Chapter 12: Boreas Bears South

"Where the hell is Constrictor?" Wendy "Bombshell" Conrad kicks the hotel mattress high. Keyed up, she paces the room.

"I don't know, Bombshell. He is not in the news," Orville "Oddball" Bock lounges on the room's other bed. His laptop is in his lap, and newspapers lie around him. He even watches the room's muted television. Perhaps, cable news will report something. He eyes agitated Wendy nervously.

Bombshell looks ready to blow. She looks out the of sixth-story window. Indianapolis starts its day beneath her. She shakes her head, "Ten days. Crossfire dispatched us here ten days ago. He separated us from the other Death-Throws and sent us here to set-up a double-hit."

"I could use a double too. Let's have screwdrivers for breakfast," Orville contributes, "It is Fat Tuesday."

Wendy continues her crowing, "Today, we are supposed to do some rich bitch living in Carmel, IN, just north of here, and we are also supposed to terminate some guy in Louisville two hours south. The killings are supposed to happen nearly simultaneously; therefore, we need a complete team for this job. We need the Death-Throws, Constrictor, and the three Sons of the Serpent that he mentioned."

Oddball continues his partner's thoughts, "The plan is that a huge bomb blows the rich bitch's mansion off her huge estate grounds. Then, Constrictor and his degenerates move-in to finish her off. To the south, a nerve gas bomb incapacitates the other target. We don't need a large explosion in downtown Louisville. Then, the Death-Throws move in to finish him off."

"Prima Donna and Vox," Bombshell names the two marks, "They are Avenger associates."

"They could be really dead about now!" Oddball feigns outrage in sympathy.

"Where the hell is Constrictor?!" Bombshell decompresses.

"SHIELD might have him," Orville speculates, "However, the news does not mention him in either the Milwaukee or Fox Valley incidents. Instead, media reports that SHIELD and Avengers captured our Ringleader and Tenpin with Mr. Fear and Mad-Dog elsewhere. Knickknack, Throwdown, and Darren Cross are all dead. Maybe, Constrictor is captured or dead too."

Wendy purses her lips, "Well, we are not contacting Crossfire for information. I guarantee that William and Augustine Cross are underground right about now."

"What do we do now?" Oddball asks.

The femme fatale deliberates. Then, she demands, "Give me your laptop."

Oddball knows to do it. He hands it over, "Why do you need the computer?"

"I have been visiting a certain clandestine chatroom. I have a friend named Zelda DuBois. Her internet handle is, of course, different than that though," Wendy Conrad types.

"Her criminal name is Princess Python," Bock displays research knowledge.

"We're joining the Circus of Crime. Possibly, they could use two sociopathic jugglers. At least, I think that we could fit right in," Bombshell declares.

"The other Death-Throws are all either incarcerated or dead. We might as well hang with a different group for awhile," Orville plays with a ball, "Where is the Circus located right now?"

"South."

Three hours south, Crossfire sits at a café's large window. He is incognito. A realistic mask covers his distinct cybernetic features. Louisville is an alright town. It is pretty enough to behold and interesting enough to explore. William Cross gets here occasionally, but he is not sentimental about the city.

Cross is sentimental about the young man across the street. In secret identity, Vox leaves the headquarters for Action Pack, an Avengers affiliate. Crossfire inhales the pungent vapor from his coffee. He sighs. Vox is his son by criminal psychologist Rozalyn Backus (see Spider-Man: Breakout LS). But, he needs his son dead. The ungrateful bastard child stole pa's sonic weaponry; then, he had the goddam nerve to use it for superheroing. Ideally, Crossfire could murder his boy in the street right now. But, Crossfire must keep a low profile. Hopefully, Bombshell and her crew have figured something out. William needs his son and his son's worthless enhanced girlfriend Donna dead.

William finishes his java and jelly donut. Augustine Cross crosses the criminal's mind, and he wonders how Augustine does on the lam. Crossfire walks to his car on the street and prepares to drive southeast.

In southeast Wisconsin, Doorman sits beside Cap. Constance Seagrum on a very comfortable leather sofa. Morning's sunlight streams pleasantly into the finely-furnished study. Before them coffee, OJ, and pastries sit upon the coffee table this Fat Tuesday morn. Doorman can really make the food disappear into himself. He eats like a man who has been dead.

Doorman pauses in his consumption momentarily, "Constance, I have a question for you."

"Please ask it," she says.

"An angel of death gets around creation. Seemingly, I hear a little bit about everything that happens," Doorman turns to her, "For example, I know that SHIELD subdued a rampaging, rogue Deathlok awhile back in Las Vegas [see Deathlok v.3 #1-3]. 'Seagrum' was one of SHIELD's heroic air cavalry on that day. However, that Cap. Seagrum was distinctly a man."

"So, what is your question?" Cap. Seagrum seems somewhat amused.

"Are you the same Seagrum somehow?" Doorman gets to his query.

"I am, DeMarr," Constance clinks cups with Doorman, "SHIELD is ever a progressive organization, for a security agency. However, the air cavalry was still an old boys' club in 1999. I pretended to be a man. In my mind, at the time, it was actually the most comfortable situation for everyone. Looking back, it was more than a bit sad that I had to masquerade." [see author's note at the bottom]

"Oh," both DeMarr and Constance are glad that times have changed.

"We'll get started," Cmdr Coulson starts the debriefing. Doorman and Cap. Seagrum sit at his twelve. Mr. Immortal sits in a plush chair at the agent's ten. And, Flatman lounges at his two. Agent Tia Senyaka and Walter Newell stand. Big Bertha, Captain Ultra, Spider-Woman, Mockingbird, and Agent Veronica King are absent.

"I know that Big Bertha is near Madison," Mr. Immortal states, "And, Mockingbird made sure to say goodbye before leaving. Apparently, Hawkeye needs help against the Russian mob in Brooklyn [see Hawkeye v.315-22]. But, where are Captain Ultra and Spider-Woman?"

"Spider-Woman, Spider-Woman, no one knows where she is," Flatman references an old kids' show. People chuckle.

"Yeah, we'll go with that," Phil Coulson decides not to reveal Spider-Woman's whereabouts. Sometimes, secret avengers must remain secreted.

"And, where is Roni?" Tia references Agent King.

Coulson answers, "Roni is in Indiana right now. We suspect that the remaining Death-Throws are also in that state."

Senyaka is concerned, "She isn't going after Bombshell and Oddball herself, is she? Granted, she apprehended Constrictor solo recently. But, I would not push my luck if I were her."

"No, no, no," Cmdr Coulson explains, "She accompanied Frank Schlichting to the federal prison at Terre Haute. Hopefully, the Death-Throws have no plans to break him out. Roni would be in over her head in such a scenario."

"Well, she would only need to alert us," Doorman reassures, "I could get the Great Lakes Champions there in an instant."

"That's good to know," Coulson grants, "You would not have Captain Ultra to fly you."

"Where is Captain Ultra anyway?" Cap. Seagrum asks.

"He returned to other duties in Nebraska," Coulson informs.

"Nebraska has crises?" Flatman is a snot.

"You might be surprised," the commander elucidates, "Avengers Yellowjacket and Paragon each lost his mind there on separate occasions. Hulk rampaged there once. Noted villain Ringer is from the Cornhusker State."

"Captain Ultra could be another crazy," Flatman snorts.

"Captain Ultra is goofy but beautiful. He saved our bacon," Dr. Newell states.

"He saved Milwaukee. My hat is off for that," mutually goofy Immortal pretends to tip a pretend cap to his teammate. Mutually goofy Flatman apes Immortal's act of gratitude.

Senyaka moves along the meeting, "We have covered the good guys. We have learned about Constrictor. What do we need to know about the other lawbreakers' activities?"

Coulson has connected his computer to the study's big TV. Abruptly, the shredded body of Darren Cross appears on the big, hi-def screen. Phil states, "Darren Cross is no longer a threat. SHIELD technicians collected his irradiated body and scattered flesh after Cap. Seagrum brought him down. Granted, Mr. Cross has returned from the dead several times. However, SHIELD has at least stored him away in a well-run government facility."

"SHIELD has also moved CTE's illegal devices to safe keeping," Agent Senyaka tells the room, "Our eggheads currently examine them. Government inspectors check out the Cross facilities nationwide. Cross head of security K.H. Keeshan co-operates with us fully—which is good of him."

Stingray comments, "Cross Technologies is ever an interesting one. They have been both the good guys and the bad guys. Fellow Avengers Iron Man, Ant-Man, and Hawkeye have had close dealings with the corporation. Hawkeye even worked for Cross Tech briefly. CTE is a benevolent American company—when the Cross family isn't majorly breaking the law."

"Augustine and William Cross are members of that family. Where are they? Do we have any clues?" Cap. Seagrum sips Sumatran java.

"Augustine has disappeared. Crossfire has disappeared," Phil puts their images on-screen.

"Augustine is around. I sense," comments Doorman.

Cmdr Coulson is unsure what to make of that comment. To his knowledge, no one knows Augustine's whereabouts.

"SHIELD has a possible lead on Crossfire's location and plans," Tia mentions, "SHIELD consultant Rozalyn Backus has predicted William's likely future plans."

"I would like to go after him. His hirelings kind of ruined my Valentine's Day and terrorized the mother of my kids," Stingray squares-up his shoulders resolutely.

"I might just join you," peer Mr. Immortal adds.

"Good, let us discuss future plans," Coulson continues the meeting. And, the meeting goes on for a few hours.

Hours after that, the Michaels finish their afternoon meal 150 miles west of Port Washington. Their Iowa County farmhouse celebrates Fat Tuesday. But mostly, father Lester Michaels celebrates the return of his beloved daughter Lynn. She is out of the hospital and at the family dining table. Eddie Dyson, Ashley Crawford, and neighbor Tim Mulrooney join the celebration.

Ashley pushes herself away from the table. Big Bertha announces, "My gut is stuffed. Those were some good victuals, Lester."

"Thank you," Mr. Michaels replies, "I grow some sweet corn on this farm, and I hunt some pheasant in those same cornfields [see Punisher War Journal #78]. It was a pleasure to provide some food from the larder. Today is my daughter's homecoming. We need to feast."

"I appreciate the welcome. This chow beats hospital food," Lynn sits wrapped in a flannel shawl. She will recover over time.

"Eddie and I were honored to cook for you," octogenarian Mulroony pats her hand. He is a nice old man.

"And, I was honored to watch over you, Lynn, during your convalescence," Crawford fetches her mohair mantle, "The Great Lakes Champions are all glad that we could bring you some justice and some peace. We caught a few menaces over the weekend."

"But, some are still out there. Is that correct?" Lady Punisher squares her shoulders determinedly.

"Please do not worry about them. The GLC will hunt them down," Big Bertha counsels, "Your family has crossed the Cross family enough."

Silently, Lynn acknowledges Ashley's words. Lester and Tim thank her for coming. Eddie walks Ms. Crawford to the door, and he watches her depart in her luxury car. Then, he has to care for the herd in the barn. Inside, Lester dresses warmly to join him. Tim and Lynn clear the table and prepare to do dishes.

"I see that you can do light exertion," Tim tells Lynn, "That's good."

"I will be better. I must recover," Lynn closes her eyes, "The Lady Punisher has some punishing to do."

"I'll help," Mr. Mulroony asserts earnestly.

"I know," Lynn knows, "My father's name is Lester J. Michaels for a reason. You encouraged his parents back in 1946 to name him after local hero Jeff Jordan."

"In the old days, Jeff and I fought crime together as Captain Wonder and Tim. Jeff was everyone's hero. He was my hero," Tim reminisces, "I had to memorialize him somehow when he disappeared during Germany's fall in 1945. I had to keep his memory forever alive. That is why I told your dad to enlist in 1964. That is why I seconded your older sister's suggestion that you join the NYPD out there in Manhattan."

Lynn replies, "Well, I suppose that some Captain Wonder flows through my veins."

Tim Mulrooney grins at her comment. He changes the subject, "Lester, Eddie, and I have discussed getting the Michaels family some justice. That Cross family really did a number on Les, Eddie, and you. We would like to get some black pudding. Not that we are ungrateful for the punishment that the GLC and SHIELD handed-out. Les loves what happened to Mr. Fear in Milwaukee, and he loves what happened to those three dead thugs in Kenosha."

"I don't mind that Darren Cross and his thugs died in Oshkosh," the female vigilante adds, "But, I would love to get my hands dirty too."

"You mean dirty with blood. A terrorist attack produces such ire," good old Mr. Mulrooney knows, "Well, you'll be glad to know that your friend Frank Castle contacted us. He does not know the whereabouts of Augustine Cross. However, he does have leads on Crossfire. How would you like to go after Crossfire right soon?" Lynn punches the old sidekick in the side. Tim knows.

Far away, a passenger plane lands. The day is Ash Wednesday here. Augustine Cross considers going to holy mass. Certainly, he should give thanksgiving for his escape. Certainly, he should light a candle for his dear, departed daddy Darren. But, on some level, Augustine Cross knows that he is a bad man. He abets terrorist bombings. He kidnaps kids such as Cassie Lang (see Ant-Man #4-5). His mad scientists resurrect his father and perform other abominations. Augustine should simply skip church and continue to his destination.

At baggage claim, several gendarmes guard the arriving travelers. One particular gendarme takes an interest in Augustine. He comes near and closely studies Augustine's face. Something does not look right about it. The wretch looks back worried.

"Pass, mein Herr," the cop requests.

"Ja sicher. Ein moment, bitte," Cross knows some German. With a tremor, he hands over the passport.

The guard examines Augustine, and he examines the passport. "You are Phillip DeWolff from the U.S. Welcome to Switzerland."

Little Auggie feels big relief behind his disguise. A fake mustache sits upon his face beneath hair dyed gray. Make-up provides Auggie the skin of a man twice his age. Crossfire has done a good job making his cousin resemble the late police commissioner Phillip DeWolff. Cross need only use the dead man's identity for awhile longer; then, fugitive Cross disappears into Switzerland. Cousin William has already made arrangements with an associate of his. Little Auggie is greatly relieved. He is a wolf successfully secreted in a sheep's clothing.

Then, the gendarme says, "Please come with me, Mr. DeWolff. I wish to run the passport's bar code. You will be going somewhere soon. I assure you."

Author's note: On-line sources list SHIELD pilot Seagrum as "Constance". That is a female name. Therefore, I wrote Cap. Seagrum as a female in early drafts of this fanfic. Later, I attained "her" Deathlok appearances, and I discovered that Seagrum is definitely male in those comics. I considered editing the written chapters. However, I decided to keep Seagrum's gender as is. Her story makes a social statement. Sadly, in America, capable women are not always accepted into "men's" work even to this day. Seagrum's story comments.