Chapter 1

Two days earlier Cheyenne, Wyoming

Taskmaster turned on his turn signal as he finally exited the freeway. It took a while but he finally cut out the distraction of his prisoner trapped in a body bag struggling in the back seat. It still wasn't as distracting as the looks other drivers gave him, but what would he expect from people seeing a tough guy in a metal skull mask driving down the street, he would have looked too. People look and he waves them off, sometimes they crash and sometimes they don't.

"We'll be there soon, just making a pitstop" he said through his mask toward a squirming body bag, every word put through a voice modulator giving him a deep and intimidating voice. He pulled into the backlot of a post office to meet his contact, who was busy getting mugged.

"Alright you little pussy just give me the wallet" the mugger said pointing a gun at his contact

Taskmaster did the right thing… and ran the mugger over. He then got out of the car and took the mugger's gun "Oh I needed one of these" he said before he pocketed it.

"Thank you Mr. Masters" the post office worker said

"Morning Chuck, I've kinda gotta another…" Taskmaster said holding up a check

Chuck seemed a little hesitant "you sure you want to try again, I kinda have another return for you" he said, holding out another check. Taskmaster grabbed the check, it was one he sent a couple weeks earlier only now it had the words 'FUCK YOU' written in bolded red letters.

Taskmaster looked at the new check but sucked it up "yes, get this to them" Taskmaster said with whatever dignity he could muster, he turned but took another look back "how's Jeanne doing"

"Well her mom is still pretty insistent about keeping you out of her life. But I got a glimpse of her last time, what is she four now" Chuck answered

"Five" Taskmaster answered before getting back into his car, he had to do a little digging but he did manage to find out her birthday.

"Oh I also got this for you" Chuck said handing him a flashdrive

"What is it, some kind of encrypted message or mission" Taskmaster pondered as he took the drive

"One file is the original cut of return of the jedi and the other is superbowl 2022" Chuck explained

"Oh even better" Taskmaster said as he pocketed the flashdrive "Thanks Chuck you take care of yourself" Taskmaster said handing him some money before getting back into his Toyota.

Taskmaster got back on his route to meet his client, it was quiet because he always kept his radio off, too quiet. He looked in the rearview mirror to see the body bag stopped squirming around; he poked it a few times while trying to keep his eyes on the road, thankfully the bag squirmed a little more. He unzipped the zipper a little more for extra airflow.

He finally made it to his contacts meeting point. A mysterious creep in a trench coat and bowler hat approached his car, still not the weirdest guy he's worked for. "Do you have her" he said in a scratchy voice

"Right here" he said, opening his back door and unzipping the bag. A woman burst out and Taskmaster drew a gun at her "congratulations Taskmaster, mission successful" she said confusing him "a world renowned mercenary, skilled in almost everything considered a weapon"

"What are you…"

"Finished before the time limit and target completely unharmed, very impressive" the man said tossing his hat away and speaking in a normal voice

"What happened to your…"

"You're just the man we need to lead an important mission, Monica Rambeau" the woman interjected while shaking his hand, just as a limo pulled up next to them "in case you're a little slow, this was a sham". The man approached the limousine and he opened the door for the woman "come on"

So much was dumped on him in fifteen seconds, if that, you know you shouldn't work for somebody if they are somehow less professional than a guy who shows up to a meeting point in his Blue's clues pajamas. "I'm not going anywhere with…" Taskmaster started but heard a dozen clicks all around him, he look around to see armed gunman approaching him coming out of various hiding spots

"So you coming" the woman asked

"Hold on" Taskmaster said taking a look around and analyzing the gunman

"What are you doing" the woman asked

"Oh I'm looking to see how I can escape this" he arrogantly informed her, luckily she didn't seem to have a problem with it. Taskmaster examined their helmets; advanced ear protection, polycarbonate eye protection, interior padding, shock absorbers, these people clearly came prepared "The non lethal ammunition, is that Genasys or Safariland?"

"Safariland, we have a budget to keep" the woman told him in casual conversation

"Yeah I have no way out of this" Taskmaster nonchalantly said entering the limousine. "So you guys said something about a mission" he said "who are you Hydra, the ten rings, the Illuminati?"

The man showed his S.H.I.E.L.D id "shield?" Taskmaster said taking a closer look, the man's name was Hayward, he really did look like 'Hayward'. "You guys… want my help" Taskmaster asked

"Let's just say we'd prefer to keep this mission secret from the public, and especially the world's heroes" the woman said with a stern and emotionless tone "you have a connection with Dr. Doom right, you've done a few missions for him"

Oh yeah, tons actually. When Doom needed a guy able to steal Symkarian info undetected or sabotage a television broadcast then Taskmaster was the first person he would call "yeah a few"

"Any unbreakable loyalty to him" Hayward asked

"I try not to have that kind of loyalty" he said, it was true Doom always paid well but he was never someone you invited to a barbeque "so I assume there's a pretty big check in exchange for this"

"There is" the woman said "but I'm an overachiever" she said showing him a child's services form "one signature from me and you can get your visitation rights back, you'll actually get to meet your daughter" she said with a malice smile "do we have a deal Mr. Masters"

"I think we do" Taskmaster said shaking her hand "what's the objective" he asked

The woman leaned in "we need you to kill two Avengers"

Taskmaster raised an eyebrow "Come again?"

Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Tony Masters was back in armor, his old white armor with an orange cape and a metal skull mask. They had transferred him to South Carolina to meet the rest of his squad, most of them were incarcerated from the raft, but a couple had to be tracked down like him. They may have been shady government agents but they did have a good snack bar, the cheesecake was incredible and crunchy for some reason.

He exited the changing room and met up with Captain Rambeau, demeanor wise she didn't seem to be different from any of his other clients but she did seem to have a good head on her and if anyone could deliver what she promises SHIELD could "Hello Taskmaster, before you head out you need to meet your team" she said gesturing for him to come out of the changing room

Monica escorted Taskmaster right by the exit. She opened an office door allowing a man with dreadlocks and a blue uniform out "up first is Erik Stevens aka Killmonger, world renowned Wakandan mercenary, skilled with almost everything considered a weapon" she said with a level of respect "He'll be acting as your second in command"

Taskmaster was baffled "ugh oh...ok" it wasn't too big a deal, if this mission is as serious as she made it out to be then they'd need the best for it

"Bit intimidated skullface, makes sense" Killmonger said smacking Taskmaster on the arm

"What's that supposed to mean?" Taskmaster asked

"Just saying your mask is gonna get in your way" he said "and won't protect you from everything"

"Don't need it for protection, just need to look cool" Taskmaster rolled his eyes and turned his back, another jerk trying to show fake dominance

"I personally just look them in the eye, don't need a mask" Killmonger bragged "what even is that like stainless steel"

"It's adamantium, stronger than lead," he said, attempting to win the argument. It was also a lie, the helmet was actually Titanium but no one sounds intimidating when they mention Titanium.

Hayward approached with a blond, late twenties aged woman in a black and red spandex jumpsuit

"Hayward glad you could join us; squad this is Karla Soften, aka Moonstone, former psychologist with superhuman flight, strength, stamina, and durability" Monica introduced as a disinterested Moonstone refused to make eye contact

"Sounds like your typical superpowered goon" Taskmaster said with suspicion

"I'm guessing you don't talk to women often, insulting them won't make them like you" Killmonger said smoldering at her "hey"

"Ugh let's just get this over with" Moonstone moaned before opening the exit door

"What that's it, how about a little demonstration" Hayward requested

"Ugh," Moonstone moaned, rolling her eyes. She reluctantly held out her arm toward two parked Jeeps on the prison yard and shot out some kind of energy blast at them causing them to explode. She turned to a stunned Taskmaster and Killmonger

"Actually pretty cool" Taskmaster added

"Sick" a low growling voice said

"DOH" Moonstone said in horror once she turned her head "ugh didn't see that coming"

Taskmaster peaked on the other side of the door "WOAH" he said looking at a ten foot tall behemoth wearing a an orange costume, he was covered in blond and ginger hair and had a harsh scowl on his face while smoking a cigar, and happened to be reading an old playboy magazine while eating dinosaur shaped chicken.

He raised his hand and started waving "Hey" he gestured before getting back to his book

"I see you've met Victor Creed, Sabertooth, he's a mutant and he's deadly, that's pretty much everything you need to know about him" Monica and Hayward said, causing Sabretooth to glare. Sabretooth sucked the insult up and shoved his way to the front of the group.

Guards approached escorting a guy in handcuffs, he had a light blue suit with a bullseye symbol on his mask. "Is this seriously the best you had" he chuckled in his insanely cocky voice to Rambeau and Hayward "then again me being the sole survivor does sound pretty badass"

"I'd like you to meet Lester, AKA Bullseye, the man who never misses," Hayward said, introducing him.

"Does he not have a last name?" Taskmaster asked

"Nope" he continued "he's a world renowned mercenary, skilled with almost everything considered a weapon" he said confusing Killmonger and causing Taskmaster to face palm himself, now they were at a point where it was getting ridiculous.

The five of them were led through the mess hall. "WHOOEE-UUEET" one of the other prisoners whistled as they each started to stand up and cheer. "Come back in one piece" Lady Deathstrike shouted. "Rack up a nice body count" Hobgoblin cheered. "OK THE DEATH POLL FOR THEM STARTS HERE WHO WANTS TO BET," some weirdo in a monkey costume shouted.

"Oooh a continuity error is more than worth a bet" Deadpool said running into the room

They were led into the lounge where two men were waiting for them and pushing each other around and eating cheesecake. One was a well built guy wearing a black suit with red and white stripes across the torso. The other was an obese guy in a mostly red and white suit with the soviet emblem on his arm. The skinnier one stood at attention when he saw the two of them coming, he had blond hair and green eyes "Sir, Ma'am" he said in a respectful tone. The obese man leaned against the wall avoiding eye contact, he had long brown hair. The thinner one reached his hand out to the four of them "John Walker, U.S. Agent". Killmonger was the only one to shake his hand.

"Alright this respectable man is John Walker, U.S. Agent, former U.S. Army and has the super soldier serum flowing in his veins" Monica said with some respect

"You're a super soldier" Taskmaster said with a chuckle

"Don't suppose you want to arm wrestle" Walker said attempting to seem humorous "mmhmm no disrespect sir". 'Sir' Taskmaster could get used to that.

"The other guy is Alexi Shotsakov, Red Guardian, Soviet super soldier" Monica said with slight disrespect before moving on

"What's her problem" Sabertooth said

"Where do I begin fuzzball" Red Guardian said with disrespect before walking away

Taskmaster took a look at the team so far "oh I'm Doomed"

"Woah, is this seriously the best the Raft has to offer" a voice came from above them. Taskmaster looked up to see an attractive woman in her early twenties clinging to the wall wearing a skin tight black suit. She crawled down the wall, letting her long white hair fall in Sabretooth's face. She suddenly pulled out Taskmaster sword, Taskmaster patted himself down realizing he didn't have it on him "dude you gotta keep an eye on your stuff"

"Squad this is Felicia Hardy, The Black cat, professional thief" Rambeau said. Taskmaster held his hand out for his sword, Black Cat reluctantly gave it back.

Before this could escalate another figure approached "Guards arrest him, he's trying to steal my identity" Haywards voice came from the side, Taskmaster turned to see a man who looked exactly like Hayward

"Oh director Hayward...Shut Up" a guard said

The being suddenly transformed into an exact copy of Captain Rambeah "is that how you address your superior"

"You really want to mess with me Raven '' the real captain Rambeah said, showing off her phone, the being immediately turned into a sexualized blue humanoid in a white tracksuit. "This is Raven Darkholm, AKA Mystique. You saw what she can do"

"What's that" Taskmaster asked gesturing to Rambeah's phone

"Something to detonate the bombs in your heads"

"WHAT?" Killmonger shouted, everyone seemed horrified and started feeling their necks. Taskmaster gripped his neck, having an immediate anxiety attack. How, When did they get a bomb in his head?

"You put f-ing bombs in our heads" Moonstone said in a furious tone

"Pussy" Black Cat insulted causing Moonstone to glare

"Everyone in the raft has them actually" Hayward said showing his phone off "it's a safeguard in case any of you try to escape" he showed her phone and the screen had photos of all of them, including Taskmaster "For you non prisoners we had to use other methods,how was that cheesecake Taskmaster"

This confused Taskmaster, he covered his mouth in fear realizing she snuck something into him through the food.

"Hmm why do I feel like I'm forgetting someone" Monica said with sarcasm

"You wanted to see me old man," a man in a cloak said, walking up to them. His face was covered in bandages and he carried a pristine sword

"Right" Monica said putting her phone away "This is Devil-Slayer, he's got our backs, I would advise not getting killed by him, he slays demons on a regular basis using-"

BOOM

Devil-Slayers head and upper torso splattered all over them causing everyone to freeze in place from shock. "Wha…What happened" Monica said completely shocked

Hayward slowly pulled his phone out "oh I never intended to send Devil-Slayer, I just wanted to give our squad a little demonstration" he said causing Monica to shake her head "Squad hit the showers" he ordered

After showering off all of Devil-Slayers blood (Among other bodily fluids) Rambeau and Hayward had the guts to actually make them clean their costumes by hand. Taskmaster spent about ten minutes polishing his helmet in the janitor's closet so no one would see him without his mask, he's got a mysterious reputation to hold up.

Once they were done they were brought to a large lecture hall. They all took seats leaving a good distance in between one another. Taskmaster knew better than to get too close to people who are in his line of work, they usually stab you in the back or die.

"Alright we apologize for the vague instructions so far but this mission is extremely confidential" Hayward said with a monotone voice. "You are to assassinate two targets" he said starting a powerpoint presentation "James Rhodes; War Machine. And Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel"

"WOOO" Bullseye chanted while clapping

"So we're fighting Mr. and Mrs. Smith" Mystique added causing Bullseye, Sabretooth, and even Killmonger to chuckle a little

"Yeah I can't imagine why you're not sending the Avengers for this" Black Cat sarcastically said

"We believe some of you have encountered them" Hayward continued "these two have been tearing apart our safe houses throughout the eastern european country of Symkaria, these safe houses are a part of a welfare program used to provide support the country while it's at war with its neighboring country Latveria, ruled under a Chancellor Victor Von Doom"

U.S. Agent raised his hand and Hayward gestured to him "I heard Dr. Doom developed an army of robots, is that true"

"Yes, good luck with that" Hayward answered as U.S. Agent took notes

Red Guardian raised his hand "but you seriously expect us to execute two Avengers" he said with a nervous expression

"Don't see anything wrong with taking Danvers down, but I don't think Rhodes deserves it" Moonstone said causing several others to turn their heads

"We understand any feelings of disappointment or betrayal, we do" Captain Rambeau said walking on stage "but they are threatening our government and that cannot be allowed, you will be serving your countries and people well by doing this" she spoke as if she had swallowed several jawbreakers whole, this really was hard for her to say.

Taskmaster leaned forward in his chair, this was bigger than he thought. He fought the Avengers before but never put any in the ground "Any idea why they're doing this in the first place"

"They haven't answered their comms in a long time and they're causing to much damage and we don't have time to investigate" Rambeau stated "in order to complete this objective we need you to position yourselves here at Spectrum military base and arrange a trap for them, they are far more powerful than any of you and can't be taken down with direct combat" she explained "please understand that this mission is also extremely confidential and needs to be done discreetly"

"You're sending us to kill two major Avengers with a giant tiger-man and a girl who blows up Jeeps how are we supposed to be discreet" Killmonger asked

"Mmm he's got a point" Red Guardian added

"Accomplish this task and along with any personal rewards all of you will get a full pardon and a little more and the bombs will be deactivated" Hayward said in a way to sweeten the deal "if successful we won't be needing a Thunderbolts division anyway"

"Alright you have your orders, now do them" Rambeau said moving them along. They stepped outside the auditorium and made their way to the runway. Taskmaster took a deep breath and contemplated this, he completed the mission and he'll be known as one of the people who put Avengers in the ground. But if he didn't then he was losing any chance to ever once see Jeanne, so there really wasn't any decision in the end. They made it to the runway to find a large military plane

A military orderly met them by the door "Alright place all your weapons in here so they'll be ready for the airdrop" she said directing them to a large enclosed crate with a parachute. "Entertainment is permitted after we complete take off and only non-alcoholic beverages will be served"

"Dammit" Bullseye sweared

Red Guardian was more hesitant to give up his stuff "why should we trust you"

"Have a little faith in our government," U.S. Agent said, handing over his shield, handgun, and knife without a second thought.

Taskmaster hesitated for a second but decided he could handle himself if needed without weapons. He handed over his shield, sword, handgun, knife, sniper rifle, grappling hook, and screwdriver before stepping onto the plane.

Taskmaster noticed several more costumed criminals boarding another plane, he couldn't make out all of them from his distance but he could make out Lady Bullseye and 3D man. "Whats going on over there" he asked

"That's squad #1" Hayward answered "nothing you need to worry about, their mission is different from yours, you'll be making sure they complete it safely" Hayward said before shoving him into the plane and shutting the door.

With the door closed, Taskmaster looked around the room and took his seat. He noticed U.S. Agent approaching his assigned seat in between Sabretooth and himself. "Does anyone want to trade?" he asked to no avail. He sat down next to Sabretooth and pulled out a photograph

It was a photo of him with some woman, two really young kids, and another girl. Taskmaster looked for a moment too long and looked away when he noticed him. Taskmaster tried to shrug that off as best he could, U.S. Agent also seemed a little embarrassed because he immediately put the photo of his family away. Taskmaster couldn't decide if it was a bad reminder of what he didn't have or a good reminder of why he's doing this. So he just tried to block them out and focused on Bullseye mixing lemon lime soda with ice cream.