The long awaited television event known as 'The coming of the challengers,' kicked off two weeks ago when John Knoxvile, Jac Osbourn and the Ex Crusader Icon took to our screens in their new show; 'Challengers of the fucking impossible,' or 'C.F.I' for short. The three daredevils have embarked on a quest to see how far they can push their luck before one or all of them is killed, with the show filmed on a weekly basis to increase the general tension of the audience as it really is television to die for.
Last week Icon and Osbourn lowered Knoxvile into the jaws of a great white shark and watched as the beast tore at him, his only protection a force field powered by a wrist watch battery, but that simply wasn't extreme enough for them evidently as this week saw them jet of to the planet Titan.
Titan, currently being colonised by the Longorian race has a surface temperature the same as liquid nitrogen and obviously lethal to most forms of life, this however did not deter the three thrill seekers from stripping naked and running across the planets surface with only a beefed up version of their shark repellent forcefield as protection.
Not content with simply running naked across the surface of an inhospitable alien ice planet they then enacted several scenes from famous movies including 'The good, the Bad and the Ugly (played by Osbourn),' 'A Few Good Men (YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!),' and 'Chariots of fire (the beach race).' Following this they set upon playing Knockdown ginger at the Longorian complexes airlocks and then banged on the Longorian Ambassador and Ex Crusader bedroom window, interrupting Jimmy Warran (Freerunner) in the middle of a carnal act that was court partially on film.
Having survived all this they quickly escaped the Longorian police and arrived back safely in Earths atmosphere to plan their next daring feat. Now knowing that this puerile stupidity should be annoying but the chronicle has to admit that we in the office are truly hooked on this organised idiocy and simply cannot wait for the next thrilling episode to explode onto our screens!
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
DEMOCRATS HEADQUATERS INCREASE SECURITY
Following an armed attack on the lib dems offices by the now in custody Pro N.M.A group led by Victor George they have officially increased security at the building in the form of two Smythe industries designed and provided 'Bluebird class' steam powered battlesuits.
Three members of the buildings staff were killed in the attack two days ago and several were wounded as gunmen broken into the foyer and fired indiscriminately into the general workers inside. The raiders escaped quickly after the attack and were captured by Union Jack in Stratford in an attempt to deliver a chemical weapon upon an unsuspecting crowd.
The battlesuits are being provided free by Smythe industries who has long been a supporter of Nicc Cleggs modern and rising Lib Dems, a company executive had this to say about the security upgrade.
'We recognise the dangers to politicians in this modern, hyper powered world. We see the need for these vulnerable buildings to be protected from dangerous fringe elements within our society. We at Smythe industries have offered the Conservatives and Labour offices a full security upgrade on our books and they too have accepted, this is a service we at Smythe industries are more than happy to provide.'
When asked if they thought it would damage the coalitions standing having to be protected by Smythe Industries executive chief of operations and security had only this to say; 'No.'
Three members of the buildings staff were killed in the attack two days ago and several were wounded as gunmen broken into the foyer and fired indiscriminately into the general workers inside. The raiders escaped quickly after the attack and were captured by Union Jack in Stratford in an attempt to deliver a chemical weapon upon an unsuspecting crowd.
The battlesuits are being provided free by Smythe industries who has long been a supporter of Nicc Cleggs modern and rising Lib Dems, a company executive had this to say about the security upgrade.
'We recognise the dangers to politicians in this modern, hyper powered world. We see the need for these vulnerable buildings to be protected from dangerous fringe elements within our society. We at Smythe industries have offered the Conservatives and Labour offices a full security upgrade on our books and they too have accepted, this is a service we at Smythe industries are more than happy to provide.'
When asked if they thought it would damage the coalitions standing having to be protected by Smythe Industries executive chief of operations and security had only this to say; 'No.'
UNION JACK AT TERRORIST ATTACK
A terrorist plot to infect a crowd of five thousand people at a firework display was foiled yesterday by the new Union Jack at the heart of the Olympic Village. A device, designed to deliver a payload of anthrax, had been smuggled into the firework display which was organised to celebrate the complesion of one of the main areas destined to house foreign athletes next year. Union Jack arrived at the venue and fired a counter agent into the middle of the firework burst at the precise moment the device exploded, destroying the anthrax completely in an explosion that made the crowd turn away due to the lights intensity.
At first it seemed the crowd was close to panicking and escaping the venue but officers on the scene managed to turn the tide of fear and keep the crowd controlled, so good a job was done by the uniformed presence that many believed it was a scheduled event and stayed after the firework display to drink and enjoy the other entertainments put on for the crowd.
Following a full investigation by the Chronicle we managed to piece together a timeline of events that showed the Stirling work the new Jack had put into keeping the public safe. At approximately six o clock in the evening many reports came in of a flying motorbike heading across the north London skies cutting straight to the heart of Newham and landing on the College Point tower block in Stratford. At six fifteen phone calls were made to the police complaining of a gunshots and a fight taking place on the top floor of the tower block.
The police were contacted by a representative of Union Jack who informed them that a Pro N.M.A terrorist cell had been taken out in the building by Jack and that they were all waiting to be collected by the police. On arrival the police made five arrests, one a civil engineer called Victor George, the apparent leader of the cell and another a confirmed lieutenant in the N.M.A who was wanted for crimes against the state and had been on the run since the N.M.A was defeated five years ago.
Two further arrests were made in the evening, a man at the event who is thought to have planted the firework and a motorcyclist who made the mistake of attacking Union Jack en-route to the event and was removed from his bike while it was travelling at speed.
All bar one of the arrested men needed minor treatment in Newham hospital for fractures and abbrations.
Boris Johhnson; Major of London, was at the event and though Union Jack slipped away into the crowd without taking any credit he was eager to make sure she got the lions share of praise.
'The boys in blue did a fabulous job of keeping it calm and restoring order to the chaos caused by the end firework. That said we would all be alot worse off if not for the efforts of this fine, reportedly attractive, ethnic hero, grappling the mantle of heroism from the old guard and running at full tilt into the future! Bravery! Patriotism! Damn fine fighting skills! This is what we have come to expect from those that don costume and fight the good fight! Union Jack?! I say every inch of her is just that...and long may she stand tall and we, the people of London will never shy from the responsibility she places in our hands! See a hero, be a hero yourself! We follow where you will take us dear lady of justice!'
Though the police have congratulated Union Jack on her efforts that are quick to point out that if anyone should see anything suspicious or dangerous they should contact the police instead of wading into the fray. 'Its fabulous that we have a super presence in the city but remember that bullets don't bounce off normal people and its very easy to get killed trying to be a hero. Leave the law enforcement to the professionals and we can clean the streets up together.'
At first it seemed the crowd was close to panicking and escaping the venue but officers on the scene managed to turn the tide of fear and keep the crowd controlled, so good a job was done by the uniformed presence that many believed it was a scheduled event and stayed after the firework display to drink and enjoy the other entertainments put on for the crowd.
Following a full investigation by the Chronicle we managed to piece together a timeline of events that showed the Stirling work the new Jack had put into keeping the public safe. At approximately six o clock in the evening many reports came in of a flying motorbike heading across the north London skies cutting straight to the heart of Newham and landing on the College Point tower block in Stratford. At six fifteen phone calls were made to the police complaining of a gunshots and a fight taking place on the top floor of the tower block.
The police were contacted by a representative of Union Jack who informed them that a Pro N.M.A terrorist cell had been taken out in the building by Jack and that they were all waiting to be collected by the police. On arrival the police made five arrests, one a civil engineer called Victor George, the apparent leader of the cell and another a confirmed lieutenant in the N.M.A who was wanted for crimes against the state and had been on the run since the N.M.A was defeated five years ago.
Two further arrests were made in the evening, a man at the event who is thought to have planted the firework and a motorcyclist who made the mistake of attacking Union Jack en-route to the event and was removed from his bike while it was travelling at speed.
All bar one of the arrested men needed minor treatment in Newham hospital for fractures and abbrations.
Boris Johhnson; Major of London, was at the event and though Union Jack slipped away into the crowd without taking any credit he was eager to make sure she got the lions share of praise.
'The boys in blue did a fabulous job of keeping it calm and restoring order to the chaos caused by the end firework. That said we would all be alot worse off if not for the efforts of this fine, reportedly attractive, ethnic hero, grappling the mantle of heroism from the old guard and running at full tilt into the future! Bravery! Patriotism! Damn fine fighting skills! This is what we have come to expect from those that don costume and fight the good fight! Union Jack?! I say every inch of her is just that...and long may she stand tall and we, the people of London will never shy from the responsibility she places in our hands! See a hero, be a hero yourself! We follow where you will take us dear lady of justice!'
Though the police have congratulated Union Jack on her efforts that are quick to point out that if anyone should see anything suspicious or dangerous they should contact the police instead of wading into the fray. 'Its fabulous that we have a super presence in the city but remember that bullets don't bounce off normal people and its very easy to get killed trying to be a hero. Leave the law enforcement to the professionals and we can clean the streets up together.'
Monday, 28 March 2011
PEDO RING SMASHED IN TUMBRIDGE
Tumbridge felt the touch of evil and the hand of justice yesterday when a ring of five pedophiles who had operated in the local area for several years were handed over to the police with vast amounts of evidence to make sure the convictions would stick and that these four men and one woman would go to prison for a very long time.
The terrible monsters were captured and herded to the police station by a young female hero who told the police she was known as 'Not Alice.' This hero had not beaten her charges mercilessly or tortured them for information but had instead used her 'senses' to uncover their horrific circle and bring them to justice.
Not only did 'Not Alice' deliver the pedophiles but she also managed to give the police a full list of all their victims, victims that are being contacted by the police now so that they can give any psychological assistance or counselling that they may need to help them recover from the ordeals they suffered at their tormentors hands.
Though 'Not Alice' would not give an interview to any press and simply disappeared from the police station we are sure she will stay active and vigilant; watching for evil, wherever she encounter it.
The terrible monsters were captured and herded to the police station by a young female hero who told the police she was known as 'Not Alice.' This hero had not beaten her charges mercilessly or tortured them for information but had instead used her 'senses' to uncover their horrific circle and bring them to justice.
Not only did 'Not Alice' deliver the pedophiles but she also managed to give the police a full list of all their victims, victims that are being contacted by the police now so that they can give any psychological assistance or counselling that they may need to help them recover from the ordeals they suffered at their tormentors hands.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
A NEW JACK CITY
The bank robbery had started and proceeded as most do, shock, violence and intimidation leading to stolen goods and a getaway, but when the three robbers made their exit from the central London branch of H.S.B.C they were accosted by Union Jack on her motor bike. A fight ensued and she downed two of the robbers with single blows, sending them flying across the streets and into the inevitable custody of the Mmetropolitan Police.
The final robber ran between the parked cars and was chased down and captured with no casualties and no injuries other than to the robbers and the man they had beaten to spread fear through the bank when they first entered.
The three man team would have made off with over three million pounds if not for the actions of the new Union Jack, but what gives anyone the right to take a superhuman name that has already been/or is being used? We dispatched a reporter to ask that very same question to Peter Wisdom; head of MI13.
'The thing is, a name is just a name normally. Peter, John, Dave; all just names. But some names do have power and for us this is something that is important. Union Jack is a name that has been linked to some of the bravest actions ever undertaken by our countrymen, its also a name that's been dragged through the mud over the last year with the trial of Union Black,' said mister Wisdom, standing outside the base they now reside in in the driving rain.
'So is this woman Union Jack? Well maybe a name as important as this one needs not to be appointed by a team of experts, maybe this is a name that shouldn't be sanctioned and controlled, maybe this is a name that must be taken. A role that must be forged anew so that the mistakes of the past can be learnt from and maybe the pain of those mistakes can finally start to ease. Now i think if she wants the name she can have it, but she bloody better well live up to it!'
Saturday, 19 March 2011
DAMAGE IN BIRMINGHAM
After a recent incident in Birmingham many thought that the gangs would be on the back foot and seeking to stay out of the papers but that was not the case at all as yesterday a battle blew up on the streets leaving four people dead and several in hospital.
The violence started quickly on an estate between two gangs as a fist fight turned into a gun fight when the gangs exchanged semi automatic fire at close quarters. Two were killed on the scene within the first few minutes of the battle but it continued on for more than twenty minutes as the two sides fought their way through the streets, killing a young mother of two who was caught in their bloody crossfire.
Its believed that the carnage would have been far greater if not for the intervention of a costumed hero who felled three of the gunmen in a local warehouse.
As well as the weapons and gang members caught on the scene a consignment of the lethal drug 'damage' was also secured by the police thanks to the efforts of their local hero, who has been identified as a hero active in the area for sometime called 'Gamma'.
'The reality is that this situation went from bad to worse so quickly that the local constabulary simply couldn't contain it. Without the intervention of this 'Gamma' then the casualties would have been far higher and the perpetrators would most likely still be at large. We have to thank this man that has stepped in and risked his life to stop a group of bloodthirsty lunatics from rampaging through our city,' said Chief of Police Indapow Singh. 'We have been fighting this problem for sometime without the arrests and ground that we have needed to take from these lawless thugs. With Gamma's help we hope we can make real inroads into this problem and restore order to our streets.'
Images taken from one of the thugs phones show the hero on the scene.
The violence started quickly on an estate between two gangs as a fist fight turned into a gun fight when the gangs exchanged semi automatic fire at close quarters. Two were killed on the scene within the first few minutes of the battle but it continued on for more than twenty minutes as the two sides fought their way through the streets, killing a young mother of two who was caught in their bloody crossfire.
Its believed that the carnage would have been far greater if not for the intervention of a costumed hero who felled three of the gunmen in a local warehouse.
As well as the weapons and gang members caught on the scene a consignment of the lethal drug 'damage' was also secured by the police thanks to the efforts of their local hero, who has been identified as a hero active in the area for sometime called 'Gamma'.
'The reality is that this situation went from bad to worse so quickly that the local constabulary simply couldn't contain it. Without the intervention of this 'Gamma' then the casualties would have been far higher and the perpetrators would most likely still be at large. We have to thank this man that has stepped in and risked his life to stop a group of bloodthirsty lunatics from rampaging through our city,' said Chief of Police Indapow Singh. 'We have been fighting this problem for sometime without the arrests and ground that we have needed to take from these lawless thugs. With Gamma's help we hope we can make real inroads into this problem and restore order to our streets.'
GUN HAUL TAKEN IN MANCHESTER
A large gun shipment of automatic weapons and high calibre ammunition bound for the streets of Manchester and Liverpool was taken into Police hands and over thirteen arrests were made yesterday all due to Manchester's newest protector; a man being called Apex!
Apex, a crime fighter with meta human abilities tracked the shipment and took down the guards and then pushed through and hit two gangs in the area, removing both the criminals and their suppliers. The hero, clad in blue and reported to have a noticeably 'foreign' accent, believed to be African in region, left no broken bones and the police commended him for restraining his assailants without 'unnessasary bloodletting.'
The weapons shipment had a street value of over three million pounds and would have been used to fuel a sizable gang problem in both cities, perhaps even being brought in to arm the gangs and increase hostilities between the local rival gangs.
'We need heroes,' said Manchester's chief of police, 'the men and women that are helping in soup kitchens and escorting drunks home and breaking up fights are fantastic, but this is in another league. We need heroes that can hammer the criminals that are really dangerous, fight gangs and break rings like this. We need people like Apex.'
Though no pictures were taken of Apex an artists impression was drawn up by police artists and released with their thanks.
Apex, a crime fighter with meta human abilities tracked the shipment and took down the guards and then pushed through and hit two gangs in the area, removing both the criminals and their suppliers. The hero, clad in blue and reported to have a noticeably 'foreign' accent, believed to be African in region, left no broken bones and the police commended him for restraining his assailants without 'unnessasary bloodletting.'
The weapons shipment had a street value of over three million pounds and would have been used to fuel a sizable gang problem in both cities, perhaps even being brought in to arm the gangs and increase hostilities between the local rival gangs.
'We need heroes,' said Manchester's chief of police, 'the men and women that are helping in soup kitchens and escorting drunks home and breaking up fights are fantastic, but this is in another league. We need heroes that can hammer the criminals that are really dangerous, fight gangs and break rings like this. We need people like Apex.'
Friday, 18 March 2011
MI13 GETS EXTRA STYLE
Peter Wisdom was happy to announce that his agency has gathered in size and is now in the possession of two new operatives in the British Isles. Joining Wisdom's team of investigators are the one time villain Freesytle, who was a part of Black Tom Cassidys sports gang that kidnapped the Beckhams and the original spitfire, a world war two female speedster who is an expert on the hunting and destroying of Vampires.
'We have a fine staff already of Avalon, Lord Braddock (the original Captain Britain), Megan, The Black Knight, Blade, Fury and obviously myself. Now we also welcome these two fine operatives who are sure to bolster our forces and give us the extra mobility and agility needed to compete with our enemies at every turn.'
The MI13 group would not say which units the new members would be absorbed into and yet it seems likely that Freestyle will join the national threat reactionary force and Spitfire the mystical reaction force.
With just a week to go before MI13 have to reveal their pay structures for their field and operations staff it seems likely that the two new members will be on reduced salaries due to forced cuts at the agency due to recession hit Britain.
'We have a fine staff already of Avalon, Lord Braddock (the original Captain Britain), Megan, The Black Knight, Blade, Fury and obviously myself. Now we also welcome these two fine operatives who are sure to bolster our forces and give us the extra mobility and agility needed to compete with our enemies at every turn.'
The MI13 group would not say which units the new members would be absorbed into and yet it seems likely that Freestyle will join the national threat reactionary force and Spitfire the mystical reaction force.
With just a week to go before MI13 have to reveal their pay structures for their field and operations staff it seems likely that the two new members will be on reduced salaries due to forced cuts at the agency due to recession hit Britain.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
NO MORE CRUSADERS ANYMORE
The New Crusaders have had three line ups since they first burst onto the scene, saving the Beckhams from Black Tom Cassidy and his sport related team of super villains. They have travelled the world, jumped dimensions and skipped through time but it appears that time has almost certainly run out for them now.
In the American magazine 'CAPES' they have been pronounced as officially defunked and though the magazine claimed that the team has more than enough members to patch a team together tomorrow we took a longer look and think its far more unlikely than they think.
We've looked at each hero and tracked them as best we could and think we can show just why each and everyone of these brave individuals is likely to stay just that; an individual, unconnected to a new Crusaders.
VALIANT
The long time leader of the team thought killed in the Secret Invasion reappeared just as Von Doom attacked Britain eighteen months ago. Where is he? He hasn't been seen in action at all! Experts say that when he arrived back from where ever he had been he was with the Ex Crusader Spitfire and that they were trailing two small children, if this is to be believed then he must have hung up his boots and gloves.
Others claim that he has lost power and standing in the hero scene and so has drifted quietly away so as not to jeopardise his legacy. Whatever the reason he has not been in action since his return and so it seems hes out of the running to return any time soon if ever again.
THE YOB
Yob was one of the first to leave the team and since moving to the X-Men he hasn't looked back. Though he could swing in to make a quick save if needed it is highly unlikely considering the Mutant teams attempt to create a nation state and hold it all together. The only real threat to his position with the Mutants would be the recent return of the legendary X-Man Wolverine, who has been back for a year or so and has made that time count by joining any team that would have him. Is this because he's lost his place on the X-Men's main team or is he just making up for lost time? Either way Yob looks settled and so unlikely to join a patched together New Crusaders.
SPITFIRE
This flame throwing super hot heroine lost her powers during the Mutant M-Day event and was thought killed with Valiant in the Secret Invasion, she returned, throwing fire balls by all reports but hasn't been seen in action since. Most likely to be shacked up with the charismatic Valiant and not ready to return.
THE GREEN MAN
This primordial force of nature sacrificed itself at Stone Henge to close a rift that threatened to destroy all of reality. Since then he has been seen once only and most believe that the majority of his power was spent clearing the environment around the United Kingdom. When a pole was taken last year ninety percent of the population of Britain believed he was some form of nature diety and sixty percent believed that his existence disproved the Christian Gods directly. Either way he doesn't seem likely to be able to turn up on a regular basis.
BRITANNIA
The mystic hottie was only ever a fringe player and so when she was bestowed with the power of Captain Britain and sent into the Dimensional multiverse to do battle with evil it didn't really impact too heavily on the original team. No chance of hooking back up with the team that took her to the dance.
THE FALCON
The United Kingdoms oldest and probably greatest protector next to Captain Britain sacrificed himself against the Zombie Sentry Virus and was destroyed forever, proving that even immortals aren't safe when they pull on a cape. No chance of a return for The Falcon mores the pity.
THE PLANT
This nippy scientific battler was no wall flower but many believe that the torture he sustained when captured by Cromwell and the N.M.A drove any desire to serve on the front line out of him forever. This said he moved from the New Crusaders on to being a scientific support member of the Avengers under the late Wasp and spearheaded the mission to LV426 where we are now colonising at great speed. No chance of returning to active duty as he has just taken a post as Head Scientific officer of the New Earth colony.
UNION BLACK
Black is the most controversial member of the team without a doubt and his exploits are too many to detail, from joining Tony Starks S.H.I.E.L.D as his number two to his live resignation on television which consisted of a right cross and a f-you. His open contempt for the Registration act led to him taking a more shadowy role in the world of superhumans until he was apparently killed in the Negative Zone battling the Sentry Virus. He turned up alive after that and was arrested for the murder of two British Soldiers and the torture of Richard Aberline. He is currently being tried for the crimes and if convicted could face life imprisonment.
ULTRAVIOLET
Voted the second hottest women on the planet after the first and only year in the team she disappeared on M-Day and many think she was killed, thought it is just as likely that she lost her powers and simply could not do the work anymore.
BOUND
This miniature Frost Giant proved to be one of the biggest members of the New Crusaders but despite his incredible feats of strength and bravery he is more likely to be remembered for his unlikely marriage to Paris Hilton, the break up, the clothes lines and brief foray into New York Sca music, his estranged wife paying for genetic augmentation and then Initiative training (which she shockingly past) and the reunion. Now Bound and Paris live on the land where Asgard once floated with the other asgardians and the litter of pygmy frost giants that she gave birth to last year.
MIDNIGHT
The original turncoat has stabbed the team in the back on more than one occasion and hell is more likely to freeze over than she is to rejoin any Crusaders team.
FREERUNNER
The hugely popular par core master and general gentleman pugalist turned out to be a rabbit driving a robot suit that we all fell for, hard. The Longorian Ambassador is now wealthy, fat and living on his rabbit races base on Titan. No chance of pulling this rabbit out the hat.
REBEL
The fiery red head was a handful of that there was no doubt but she was thought killed with Union Black during the Senrty encounter. She surfaced later as did Black himself but didn't make it back to regular active duty. She was spotted six months ago with The Yellow Canary and Clive The Cavalier in China doing battle with Triad gangs. It seems unlikely she would return without The Canary and he has been quoted by the Chinese papers as saying he never wants to leave china again.
GERALD
The Falcons butler saw plenty of action but was killed by Indian assassins in the same year as his master was killed. Gerald is gone for good.
THE YELLOW CANARY
The Falcons second bodyguard was thought dead but is now in China. Not a chance.
CABER
The Scottish powerhouse was an excellent addition to the team but was brutally wounded by the Sentry and its common knowledge he isn't capable of active duty anymore. He is also a member of the coalition governments cabinet and seems very settled as the minister for Superhuman Affairs.
SHATTERPROOF
Gorgeous and powerful she was a Californian beach babe with real grit, fleeing the Registration act she set up shop with the New Crusaders and weren't we all happy about that. Strong, dependable, tough and ready for action she was a rock for the team but following the events that transpired eighteen months ago she distanced herself from the team and followed the Plant to New Earth where she is a member of their global defence team.
CLIVE THE CAVALIER
From sidekick of Rebel to full New Crusader he won alot of fans and so when he followed Rebel and The Yellow Canary to China many hearts were broken. It seems he was some how caught up with a secret member of the New Crusaders known as Sabotage. What happened we aren't entirely sure but we do know that he will not be drawn on the subject of Mr Scratch or Captain Britain. No chance he will cross the world without his two friends and they have no intention of returning.
STOKE
An interdimensional being in a containment suit he was always a strong figure within the team in the public eye but didnt stay the course after the Sentry Virus and was already developing his alternative energy and technology company before he left. Now Smythe industries is one of the most powerful companies in the world and though it couldn't save Britain from the recession it did take the brunt leaving the economy ropey but not shattered. Too wrapped in the company to come out of retirement.
STARDUST
The Fairy princess was a magical force in the New Crusaders and had a serious magical pedigree by all accounts. She left the team following the Sentry Virus battle in the Negative zone and rejoined her Fairy people where she is now presumably their queen?! She has been known to appear every now and then and spread a little love but in general she is certainly out of the line of fire.
THUNAER
The Norse Totem of Thor's power, protector of the people of the Thunder God cannot step into the fray was a main stay and a lynch pin piece of the team. He fought the Sentry virus and the Skrulls, N.M.A intruders, osbournes Avengers and Dooms assault on The British Isles, but following the events at the end of the last team he became distant and finally has settled in with the Asgardians in America. He was there for the Siege and stood against Ares himself apparently. What is perplexing about Thunaer is there appears to be no real reason why he didn't stay and continue the Crusaders on as their lynch pin if not their leader. Whatever happened it was serious enough to make him break from the team altogether and it seems a break he is unwilling to mend.
FURY
This lightside Vampiress was originally attached to MI13 and was serving on the New Crusaders as what seemed to be a representative of that organisation. She was always a shadowy figure and so when she stepped out of the lime light no one was that surprised. Now Fury follows her calling with MI13 hunting down Vampires and creatures of the night and is unlikely to give up her success against this mystic and magical threat for the public eye once more.
APPERTURE
A telporter of rare control he was never really seen in the middle of the action and instead liked to skirt the edges of the battles redirecting unsuspecting bad guys in front of each other. Watch the tapes and it doesn't seem unfair to say that Aperture was never a natural at the super hero thing so when he decided to join Captain Britain's interdimensional task force it really wasn't shocking at all.
MASS DRIVER
Power is what we will always remember Mass Driver for. The only pikey super hero on record he was as unstable as he was powerful and that instability proved his certain undoing. Following an uncertain time on the team he slipped into his own problems and his destructive nature in tandem with his troubled past led him to a serious drink and drug addiction. He was sectioned just a week after the mansion was destroyed and has remained in treatment ever since.
ICON
The winner of a talent contest to find the next great super hero was always going to find it tough in the real world but he did make a go of it, no one could call him a quitter. He struggled on on his own for a month or two when the team went their separate ways but it wasn't really what he was looking ofr, the boy could never be really described as having 'True Grit.' He was approached by M.T.V to host and star in a new show for them, an opportunity he grasped with both hands and so he went on to lead some of the greatest daredevil celebrities in history in a team many will remember more than his Crusader days; they were and still are Icon, Johhny Knoxville, Jack Osbourne and they are the Challengers Of The Fucking Impossible!
MR SCRATCH
Scratch was a terrifying nightmare of a being that hid from the cameras and scared the willies out of anyone who saw him, how the team managed to function with him around is a miracle. He was last seen before the battle at the mansion and never after. Is he dead? Inactive? No-one knows but it seems unlikely he will return now if ever.
ATOMIC KONG
This massive gorilla with an Einstein mind worked with the New Crusaders right up to the point where he attacked them revealing himself to be a villain from an alternative dimension called Gorilla Grodd. He was reported killed at the mansion, wishful thinking or the reason the team split? No one knows but its certain he would not form or serve in a New Crusaders team.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN
The new Captain Britain was a black slimlinned version of the old powerhouse that always seemed to be missing when most needed. This version fought the call to the multiverse conflicts for as long as he could and insisted he would stay and protect this Britain, right here, right now. He involved himself in cultural events, became the leader of the New Crusaders and proved himself to be a hero many times, but sadly with the power of Captain Britain comes all the responsibilities and he finally had to join the multiverse struggle. He now comes back whenever possible to put in some time in his home dimension, though that time has become shorter and shorter over the months and though we understand, we still wish we could have our champion back.
All the New Crusaders are busy/dead/inactive or unreachable. The team is dead. The only way it could return is if an entirely New group of heroes got together and if that did happen then perhaps we would think twice before giving them the mantle of Britain's protectors, we maybe would want to see if they are really ready to stay the course or would we simply be unwilling to label another generation of capes with a name that could be more of a curse to young lives with so much more to give that a years blood sweat and tears before they are cruelly robbed of their lives or their powers or both.
VERITY LUCE
In the American magazine 'CAPES' they have been pronounced as officially defunked and though the magazine claimed that the team has more than enough members to patch a team together tomorrow we took a longer look and think its far more unlikely than they think.
We've looked at each hero and tracked them as best we could and think we can show just why each and everyone of these brave individuals is likely to stay just that; an individual, unconnected to a new Crusaders.
VALIANT
The long time leader of the team thought killed in the Secret Invasion reappeared just as Von Doom attacked Britain eighteen months ago. Where is he? He hasn't been seen in action at all! Experts say that when he arrived back from where ever he had been he was with the Ex Crusader Spitfire and that they were trailing two small children, if this is to be believed then he must have hung up his boots and gloves.
Others claim that he has lost power and standing in the hero scene and so has drifted quietly away so as not to jeopardise his legacy. Whatever the reason he has not been in action since his return and so it seems hes out of the running to return any time soon if ever again.
THE YOB
Yob was one of the first to leave the team and since moving to the X-Men he hasn't looked back. Though he could swing in to make a quick save if needed it is highly unlikely considering the Mutant teams attempt to create a nation state and hold it all together. The only real threat to his position with the Mutants would be the recent return of the legendary X-Man Wolverine, who has been back for a year or so and has made that time count by joining any team that would have him. Is this because he's lost his place on the X-Men's main team or is he just making up for lost time? Either way Yob looks settled and so unlikely to join a patched together New Crusaders.
SPITFIRE
This flame throwing super hot heroine lost her powers during the Mutant M-Day event and was thought killed with Valiant in the Secret Invasion, she returned, throwing fire balls by all reports but hasn't been seen in action since. Most likely to be shacked up with the charismatic Valiant and not ready to return.
THE GREEN MAN
This primordial force of nature sacrificed itself at Stone Henge to close a rift that threatened to destroy all of reality. Since then he has been seen once only and most believe that the majority of his power was spent clearing the environment around the United Kingdom. When a pole was taken last year ninety percent of the population of Britain believed he was some form of nature diety and sixty percent believed that his existence disproved the Christian Gods directly. Either way he doesn't seem likely to be able to turn up on a regular basis.
BRITANNIA
The mystic hottie was only ever a fringe player and so when she was bestowed with the power of Captain Britain and sent into the Dimensional multiverse to do battle with evil it didn't really impact too heavily on the original team. No chance of hooking back up with the team that took her to the dance.
THE FALCON
The United Kingdoms oldest and probably greatest protector next to Captain Britain sacrificed himself against the Zombie Sentry Virus and was destroyed forever, proving that even immortals aren't safe when they pull on a cape. No chance of a return for The Falcon mores the pity.
THE PLANT
This nippy scientific battler was no wall flower but many believe that the torture he sustained when captured by Cromwell and the N.M.A drove any desire to serve on the front line out of him forever. This said he moved from the New Crusaders on to being a scientific support member of the Avengers under the late Wasp and spearheaded the mission to LV426 where we are now colonising at great speed. No chance of returning to active duty as he has just taken a post as Head Scientific officer of the New Earth colony.
UNION BLACK
Black is the most controversial member of the team without a doubt and his exploits are too many to detail, from joining Tony Starks S.H.I.E.L.D as his number two to his live resignation on television which consisted of a right cross and a f-you. His open contempt for the Registration act led to him taking a more shadowy role in the world of superhumans until he was apparently killed in the Negative Zone battling the Sentry Virus. He turned up alive after that and was arrested for the murder of two British Soldiers and the torture of Richard Aberline. He is currently being tried for the crimes and if convicted could face life imprisonment.
ULTRAVIOLET
Voted the second hottest women on the planet after the first and only year in the team she disappeared on M-Day and many think she was killed, thought it is just as likely that she lost her powers and simply could not do the work anymore.
BOUND
This miniature Frost Giant proved to be one of the biggest members of the New Crusaders but despite his incredible feats of strength and bravery he is more likely to be remembered for his unlikely marriage to Paris Hilton, the break up, the clothes lines and brief foray into New York Sca music, his estranged wife paying for genetic augmentation and then Initiative training (which she shockingly past) and the reunion. Now Bound and Paris live on the land where Asgard once floated with the other asgardians and the litter of pygmy frost giants that she gave birth to last year.
MIDNIGHT
The original turncoat has stabbed the team in the back on more than one occasion and hell is more likely to freeze over than she is to rejoin any Crusaders team.
FREERUNNER
The hugely popular par core master and general gentleman pugalist turned out to be a rabbit driving a robot suit that we all fell for, hard. The Longorian Ambassador is now wealthy, fat and living on his rabbit races base on Titan. No chance of pulling this rabbit out the hat.
REBEL
The fiery red head was a handful of that there was no doubt but she was thought killed with Union Black during the Senrty encounter. She surfaced later as did Black himself but didn't make it back to regular active duty. She was spotted six months ago with The Yellow Canary and Clive The Cavalier in China doing battle with Triad gangs. It seems unlikely she would return without The Canary and he has been quoted by the Chinese papers as saying he never wants to leave china again.
GERALD
The Falcons butler saw plenty of action but was killed by Indian assassins in the same year as his master was killed. Gerald is gone for good.
THE YELLOW CANARY
The Falcons second bodyguard was thought dead but is now in China. Not a chance.
CABER
The Scottish powerhouse was an excellent addition to the team but was brutally wounded by the Sentry and its common knowledge he isn't capable of active duty anymore. He is also a member of the coalition governments cabinet and seems very settled as the minister for Superhuman Affairs.
SHATTERPROOF
Gorgeous and powerful she was a Californian beach babe with real grit, fleeing the Registration act she set up shop with the New Crusaders and weren't we all happy about that. Strong, dependable, tough and ready for action she was a rock for the team but following the events that transpired eighteen months ago she distanced herself from the team and followed the Plant to New Earth where she is a member of their global defence team.
CLIVE THE CAVALIER
From sidekick of Rebel to full New Crusader he won alot of fans and so when he followed Rebel and The Yellow Canary to China many hearts were broken. It seems he was some how caught up with a secret member of the New Crusaders known as Sabotage. What happened we aren't entirely sure but we do know that he will not be drawn on the subject of Mr Scratch or Captain Britain. No chance he will cross the world without his two friends and they have no intention of returning.
STOKE
An interdimensional being in a containment suit he was always a strong figure within the team in the public eye but didnt stay the course after the Sentry Virus and was already developing his alternative energy and technology company before he left. Now Smythe industries is one of the most powerful companies in the world and though it couldn't save Britain from the recession it did take the brunt leaving the economy ropey but not shattered. Too wrapped in the company to come out of retirement.
STARDUST
The Fairy princess was a magical force in the New Crusaders and had a serious magical pedigree by all accounts. She left the team following the Sentry Virus battle in the Negative zone and rejoined her Fairy people where she is now presumably their queen?! She has been known to appear every now and then and spread a little love but in general she is certainly out of the line of fire.
THUNAER
The Norse Totem of Thor's power, protector of the people of the Thunder God cannot step into the fray was a main stay and a lynch pin piece of the team. He fought the Sentry virus and the Skrulls, N.M.A intruders, osbournes Avengers and Dooms assault on The British Isles, but following the events at the end of the last team he became distant and finally has settled in with the Asgardians in America. He was there for the Siege and stood against Ares himself apparently. What is perplexing about Thunaer is there appears to be no real reason why he didn't stay and continue the Crusaders on as their lynch pin if not their leader. Whatever happened it was serious enough to make him break from the team altogether and it seems a break he is unwilling to mend.
FURY
This lightside Vampiress was originally attached to MI13 and was serving on the New Crusaders as what seemed to be a representative of that organisation. She was always a shadowy figure and so when she stepped out of the lime light no one was that surprised. Now Fury follows her calling with MI13 hunting down Vampires and creatures of the night and is unlikely to give up her success against this mystic and magical threat for the public eye once more.
APPERTURE
A telporter of rare control he was never really seen in the middle of the action and instead liked to skirt the edges of the battles redirecting unsuspecting bad guys in front of each other. Watch the tapes and it doesn't seem unfair to say that Aperture was never a natural at the super hero thing so when he decided to join Captain Britain's interdimensional task force it really wasn't shocking at all.
MASS DRIVER
Power is what we will always remember Mass Driver for. The only pikey super hero on record he was as unstable as he was powerful and that instability proved his certain undoing. Following an uncertain time on the team he slipped into his own problems and his destructive nature in tandem with his troubled past led him to a serious drink and drug addiction. He was sectioned just a week after the mansion was destroyed and has remained in treatment ever since.
ICON
The winner of a talent contest to find the next great super hero was always going to find it tough in the real world but he did make a go of it, no one could call him a quitter. He struggled on on his own for a month or two when the team went their separate ways but it wasn't really what he was looking ofr, the boy could never be really described as having 'True Grit.' He was approached by M.T.V to host and star in a new show for them, an opportunity he grasped with both hands and so he went on to lead some of the greatest daredevil celebrities in history in a team many will remember more than his Crusader days; they were and still are Icon, Johhny Knoxville, Jack Osbourne and they are the Challengers Of The Fucking Impossible!
MR SCRATCH
Scratch was a terrifying nightmare of a being that hid from the cameras and scared the willies out of anyone who saw him, how the team managed to function with him around is a miracle. He was last seen before the battle at the mansion and never after. Is he dead? Inactive? No-one knows but it seems unlikely he will return now if ever.
ATOMIC KONG
This massive gorilla with an Einstein mind worked with the New Crusaders right up to the point where he attacked them revealing himself to be a villain from an alternative dimension called Gorilla Grodd. He was reported killed at the mansion, wishful thinking or the reason the team split? No one knows but its certain he would not form or serve in a New Crusaders team.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN
The new Captain Britain was a black slimlinned version of the old powerhouse that always seemed to be missing when most needed. This version fought the call to the multiverse conflicts for as long as he could and insisted he would stay and protect this Britain, right here, right now. He involved himself in cultural events, became the leader of the New Crusaders and proved himself to be a hero many times, but sadly with the power of Captain Britain comes all the responsibilities and he finally had to join the multiverse struggle. He now comes back whenever possible to put in some time in his home dimension, though that time has become shorter and shorter over the months and though we understand, we still wish we could have our champion back.
All the New Crusaders are busy/dead/inactive or unreachable. The team is dead. The only way it could return is if an entirely New group of heroes got together and if that did happen then perhaps we would think twice before giving them the mantle of Britain's protectors, we maybe would want to see if they are really ready to stay the course or would we simply be unwilling to label another generation of capes with a name that could be more of a curse to young lives with so much more to give that a years blood sweat and tears before they are cruelly robbed of their lives or their powers or both.
VERITY LUCE
NEW DAY FOR MIDNIGHT
There have been shocking events in the histories of Super hero teams but perhaps none more shocking for a British team than when a Crusader (seen in action with her teammates just two days before) was unveiled to the world by Tony Stark as his newest member in the Initiative program.
Years have past since that day and though many have tried no one has been able to get clear answers as to why she defected and what she feels about the members of the team that she left behind. That is until Verity Luce hooked up with the Ex-Crusader in New York this week to ask questions and get answers.
CRUSADER CHRONICLE: Its very special to be meeting you here today and id like to thank you first off for agreeing to this interview.
MIDNIGHT: Its not a problem at all, in fact its about time the truth came out, I'm sick of the bullshit, ya know?
C.C: So can we go back to that week, the one when everything changed?
M: Sure, so what do you want to know and in what order?
C.C: How did it happen? Why then? Who made contact; Stark phone you or did you phone Stark?
M: Its really not that complicate a thing. I had felt for a while that we were reacting rather than actually doing any lasting good. The bad guys would come at us and we'd thump them but then what? Well we would just wait for the next event. There was no leadership when out off the fight, no organisation, just a bleep if things went tits up! That wasn't good enough, not for me.
C.C: So Valiant didn't lead you off the field?
M: He didn't lead me i don't think, i never felt there was a mission statement or an over all goal, we were a group of people that got together to pound bad guys, and you know we did it well, but that wasn't solving the big problems, it wasn't addressing the big issues and it simply wasn't getting the job done.
C.C: So why that weekend? Was it the tunnel fighting in Birmingham that finally did it for you?
M: In a way, yes. We went into a riot situation where you have fundamentalist Islamic nutters wagging war with Fascist Nazi ares holes with powers. We know they were
on Damage, we know they were known to the authorities, but not properly to us! We were just expected to turn up and throw down, no intel, no prior warning, just wham! Their they are! Get them lapdogs! Well I'm no lapdog and i require more than a finger pointing the bad guys out!
C.C: It got nasty very quickly down there didn't it?
M: That is correct. We had N.M.A loonies throwing down with guys that could blow themselves up like that Nitro cunt that took out Stamford. Hell i went in on them as we all did and it was a war on two fronts, then a portal opens and out jump N.M.A cabinet members, people that were meant to be in the Negative Zone vault. They came out and we hammered into them and this is something that doesn't get banded around; i look around and Warwick is kicking Valiants head in! She beat his ass like he was a rug against a wall! I looking at the action, trying to do what i need to do and there she is wailing on him and he cant do anything about it. Sure he got some punches in but i am telling you that without us there to save his ass he was a dead man!
C.C: Its true that talking about Valiants defeats is a rare conversation, but then he really didn't have many. Isn't it true that in mid fight his neural connection with his twin 'Crusader' was disrupted due to Ares ripping Crusaders arm off in a fight?
M: If that's the line he wants to take then that fine, i know what i saw. I saw weakness.
C.C: Not a word most would place at his feet.
M: Well you didn't fight with him or have to put up with his womanising, self serving bullshit did you? I mean the guy loved the camera more than any of us! He would drag a cage of naked Russian Prostiues through a river of boiling acid if you told him it would make him look good!
C.C: Not the impression the rest of the world has...
M: Well, like they they say about the Nam, 'You Weren't There!'
C.C: So, you left because of disorganisation and a weak leader?
M: Yes and No, there was more to it. You look at the American Initiative project, the scope and vision and it made us look like dildos. I wanted to be able to track the N.M.A, know where they were and kick their ass before they even got to the rioting phase, I'm talking proactive, incisive action; action that the Crusaders have never appreciated. Look at what they did to Black!
C.C: Can we address that slightly later?
M: Sure.
C.C: So the riot was finished, the clear up done, the N.M.A thunderbolts under lock and key and messages sent to the Americans about the Thunderbolt (N.M.A. portal) attack. What happened next?
M: I went home, had a cry (the frustration was just crippling) and then picked up the phone. The rest is easy. I got a message to S.H.I.E.L.D, they talked to me for maybe half an hour and then sent me straight through to Stark. He talked to me about my options, i told him i wanted to part of his movement and got the first flight out. The minute i got on the plane i slept and it was the best sleep id had in months.
C.C: You didn't say goodbye to your teammates?
M: What was the point? I had made a decision that their opperating procedures were fundamentally flawed, how was i to expect them to be civil or proffessional about my decision to leave them?
C.C: Was there an anti registration element withon the Crusaders then?
M: I would say certainly there was! Some didn't want reistration, some didn't want to be told what to do by Stark which was certainly true of the more outspoken members of the team.
C.C: Who were they?
M: Caber was in for resistration but bashed Stark heavily, to me he was like a spoilt child. He didn't want the superviser coming over to tell him he was doing a shit job.
C.C: Was he?
M: No, but he was paranoid.
C.C: All other accounts of Caber make him out to be level headed and intelligent.
M:Y.W.T or You Werent There.
C.C: Ok, so how did the first meeting with Stark go?
M: Like a dream, he was organised, had vision, was driven, all the things that the Crusaders had lacked were there. I was told id need to roll up to the Initiative and complete an assesment and course and then go from there, if i did well he said he'd offer me a place on the Avengers. It did go well and i took that placed shortly afterwards.
C.C: What about the Avengers stance against the Rebels and 'Crusader'? Did you not feel guilty going against your old team in principle if not in action.
M: It didn't bother me at all.
C.C: What about Rebels very public feud with you? She called you a traitor and a fame slut.
M: I don't care what she said or says, Rebel was a whore who stripped for cash and parted her legs like a train crossing whenever the Yellow Canary was around. She has been and will always be naval lint.
C.C: Ok. So are there any members of the team you liked?
M: Maybe a few but they weren't like the Avengers, that much is certain. They didn't have the pedegree.
C.C: So what about the Invasion, has your mind been changed about the orgainistion of America post Skrull and Osbourne Reign?
M: No. True the Initiative was set up by Skrulls so they could get into every organisation, yes Osbourne was a psycho but he was also a guy that got things done. He wanted to make the world a more controlled and safer place for everyone, he just liked breaking eggs abit to much.
C.C: So you wouldnt condem Osbournes time in command?
M: Not really, he had unconventional methods but he wanted what i wanted, greater safety for the masses.
C.C: And more power to him.
M: Someone has to be in charge, i didn't see you raise your hand. Besides Y.W.T.
C.C: So what now for Midnight? Following your tenure with Osbournes Avengers in which you fought the Crusaders you seem to have no-where to go. The establishment isnt likely to want you back in America is it? Not with your backing of Osbourne?
M: Actually i have joined a special S.H.I.E.L.D detachment who are going to act as an international invention force. We have plans to make waves going after international Terrorists like Aberline and The Red Skull and Doom. We are gonna kick some ass!
C.C: Do you have any plans to return to England?
M: Only if I'm catching perps that they cant handle, so yeah, i will have to at some point I'm sure!
C.C: Thank you Midnight, its been an eye opener.
We leave and head home but in truth i cant tell you that I'm satisfied with the interview or its contents. Perhaps some questions are just better left unanswered.
Verity Luce.
Years have past since that day and though many have tried no one has been able to get clear answers as to why she defected and what she feels about the members of the team that she left behind. That is until Verity Luce hooked up with the Ex-Crusader in New York this week to ask questions and get answers.
CRUSADER CHRONICLE: Its very special to be meeting you here today and id like to thank you first off for agreeing to this interview.
MIDNIGHT: Its not a problem at all, in fact its about time the truth came out, I'm sick of the bullshit, ya know?
C.C: So can we go back to that week, the one when everything changed?
M: Sure, so what do you want to know and in what order?
C.C: How did it happen? Why then? Who made contact; Stark phone you or did you phone Stark?
C.C: So Valiant didn't lead you off the field?
M: He didn't lead me i don't think, i never felt there was a mission statement or an over all goal, we were a group of people that got together to pound bad guys, and you know we did it well, but that wasn't solving the big problems, it wasn't addressing the big issues and it simply wasn't getting the job done.
C.C: So why that weekend? Was it the tunnel fighting in Birmingham that finally did it for you?
M: In a way, yes. We went into a riot situation where you have fundamentalist Islamic nutters wagging war with Fascist Nazi ares holes with powers. We know they were
C.C: It got nasty very quickly down there didn't it?
M: That is correct. We had N.M.A loonies throwing down with guys that could blow themselves up like that Nitro cunt that took out Stamford. Hell i went in on them as we all did and it was a war on two fronts, then a portal opens and out jump N.M.A cabinet members, people that were meant to be in the Negative Zone vault. They came out and we hammered into them and this is something that doesn't get banded around; i look around and Warwick is kicking Valiants head in! She beat his ass like he was a rug against a wall! I looking at the action, trying to do what i need to do and there she is wailing on him and he cant do anything about it. Sure he got some punches in but i am telling you that without us there to save his ass he was a dead man!
C.C: Its true that talking about Valiants defeats is a rare conversation, but then he really didn't have many. Isn't it true that in mid fight his neural connection with his twin 'Crusader' was disrupted due to Ares ripping Crusaders arm off in a fight?
M: If that's the line he wants to take then that fine, i know what i saw. I saw weakness.
C.C: Not a word most would place at his feet.
M: Well you didn't fight with him or have to put up with his womanising, self serving bullshit did you? I mean the guy loved the camera more than any of us! He would drag a cage of naked Russian Prostiues through a river of boiling acid if you told him it would make him look good!
C.C: Not the impression the rest of the world has...
M: Well, like they they say about the Nam, 'You Weren't There!'
C.C: So, you left because of disorganisation and a weak leader?
M: Yes and No, there was more to it. You look at the American Initiative project, the scope and vision and it made us look like dildos. I wanted to be able to track the N.M.A, know where they were and kick their ass before they even got to the rioting phase, I'm talking proactive, incisive action; action that the Crusaders have never appreciated. Look at what they did to Black!
C.C: Can we address that slightly later?
M: Sure.
C.C: So the riot was finished, the clear up done, the N.M.A thunderbolts under lock and key and messages sent to the Americans about the Thunderbolt (N.M.A. portal) attack. What happened next?
M: I went home, had a cry (the frustration was just crippling) and then picked up the phone. The rest is easy. I got a message to S.H.I.E.L.D, they talked to me for maybe half an hour and then sent me straight through to Stark. He talked to me about my options, i told him i wanted to part of his movement and got the first flight out. The minute i got on the plane i slept and it was the best sleep id had in months.
C.C: You didn't say goodbye to your teammates?
M: What was the point? I had made a decision that their opperating procedures were fundamentally flawed, how was i to expect them to be civil or proffessional about my decision to leave them?
C.C: Was there an anti registration element withon the Crusaders then?
M: I would say certainly there was! Some didn't want reistration, some didn't want to be told what to do by Stark which was certainly true of the more outspoken members of the team.
C.C: Who were they?
M: Caber was in for resistration but bashed Stark heavily, to me he was like a spoilt child. He didn't want the superviser coming over to tell him he was doing a shit job.
C.C: Was he?
M: No, but he was paranoid.
C.C: All other accounts of Caber make him out to be level headed and intelligent.
M:Y.W.T or You Werent There.
C.C: Ok, so how did the first meeting with Stark go?
M: Like a dream, he was organised, had vision, was driven, all the things that the Crusaders had lacked were there. I was told id need to roll up to the Initiative and complete an assesment and course and then go from there, if i did well he said he'd offer me a place on the Avengers. It did go well and i took that placed shortly afterwards.
C.C: What about the Avengers stance against the Rebels and 'Crusader'? Did you not feel guilty going against your old team in principle if not in action.
M: It didn't bother me at all.
C.C: What about Rebels very public feud with you? She called you a traitor and a fame slut.
M: I don't care what she said or says, Rebel was a whore who stripped for cash and parted her legs like a train crossing whenever the Yellow Canary was around. She has been and will always be naval lint.
C.C: Ok. So are there any members of the team you liked?
M: Maybe a few but they weren't like the Avengers, that much is certain. They didn't have the pedegree.
C.C: So what about the Invasion, has your mind been changed about the orgainistion of America post Skrull and Osbourne Reign?
M: No. True the Initiative was set up by Skrulls so they could get into every organisation, yes Osbourne was a psycho but he was also a guy that got things done. He wanted to make the world a more controlled and safer place for everyone, he just liked breaking eggs abit to much.
C.C: So you wouldnt condem Osbournes time in command?
M: Not really, he had unconventional methods but he wanted what i wanted, greater safety for the masses.
C.C: And more power to him.
M: Someone has to be in charge, i didn't see you raise your hand. Besides Y.W.T.
C.C: So what now for Midnight? Following your tenure with Osbournes Avengers in which you fought the Crusaders you seem to have no-where to go. The establishment isnt likely to want you back in America is it? Not with your backing of Osbourne?
M: Actually i have joined a special S.H.I.E.L.D detachment who are going to act as an international invention force. We have plans to make waves going after international Terrorists like Aberline and The Red Skull and Doom. We are gonna kick some ass!
C.C: Do you have any plans to return to England?
M: Only if I'm catching perps that they cant handle, so yeah, i will have to at some point I'm sure!
C.C: Thank you Midnight, its been an eye opener.
We leave and head home but in truth i cant tell you that I'm satisfied with the interview or its contents. Perhaps some questions are just better left unanswered.
Verity Luce.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
NEW SIGHTING OF OLD FOE
The Red Skull was last seen before the Siege of Asgard by Norman Osbourn, on the night that the original Captain America was reserected by the Red Skull so that he could posses his body. The Skull failed and had gone to ground, though now many believe he is in contact with Richard Aberline A.K.A Cromwell and both have their sights set firmly on an attack on England.
SAINT OR SINNER
The Metropolitan police issued a thank you to a masked vigilante who broke up a people trafficking ring last night claiming his work had saved lives and freed people living in appalling conditions. The ring which was operating in the London Borough of Newham was forcing at least thirty young women into prostitution to pay for illegal transport into the country, while their family members were forced to take manual labour jobs at a dummy corporations warehouse where they weighed, packed and even acted as Guinea pigs for a local drug gang.
The Vigilante known as the 'Sinner' produced enough evidence prior to a hit that he undertook on the warehouse and brothel to make sure the convictions would stick on anyone captured in the locations the police were tipped to check out at specific times.
The Sinner hit each location at least twenty minutes before the tip offs came in allowing him to run through the buildings and take out any opposition that may have tried to stand in the police forces way during the raid.
There were fifteen arrests in total and those being exploited by the gangs were taken into protective custody until their country of origin could be confirmed.
Following the raid some of the prostitutes worked with a police artist who produced a picture of their hero. The Met Police liaison officer had this to say; 'We offer our thanks to Sinner for his work on this case, he has given us the tools with which to do the right thing and put these criminals inside for a long time, and by tools i mean clear and usable evidence and documentation of crimes committed. The people he saved were being kept in squalid conditions and were incredibly badly treated at best. Responsible Civilian action to curb crime will always be encouraged and appreciated.'
The Metropolitan police issued a thank you to a masked vigilante who broke up a people trafficking ring last night claiming his work had saved lives and freed people living in appalling conditions. The ring which was operating in the London Borough of Newham was forcing at least thirty young women into prostitution to pay for illegal transport into the country, while their family members were forced to take manual labour jobs at a dummy corporations warehouse where they weighed, packed and even acted as Guinea pigs for a local drug gang.
The Vigilante known as the 'Sinner' produced enough evidence prior to a hit that he undertook on the warehouse and brothel to make sure the convictions would stick on anyone captured in the locations the police were tipped to check out at specific times.
The Sinner hit each location at least twenty minutes before the tip offs came in allowing him to run through the buildings and take out any opposition that may have tried to stand in the police forces way during the raid.
There were fifteen arrests in total and those being exploited by the gangs were taken into protective custody until their country of origin could be confirmed.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
WORDS OF WISDOM
MI13 have been accused of dodging the vigilante situation on the streets of Britain recently but that can no longer be the case as the head of the organisation, Peter Wisdom, gave this news agency an exclusive interview yesterday. Though the chief of operations at MI13 was pushed for time we were given a tour and then invited to ask him anything we wanted.
The instillation that houses MI13 operations has recently moved to a large disused industrial estate and has undertaken massive works on the area to make it fit their needs. They have runways, science blocks, detention areas and medical facilities as well as offices and a half decent cafe if, as Mr Wisdom advises, you stay away from the Kiesh.
We conducted the interview after he had debriefed a group of agents who had just returned from a supernatural investigation in the south east of England.
CC: Thank you for your time Mr Wisdom.
PW: Not a problem, its important to connect with the outside world and show people what we are up too, helps keep the rumours to a minimum.
CC: So, just to run through the simple changes at your organisation recently, you've set up and are over seeing another branch of the organisation called the Interdimensional Observation and Reaction Department, or the I.O.R.D for short. Headed by Captain Britain they monitor any threats to this country and world from other dimensions and react to them as appropriate, this has obviously taken the captain away from Britain much in the same way that all Captain Britain's seem to get dragged into Interdimensional affairs.
PW: Its true the job comes with that draw back, i know the Captain would like nothing more than to be heading up the Crusaders and keeping Britain safe but believe me the threats from other dimensional forces are far more dangerous. I would tell you, but then id have to get Blade to kill you.
CC: Glad you brought Blade up, are you still blocking the extradition orders form the U.S.A for the renegade hero and self professed vampire hunter that IS still wanted for murder?
PW: Take a look at the evidence, ask yourself if you really believe if vampires exist, then ask me.
CC: Do vampires really exist Mr Wisdom?
PW: Of course they do! We were attacked by them just a year and a half ago and if not for the find work of Blade and Fury we would all be crawling over each other to become blood dolls to avoid the murder of our families. These creatures are real, the extradition orders were signed by Norman Osborn and just yesterday i spoke with the new Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Steve Rogers and he assured me that they were cancelling all warrants for his arrest. Blade is a free man and a hero.
CC: So you have MI13 agents backing up your super elements, Captain Britain hitting the Interdiemnsional bad guys and you also have links to New Earth on LV426 where many Ex Crusaders are keeping that world safe. If everything is so well tied up why don't we see MI13 heroes patrolling the streets like the New York City heroes?
PW: We follow credible supernatural and super human threats to this country. It basically doesn't leave time for our guys to go wandering about in spandex showing off.
CC: Does that mean you don't appreciate the spate of Vigilante actions on the streets at present?
PW: In fact its the opposite, we invite those who can to do what they can. We want them to help their communities and the local law enforcement officers as much as possible, i would urge them to make sure they are staying within their loose barriers of control. Making sure they are still part of the solution and not part of the problem.
CC: Meaning?
PW: Well, if they avoid the use of excessive violence, don't kill anyone and make sure they are looking out for the publics well being then i don't have a problem with them at all. Good on them in fact. But of course if they overstep the line then we come in.
CC: Are you willing to hunt down the a vigilante that gets out of hand?
PW: If they get out of hand and the police request MI13 back up then we will have too. I don't see it coming to that though, I've met alot of heroes and they all seem to know the line, tow the line and are fighting for the best of reasons. Things can go wrong, mistakes can be made, but most of the time its all misunderstandings or frame ups. You have to be made of pretty stern stuff to pull on the tights.
At this point Mr Wisdom's alarms go off and someone walks in a passes him a technical pad. He nods at them and without missing a beat he stands and offers me his hand.
PW: Sorry, somethings come up. Stand around here for more than an hour and you'll know that that's pretty much how it is all the time.
CC; Thank you for your time and good luck in your mission Mr Wisdom.
PW: No problems, if your lucky i'll try and get the Captain to give you an interview next time hes in, great guy, great Captain Britain.
CC: We look forward to it.
We are escorted from the base and now following our interview i think i can safely tell you that though they may be able to stop vast hordes of Vampires and interdimensional invasion forces, they simply wont be about to rescue cats from trees or clean up bad areas. Looks like that duty still falls to us and the heroes amidst us.
Verity Luce.
The instillation that houses MI13 operations has recently moved to a large disused industrial estate and has undertaken massive works on the area to make it fit their needs. They have runways, science blocks, detention areas and medical facilities as well as offices and a half decent cafe if, as Mr Wisdom advises, you stay away from the Kiesh.
We conducted the interview after he had debriefed a group of agents who had just returned from a supernatural investigation in the south east of England.
CC: Thank you for your time Mr Wisdom.
PW: Not a problem, its important to connect with the outside world and show people what we are up too, helps keep the rumours to a minimum.
CC: So, just to run through the simple changes at your organisation recently, you've set up and are over seeing another branch of the organisation called the Interdimensional Observation and Reaction Department, or the I.O.R.D for short. Headed by Captain Britain they monitor any threats to this country and world from other dimensions and react to them as appropriate, this has obviously taken the captain away from Britain much in the same way that all Captain Britain's seem to get dragged into Interdimensional affairs.
PW: Its true the job comes with that draw back, i know the Captain would like nothing more than to be heading up the Crusaders and keeping Britain safe but believe me the threats from other dimensional forces are far more dangerous. I would tell you, but then id have to get Blade to kill you.
CC: Glad you brought Blade up, are you still blocking the extradition orders form the U.S.A for the renegade hero and self professed vampire hunter that IS still wanted for murder?
PW: Take a look at the evidence, ask yourself if you really believe if vampires exist, then ask me.
CC: Do vampires really exist Mr Wisdom?
PW: Of course they do! We were attacked by them just a year and a half ago and if not for the find work of Blade and Fury we would all be crawling over each other to become blood dolls to avoid the murder of our families. These creatures are real, the extradition orders were signed by Norman Osborn and just yesterday i spoke with the new Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Steve Rogers and he assured me that they were cancelling all warrants for his arrest. Blade is a free man and a hero.
CC: So you have MI13 agents backing up your super elements, Captain Britain hitting the Interdiemnsional bad guys and you also have links to New Earth on LV426 where many Ex Crusaders are keeping that world safe. If everything is so well tied up why don't we see MI13 heroes patrolling the streets like the New York City heroes?
PW: We follow credible supernatural and super human threats to this country. It basically doesn't leave time for our guys to go wandering about in spandex showing off.
CC: Does that mean you don't appreciate the spate of Vigilante actions on the streets at present?
PW: In fact its the opposite, we invite those who can to do what they can. We want them to help their communities and the local law enforcement officers as much as possible, i would urge them to make sure they are staying within their loose barriers of control. Making sure they are still part of the solution and not part of the problem.
CC: Meaning?
PW: Well, if they avoid the use of excessive violence, don't kill anyone and make sure they are looking out for the publics well being then i don't have a problem with them at all. Good on them in fact. But of course if they overstep the line then we come in.
CC: Are you willing to hunt down the a vigilante that gets out of hand?
PW: If they get out of hand and the police request MI13 back up then we will have too. I don't see it coming to that though, I've met alot of heroes and they all seem to know the line, tow the line and are fighting for the best of reasons. Things can go wrong, mistakes can be made, but most of the time its all misunderstandings or frame ups. You have to be made of pretty stern stuff to pull on the tights.
At this point Mr Wisdom's alarms go off and someone walks in a passes him a technical pad. He nods at them and without missing a beat he stands and offers me his hand.
PW: Sorry, somethings come up. Stand around here for more than an hour and you'll know that that's pretty much how it is all the time.
CC; Thank you for your time and good luck in your mission Mr Wisdom.
PW: No problems, if your lucky i'll try and get the Captain to give you an interview next time hes in, great guy, great Captain Britain.
CC: We look forward to it.
We are escorted from the base and now following our interview i think i can safely tell you that though they may be able to stop vast hordes of Vampires and interdimensional invasion forces, they simply wont be about to rescue cats from trees or clean up bad areas. Looks like that duty still falls to us and the heroes amidst us.
Verity Luce.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
HERO EXPLOSION NOT SO SUPER
Following the demise of the British super team the Crusaders it seemed that it was only a matter of time before younger superheroes stepped into the lime light to fill the gap, yet none have come wearing capes and flying above our cities, instead they wear armour, drive bikes and deliver justice on a different level, down on the streets.
So who are these masked men and can we tell the difference between those that are 'doing their bit' like 'The Statesman' and those that can make a real difference to their communities if not the whole country? Well we need to look at their pedigree and just how easy they are to track down and talk too, lets deal first with the normal Joe's, the pretenders to the mantle of superhero.
The phenomenon of 'normal heroes,' of 'fake capes' is something entirely new, we are of course not talking about superheroes without any powers but instead those people in costumes that really are just one step higher than community support officers. Think of these guys as pretty policemen.
'The Statesmen,' 'Black Arrow,' 'Captain Champion' and 'The Ninja' are just some of the estimated sixteen or more 'fake capes' going out into the streets at night and doing their best to interrupt criminals, break up fights or generally try to keep the peace. They are sprouting up all over the country and it is fair to say that these individuals are quite happy to chat to the press and are not hard to track. They have no super powers and even their equipment is ordinary at best, no super specs, muscle enhancing hydraulic suits or ray guys for these guys, even a belt light seems to be stretching their technological limits. They stop cars being stolen and disperse small groups of teenagers, help drunks home or give young women the option of a safe person to walk home with after a long night in recession hit Britain. Brave, foul hardy individuals that just want to help but cant do the 'big stuff.'
Take on the other hand a darker, perhaps even vigilante group of individuals that are rising up in the cities, ones that definitely have either powers, Superior equipment or maybe even both. These individuals have not lept into the cameras lights like Crusaders of the past but instead seem to be trying to hammer out the vicious underbelly of crime that festers in every city. They prowl where demand leads to supply and supply to demand without anyone knowing which can first. Do the drugs clog the streets because the people demand a way out of their awful existence or did the drugs create the hell they live in? The people we are talking of in whispers seem far more interested in this domestic, urban nightmare than the flash of a bulb or the glint off the helmet of a super villain.
So who are they? Where are they? Why now?
In the south east a motorbike riding death eater travels to different coastal towns hammering the Prostitution rings where ever he finds them. He isn't a one hit kind of guy either, no less than five establishments are hit each time and it does appear to the casual observer that he simply follows the leads that each target gives him. They all seem to come into police custody with only minor injuries yet claim they have been beaten and tortured for information. Along with clear confessions to crimes they committed the captured miscreants have also given up over forty illegal immigrants that were being forced into prostitution to pay for their travel to the country illegally.
In the ports of Southampton and Dover a green and yellow clad martial artist has already stopped several shipments of drugs from penetrating the customs net and seems to be building a rapor with local law enforcement to further his effectiveness.
Birmingham has been in the papers recently as the Chronicle covered an incident that MI13 responded to that they would not comment on. Rumors of a duo of crime fighters in the area were linked to the incident though its just as likely that MI13 went in to contain a large shipment of the drug Damage that had reportedly gotten into the gang system.
London, traditionally the home of the Crusaders has at least two protectors on the streets, one is rumoured to be a green clad vigilante who has hit the underground slavers markets that have apparently been becoming far more frequent following the influx of over three hundred thousand dimensional refugees that have made Britain their home following the destruction of the Sentry Virus. Also a young woman rumoured to be claiming tha she is the new Union Jack is also operating, she has definitely been confirmed as being super strong and is almost certainly bullet proof, beyond that little is known.
Finally reports of a hoodie wearing man who appears and is directly attacking the gangs in Glasgow and Edinbourogh are gathering credibility by the week. This description may seem vague and yet add to it glowing red eyes, attacks that come from the shadows and a supernatural air about this defender of the people and you may see why we are waiting for this heroes star to rise.
So why now? Why has it been so quiet?
It takes a certain type of push to send people into the streets for this kind of action, we know that the young men and women that helped fight the occupation of this country by the N.M.A are gradually being sucked into gangs and the real cost of those bloody battles on the streets of this country is only now being felt. They try to come to terms with what they saw and experienced but many are finding themselves dragged back into the violence perhaps because they have a blood lust or more likely that they simply know they can handle themselves and there is money to be made if your willing to do what others wont. As the unemployment figures rise so to does the crime rate.
So are these heroes/vigilantes programmed to fight by tramas of the past or simply by the reemergence of the X-gene which is powering a new wave of mutants that are activating in the communites? Who knows, all we know is that they are at least for the time being, on our side.
Verity Luce.
Following the demise of the British super team the Crusaders it seemed that it was only a matter of time before younger superheroes stepped into the lime light to fill the gap, yet none have come wearing capes and flying above our cities, instead they wear armour, drive bikes and deliver justice on a different level, down on the streets.
So who are these masked men and can we tell the difference between those that are 'doing their bit' like 'The Statesman' and those that can make a real difference to their communities if not the whole country? Well we need to look at their pedigree and just how easy they are to track down and talk too, lets deal first with the normal Joe's, the pretenders to the mantle of superhero.
The phenomenon of 'normal heroes,' of 'fake capes' is something entirely new, we are of course not talking about superheroes without any powers but instead those people in costumes that really are just one step higher than community support officers. Think of these guys as pretty policemen.
'The Statesmen,' 'Black Arrow,' 'Captain Champion' and 'The Ninja' are just some of the estimated sixteen or more 'fake capes' going out into the streets at night and doing their best to interrupt criminals, break up fights or generally try to keep the peace. They are sprouting up all over the country and it is fair to say that these individuals are quite happy to chat to the press and are not hard to track. They have no super powers and even their equipment is ordinary at best, no super specs, muscle enhancing hydraulic suits or ray guys for these guys, even a belt light seems to be stretching their technological limits. They stop cars being stolen and disperse small groups of teenagers, help drunks home or give young women the option of a safe person to walk home with after a long night in recession hit Britain. Brave, foul hardy individuals that just want to help but cant do the 'big stuff.'
Take on the other hand a darker, perhaps even vigilante group of individuals that are rising up in the cities, ones that definitely have either powers, Superior equipment or maybe even both. These individuals have not lept into the cameras lights like Crusaders of the past but instead seem to be trying to hammer out the vicious underbelly of crime that festers in every city. They prowl where demand leads to supply and supply to demand without anyone knowing which can first. Do the drugs clog the streets because the people demand a way out of their awful existence or did the drugs create the hell they live in? The people we are talking of in whispers seem far more interested in this domestic, urban nightmare than the flash of a bulb or the glint off the helmet of a super villain.
So who are they? Where are they? Why now?
In the south east a motorbike riding death eater travels to different coastal towns hammering the Prostitution rings where ever he finds them. He isn't a one hit kind of guy either, no less than five establishments are hit each time and it does appear to the casual observer that he simply follows the leads that each target gives him. They all seem to come into police custody with only minor injuries yet claim they have been beaten and tortured for information. Along with clear confessions to crimes they committed the captured miscreants have also given up over forty illegal immigrants that were being forced into prostitution to pay for their travel to the country illegally.
In the ports of Southampton and Dover a green and yellow clad martial artist has already stopped several shipments of drugs from penetrating the customs net and seems to be building a rapor with local law enforcement to further his effectiveness.
Birmingham has been in the papers recently as the Chronicle covered an incident that MI13 responded to that they would not comment on. Rumors of a duo of crime fighters in the area were linked to the incident though its just as likely that MI13 went in to contain a large shipment of the drug Damage that had reportedly gotten into the gang system.
London, traditionally the home of the Crusaders has at least two protectors on the streets, one is rumoured to be a green clad vigilante who has hit the underground slavers markets that have apparently been becoming far more frequent following the influx of over three hundred thousand dimensional refugees that have made Britain their home following the destruction of the Sentry Virus. Also a young woman rumoured to be claiming tha she is the new Union Jack is also operating, she has definitely been confirmed as being super strong and is almost certainly bullet proof, beyond that little is known.
Finally reports of a hoodie wearing man who appears and is directly attacking the gangs in Glasgow and Edinbourogh are gathering credibility by the week. This description may seem vague and yet add to it glowing red eyes, attacks that come from the shadows and a supernatural air about this defender of the people and you may see why we are waiting for this heroes star to rise.
So why now? Why has it been so quiet?
It takes a certain type of push to send people into the streets for this kind of action, we know that the young men and women that helped fight the occupation of this country by the N.M.A are gradually being sucked into gangs and the real cost of those bloody battles on the streets of this country is only now being felt. They try to come to terms with what they saw and experienced but many are finding themselves dragged back into the violence perhaps because they have a blood lust or more likely that they simply know they can handle themselves and there is money to be made if your willing to do what others wont. As the unemployment figures rise so to does the crime rate.
So are these heroes/vigilantes programmed to fight by tramas of the past or simply by the reemergence of the X-gene which is powering a new wave of mutants that are activating in the communites? Who knows, all we know is that they are at least for the time being, on our side.
Verity Luce.
Friday, 4 March 2011
NEW TALENT JOINS THE TEAM!
The Chronicle is overjoyed to announce that they have agreed contracts with News Presenter William Warmer and fashion icon Gock Wang to produce an article each week for the website, they are two more big name signings to join our already burgening staff, boasting Verity Luce, Mona Lovesett, Johan Struddle and Ivor Biggen.
The Chronicle is also pleased to announce that it will be going live on the 12th of March when we will have an exclusive interview with Ex-Crusader Midnight and also a piece on the wereabouts of the Crusaders from teams past, what they are up to and we will address the biggest question in the heroic world today...just where did it all go wrong for the world beating British team that looked like they had the world at their feet!?
The Chronicle is also pleased to announce that it will be going live on the 12th of March when we will have an exclusive interview with Ex-Crusader Midnight and also a piece on the wereabouts of the Crusaders from teams past, what they are up to and we will address the biggest question in the heroic world today...just where did it all go wrong for the world beating British team that looked like they had the world at their feet!?
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