"Due to recent events, I am petitioning for the Initiative to be treated as a separate entity to HAMMER. While I envision the Initiative still working closely with Osborne, Camp Hammond will act as a training ground for the next generation of heros. Teams to fill the 50-State Plan are being trained as we speak and will shortly be deployed to their respective states." the Taskmaster announced to the media, "These registered teams will be under the control of nobody apart from their team-leaders and will have duties including preventing crimes in a way according to federal law, aiding disaster relief efforts and protecting civilian populations from threats. What they will not be doing is hunting down former unregistered heros unless they present a threat to the public. In times of national emergency these teams will be dissolved to aid in large scale defence or relief efforts. Thank you for listening, I will now take questions from the press." The TV screen flickered off and Tony turned and looked into Norman Osborne's furious face, homicidal rage obviously bubbling under the surface.

"What did you think you were doing?" Osborne said menace obvious in his voice. "I told you that this," he said pointing to the head-line of the Daily Bugle, "was not up for negotiation."

"Mr Osborne," Tony replied stiffly, "You gave me control over Camp HAMMER and by extension Camp Hammond, which means I am free to announce a separation if I feel that it will be beneficial."

"This is out of reason, first I hear that Camp Hammond has been attacked by insurgents and then I find out not only did the Taskmaster let them go but he also wants to gain independence from HAMMER. I know that I'm crazy but this is unacceptable, if it wasn't for your good service up till last night I would have killed you on the spot." Osborne roared.

"I may have done you a favour." Tony said

"Really, because the only favour I see you doing anyone in the future is acting as Mac's next meal if your lucky, and Kephi's if you're not." Osborne warned

"Hear me out," Tony argued, "You're popularity is dropping with each botched incident, the Deadpool Invasion, Songbird's break-out, the Ocean King incident and Scourge's little Mexican Vacation."

"The public don't know about that." Osborne sneered.

"Not at the moment, but if I don't return to Camp Hammond in the next twelve hours that information will be released, consider it a bargaining chip for this deal." Tony offered.

"Talk, but be careful where you tread, the last person who tried to black-mail me is running for her life." Osborne warned.

"True but she's more popular then you and that's the problem. The public sees you as an individual to fear more then respect. In their eyes you and your Avengers are worse then the people you fight." Tony ventured, "Along with the power you're amassing the people are worried that you don't have their best interests at heart."

"What do you know about people's wants and needs?" Osborne growled.

"Some of my trainees were blackmailed into joining the Initiative, it's that very outlook that everyone must do as you say or else that is affecting people. If you were to support my separation people will see you as a more fair and just person open to new ideas. In doing so you may reap more benefits then a mere popularity reversal."

"Really, what secondary benefits could this move bring to me other then the people's love?" Osborne asked now intrigued with the Taskmaster's proposition.

"Simple, with the Initiative separate from HAMMER some of the people who you deem threats may join up safe in the knowledge that they are out of your reach. The hardcore headliners will still be a problem but the minor threats will dry up allowing you to concentrate on more pressing issues." Tony explained.

"If I do support you in this venture," Osborne said, "what guarantees do I have that you won't rebel against me?"

"Simple, you stay away accept for the occasional guest lecture on heroics and I will keep the Initiative Teams within the sight of your objectives." Tony replied, "All I need is for you to recede the threats you put on people like Jackpot and American Eagle and I will stay true to my word."

"On thing I have already promised," Osborne revealed, "is permission to start a new Thunderbolts team, in return for my cooperation I want full access of your trainees to create this team."

"I suppose I will have to take that if it's your only term." Tony said, "Do you accept mine?" he asked Osborne

"For now." Osborne said reaching out to shake Tony's hand, "But you still have the release of Zulu and his rabble to answer for."

"Do I?" Tony replied, "The tracer you had Kephi's scarabs place on me during the meeting yesterday. I found it and placed it on a SHIELD vehicle, right now you should have the position of Zulu's base." he explained as he walked out the door, "Use that information any way you see fit." he added stalking out into the corridor.

Osborne looked thoughtful as Tony left before picking up the desk phone and dialling in a number.

"Scourge, its Osborne I want to talk to you about the Initiative, I have a proposal that you'll find very interesting."

Tony had almost reached the VTOL pad and the waiting Zeus Transport when he heard somebody calling his name. Turning he saw a flustered looking Victoria Hand and an armoured figure behind her running to catch up.

"Mr Masters can I have a word," Victoria gasped.

"Make it quick, I have other business to attend to today." Tony replied.

"I need a favour regarding the Thunderbolt team being assembled." Victoria replied before handing a data file to him, "My proposition is on that file, it's right up your alley." she added.

"I'll think about it." Tony replied stepping onto the Zeus and closing the cargo bay doors. Sitting down in one of the crew seats he activated the file and flicked through, the proposal was simple but he knew he would get a certain amount of pleasure out of it. It didn't hurt that it would make Scourge angry and pave the way for his revenge for the death of Violet."

"Where too?" the pilot of the Zeus asked, "Camp Hammond?"

"No, take me to San Francisco, I have to see that she get's home safely." Tony replied straightening out one of the sleeves of his black business suit."

"And after that?" the pilot asked.

"Oklahoma City, I have a promise that I have to keep." he answered smiling as the Zeus took up from Avengers Tower and headed west into the sun brightly shining through the thin layer of clouds.

The Taskmaster and the Initative will return in the upcoming fanon Initative: Storm Front

The Fate of Zulu's Insurgent Group will be revealled in the upcoming Fanons Task Force HAMMER: Justice Unchained and Thunderbolts: Fall of Midgard