interesting one at that. Everyone on the team gets a little bit of the story. I like that Erik went to see Dallas. I like the friction between Hawkeye and Songbird and the fact that it doesn’t supercede Songbird’s distrust of Moonstone. The beginning of Graviton’s return is also very cool. Bagely’s art looks really good. Of course he does great Thunderbolts, but his Archangel is also very impressive.