ULTRAFORCE

by Zarathi

Gatefold

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ISSUE #1: Prelude To The Merge

After the Watcher removed the Infinity gems from the Omniverse, he carelessly deposited them in the Ultraverse. A God named Loki came after the gems and their power. An epic battle was fought to control the gems but a surprise was in store for all. The gems were part an entity called Nemesis, who decided to reform the Ultraverse. Our heroes stopped her but the energy she released changed the Ultraverse, throwing it in to a random shifting state akin to chaos. Now due to the tampering of an organization called Aladdin the universe has drastically shifted, it is unstable and the infection is spreading...

INTRODUCTION TO CHAOS

The suburbs of New York are for the most part deserted as a tall, athletic figure moves through a partially demolished neighborhood. His cloths are a bit tattered and dirty, some of it dried blood not all his own, he looks a little worse for wear, but he has never before been this focused on a goal.

Nearly 71 hours ago Jack Bodick, the Eliminator, received a message from a Brian Marmount about information related to his past. Brain told Jack to meet him in New York, which he did.

Eliminator found Marmount with ease, there was only one problem, Marmount was dead. Eliminator grabbed a small piece of paper containing an address off Marmounts' body before Aladdin agents burst out of nowhere.

Eliminator evaded them and discovered the address was to an abandoned building in the warehouse district, though he soon discovered it wasn't as abandoned as it appeared. The building turned out to be a covert Aladdin base, and for Jake, a synch to break into {Unfortunately his search of the facilities data base was pretty much useless to Jack for anything that would lead him to his past, all he was able to get was a name, Rick Pearson. Then the first shock wave hit.}

How ironic that at the time of his intrusion Aladdin was playing with a device that would unravel time itself. At the first shock wave Eliminator was propelled forward, he used this to his advantage in his hastened exit of the building, barely escaping from the base as the second shock wave tore it apart, destroying Jacks only link to his past, the next shock wave was even bigger than the first two. It created a huge suction effect after its blast, combined with the power of the other shock waves it created a shock force so strong a hole was made in the space-time continuum. It was spreading rapidly, and there was no way to stop it. All the Eliminator could do was bide his time and the only way to do that was to run….

“It's amazing how the ignorant mistakes of a isolated group can change the course of history, destroying the world all in less than three days to boot,“ Eliminator mused as he strode gracefully along his predominantly uninterrupted path. “Altering the possible path of the life you never had, expected, or in my case, remember."

“The changes in celestial bodies are impossible to stop, they are formed of matter, all matter responds the same biological entities are no exception.” the logic center in Eliminator's head chimed softly with a somewhat soothing tone.

“For the people at Aladdin's base the changes were easy, and their punishment unjust, they didn't have to suffer, the rest of us will not be so fortunate I gather."

“Why fret? You survived, survival is the primal instinct all creatures must obey...” the voice cried out in a vain attempt to get a foot hold in Jacks conscience.

“If my life's purpose is to live then to die only a few hours later what is the use of it all?” Eliminator replied as he climbed over several cars that had been crushed by heavy debris.

“Survival is your goal. To survive, others must die, it is the law of natural selection, only the strong survive.“ a voice lilted but Eliminator ignored it.

“Why am I even bothering to run. Is there really any point to it all? What do I have left to survive for?" Eliminator questioned himself. But he already knew the answer to that question; he had a family, a wife, and a daughter and he wasn't going to rest until he found them. “They are still out there...”

“Nonsense,” another voice within laughed in a harsh vibrato, “They are dead, and soon you will share their fate.”

“No! They are still alive,“ he said, looking into a partially shattered mirror as he slowed down a bit. Blood was dripping from above his right cheekbone.“ After all I have done they have to be, they just have to.”

“Wishful thinking, all of it wasted energy spent on frivolous pursuits, everything you have done is in vain,“ The voice cackled maniacally. “You are alone, and weak, you shall die alone, “

“I wouldn't believe it,” Eliminator yelled as he started into a sprint which made his short blonde hair flicker like gold.

“You can't run from me Jack, you can't run from what's in you.“

Across a land not quite a land anymore, a swell of survivors moved swiftly despite fatigue. As the universe collapsed on itself, it was a race of survival and who would hold out the longest.

“Hold.“ Hard Case called as the few stragglers, mainly the injured, caught up to the main bulk of the group. When the rip occurred Ultraforce had been in California, after nearly three days of travel they came to the outskirts of Philadelphia, picking up a few people here and there on their journey, mainly Ultras.

“What's the Plan Boss?“ Prototype asked as he drifted up beside Hard Case, then he disengaged his thrusters so that he was eye level with him.

“I want you and Topaz to scout that building ahead...” Hard Case replied surveying his troops, spotting several familiar faces.

“You got it HC!” Prototype replied motioning to Topaz to follow him as the mammoth known as Prime approached.

“Is there anything I can do?” Prime questioned in the tone of a recently scolded child.

“Don't you think you've done enough today?” Hard Case snapped as he moved within millimeters of Prime's face.

“I only want to help,“ Prime stated more discouraged than ever, but still holding his ground.

“Do you suppose it was helpful to cut our forces in half?“ Hard Case barked as he studied Prime. Prime plays innocent but he has something up his sleeve, I know it.

"Come on Hard Case," a putrid green mass pleaded,  "give him a break, eh?" he spoke as he stepped between the two, in shallow hopes to stop the oncoming fight.

“Because of him nine people died, Ghoul! What kind of a break should I give him?“ Hard Case belted, as his muscular body became ridge as if waiting for battle.

“We are not sure the people that vanished died, Hard Case. Besides, would they have been any better off with us?“ Ghoul answered as he moved closer to HC.

“And I suppose I should let him call all the shots from now on?“ Hard Case Spat “...that worked so well before...”

“What if Prime helps Topaz and I to scout the building?” Prototype interrupted as he stepped forward with a light metal clang, peered inquiringly through his rose colored lenses at Hard Case trying to judge his mood “What do you say Boss?”

“Fine.” Hard Case barked glaring at Proto but pointing to Prime “From now on he's your responsibility Proto...” he finished and stormed off, his golden hair swishing violently as he sped away from the group.

“Thanks for backing me guys.” Prime said as they started towards the old building at a fast trot.

I better tag along, to keep these kids out of trouble. “No problem.“ Ghoul replied as he tried to keep pace with the group. I hope Proto can handle this guy, if not there isn't much I can do to help with this meathead.

"HC can get a little... frustrated every now and then.” Prototype replied with a smirk that was hidden from all but his eyes by his cold helmet's expression.

“We should stick to the matters at hand, boys.” Topaz sneered at the group in general. This Prime is not to be trusted, why did Proto and Ghoul side with him against Hard Case. “...or else you might not have to worry, period.”

"Welcome to the fun club Prime. I hope you can handle all the enthusiasm.“ Ghoul chuckled with a hint of sarcasm.

“You are such a vile creature.“ Topaz shuttered, as she became mesmerized by the grotesque image of Ghoul laughing

“I love you too, babe,“ Ghoul stated as he put his crusty green arm around Topaz's shoulder and pulled her titanium-skinned body a little closer.

It wasn't that he called her babe, or put his arm around her, Topaz was used to ignorant behavior displayed by males on this planet. It was his pure stench and slimy skin that got to Topaz. “Unhand me, you filthy Ripnag!“ Topaz cried as she extended her staff and struck at in a blur of the fiery movement, her long flowing hair blocking the view of what happened to all on lookers. Unfortunately she used too much force and sliced Ghoul's arm clean off with her staff.

"Jeez, that's going to take a while to heal!“ Ghoul said as he retrieved his arm which caused little globs of rotten flesh to cascade upon the ground in a semi chaotic pattern.

“Aw Ghoul that's gross.” Prime moaned while Prototype, who was somewhat use to situations like this, turned his head away in silent revulsion.

"After being dead for three years I'd like to see you do better, kid.“ Ghoul replied, trying to fit his arm back into what was left of his now cauterized socket.

“Ghoul I am sorry, I did not mean to...” Topaz stammered as Ghoul set some of the worms that were always present in his decaying body in strategic places to help reattach his arm.

“No Problem, it falls off all the time.” Ghoul said wrapping a soiled bandage around the injury.

“We better stop fooling around and pick up the pace, HC will be angry we took this long for a simple scouting job!“ Prototype voiced as he engaged his thrusters, taking point.

"You are hiding something from us," a pale-faced girl stated as she approached Hard Case from behind.

"And what concern is it of yours?" Hard Case snapped as he studied the girl. She was about 5' 8 with a nice hourglass figure. But what caught his attention overall was a crimson tattoo on her face "You're Siren, The Master Thief."

"True." Siren replied with a unique bow, never taking her eyes off Hard Case. "But you still have not answered my question, what are you hiding?"

"We all have secrets, Siren. I know you hold on dearly to some of your own involving Ruiz." Hard Case countered as he stood up.

"But not all of my secrets combined will bring the peril you put us all in now." Siren warned slightly stunned by his knowledge of her affairs. I never even told Jimmy how I feel, am I that transparent? Watch it Girl, something major is going on, there is no way he could know that.

"If you only knew the pain you will cause I think you would disagree." Hard Case sneered as he moved closer to Siren, dwarfing her slightly. This one may be dangerous to me.

"What do you mean?" Siren questioned, keeping her distance through the almost fluid motions of her lithe body.

"I am not the person to answer those questions for you..."

"Then who is?" Siren snapped, inching slightly closer. Careful I'm getting a bad vibe here.

"Oh I could tell you, but if you knew would it make a difference now? The things I could tell you, but no, I'll keep that as insurance against any foul rumors being spread against me." Hard Case said as his face that was normally pleasant twisted into a sinister smile.

"What does your reputation matter now? We will all be dead soon."

"No it is not death my dear, it is a far greater thing, a new beginning for us all!“

“You speak in riddles Hard Case, what are your motives?“

"Greater than you could ever imagine...“ Hard Case replied as he walked away. “Greater than you could ever imagine...“

THE DEEDS OF HEROES

Drawn to heroics by separate tragedy's
Lost children trying to stop all calamities
Their efforts are futile over all
With this knowledge they stand tall
And though the path ahead is jaded
From their course they will not be persuaded
All they truly wish is to have love
Seeking it from high above
Lost souls with old wounds that shall always bleed
Never healing despite how great the deed

“What are you reading?“ Prime questioned as he approached Siren. Man she is so beautiful; I have to keep my cool though, he thought.

"A poem by Purple Haze, she was one of the many young, aspiring writers of New York," Siren answered as she peered up from her tattered mauve colored book. Such an odd question, most wouldn't have bothered to ask. What are the motives that drive this one, he seems different from the rest. He might be a useful ally in the future, if any of us has a future.

"Never heard of her, what kind of stuff did she write?" Prime asked as he sat down beside Siren in one massive and ungraceful motion. Siren shifted to the side, to avoid him slightly so as not to be crushed. Smooth one Prime.

"Poems and stories about overcoming great odds and the beautiful world around us that most never see, or have the eye to look for. She questioned a lot of societies standards and stereotypes." Siren responded, looking up at Prime. He plays so innocent... no he is not playing.... still he is a little too curious for my tastes.

"She sounds pretty cool. What ever happened to her? Why did she stop writing?" Prime questioned

"She had a lot of potential and was going to make something of herself. She could have done it too. Instead she died on the streets of NY because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, an event that occurs too often in the big city." Siren whispered, her green eyed gaze shifted down as she shut the book.

"That sucks." Prime muttered, and diverted his attention to he ground, his tows gouged into the ash.

"Yeah..." Siren replied in a mournful tone, then to change the subject, she asked "Didn't you go with Prototype to check out that place for camp?" As she shoved the book into her auburn colored backpack.

"We just got back, Proto said he was going to tell Hard Case what we found, which wasn't much." Prime replied as he stood up, his arm extended to Siren meant to help her up.

"Thank you most kind sir, " she stated after she accepted the help. Then she put on her jacket, which she had been seated on. She brushed some gray dust from it and asked "Now if you would be so kind as to point me in the direction of Prototype."

"Certainly Ma'am." Prime chuckled a little bit uneasy, as they started at a fast past, walking away from the annulled mass that had once been the Quakertown Community High School.
 

“Thank you most kind sir,” she stated after accepting the help. Now she was putting on her jacket, that she had been sitting on, brushing some gray dust from it she asked, "Now if you would be so kind as to point me in the direction of Prototype."

“Certainly miss.“ Prime chuckled nervously as they started at a fast past, walking away from the annulled mass that had once been the Quakertown Community High School.

"Hawke..." Prototype called as he drifted effortlessly towards a bulky figure whose back was turned to him, a dry heat pulsating from his leg rockets, waves were created in the ash that covered the ground. So much destroyed in the first shock waves, they have calmed since then but the key questions remain. What made the shock waves? Who could have made something that powerful and why? Did they know the destruction they would cause, the death, or the blackness that would come after? Maybe they didn't even mean to do it. All I want to know is what the next surprise will be, what will the void hold for us, maybe it holds nothing, we may very well cease to exist.

"Never call me that unless we are in a secure area Proto." Hard Case snapped. The kid still has a lot to learn and not much time to do it in.

"Sorry Boss, I wasn't thinking." Proto replied in a slightly ashamed tone. What were you thinking?, Man you are too stupid, he thought.

"Just don't do it again. What do you have to report?" Hard Case acknowledged as he gazed into the void that seemed to spread everywhere. His crisp, blue eyes scrutinized every detail in search for a yet unattainable end. I's out there waiting for me, I hear it.

"It looks clean HC, but with how this thing is spreading it may swallow us in our sleep." Prototype joked in a nervous pitch as he shifted back and forth in the cool air, his armor gleamed bright despite the fact there was no sun light anymore.

Despite all that has happened to Him, Ruiz shines from within. Does he even realize how much power he holds? Will the void change that? "I want a score of people on patrols, send the rest to camp." Hard Case answered, watching Proto closely, that helmet hides so much but it seeps into your eyes. You know something is wrong, don't you Ruiz, it's eating you inside but you cant quite put your finger on it, not yet Hard Case chuckled.

"That all HC?" Proto asked lingering slightly, seeming fight an internal battle. Will he ask Hard Case questioned himself as he nodded to Ruiz. Coming to an unspoken decision to himself Proto voiced, "I'm on it." and left Hard Case to his own devices.

"The breaking point is now, decisions will be made," Hard Case stated, his head cocked slightly, a dark shadow cast upon his face. "...whose side will you choose Ruiz?" he muttered but Prototype was too far away to hear him.

"Whoa!" Prototype replied as he raced over to her, a hair too slow to catch her in time.

"Owww!" Siren said in a loud voice.

"Aren't you a little clumsy to be a master thief?" Prototype chuckled as he helped her to her feet, steadying her a moment.

"I'm a master at more things than being a thief," Siren answered in a coy manner

"Umm..." Proto replied, obviously nervous, changing subjects as he hovered about a foot over the ground "What was so important that you had to pull a damsel in distress to get my attention?"

Nice one, now your making him nervous "Its about Hard Case," Siren replied, shifting her weight uneasily from one side to another "I don't think he is as inept to our situation as he proclaims..."

"What are you suggesting?" Prototype growled, glaring at Siren through his helmet "He couldn't possibly be the cause of this all!" with a wave of his hand Proto indicated the void and destruction in general.

"He didn't cause it, but he had a part in it, I know it..." Siren remarked, the tambour of her voice lowered, obviously annoyed. Jimmy is going to be harder to convince than I thought. I hope he has not grown too attached to this Hard Case. "You and I have shared so much, I have always been there for you, and you have always been here for me. Please trust me when I say something is not right."

"I'm sorry Jen... Siren but I have a job to do," Prototype replied, turning his armored back on Siren "Hard Case has done so much for me, I just cant let him down."

"What about us Jimmy? Have I ever lied to you?" Siren snapped in a hurt tone, a single tear ran down the painted tattoo on her aquiline face.

"Without Hard Case I don't know where I would be, he has helped me more than you could possibly imagine. If not for him I would probably be dead by now." Prototype countered "At least you had a home to go to Jen, you had someone to turn too I didn't..."

"You had the gang and you had me Jimmy, you could have turned to us!" Siren yelled

"No, you don't understand!..." Proto responded.

"I understand perfectly well, me and the rest of the gang were just stepping stones," Siren cried out in anger.

"No, its not like that Jen! Prototype protested as he moved closer "the gang was family, I had obligations to them as I have to Hard Case..." as he wiped the tears from her face, her red and white makeup was now smeared together.

"I once knew a halfway decent kid named Jimmy Ruiz, he compromised his dreams and was corrupted by power, I think he would have been better off dying on the streets..." Siren spat at Prototype and walked away.

"I'm sorry Jen you wouldn't understand. I've made a lot of sacrifices. Our friendship is the one I regret most of all." Prototype murmured to himself, as he set off to follow Hard Cases orders and arrange the survivors.

There is a bitter, almost arctic like cold in the city of New York, the likes of which have never been seen. The Eliminator is tired, and cold. Hugging his arms around himself he makes slow progress through the streets, he encounters the void and stops. Jack Bodick stands at an impasse; the path he was on has come to an end. And after 3 and a half days searching for a way out of New York Eliminator realizes there is none, the void has cut him off from everything to his knowledge. Next it comes for him, there is no were to run, no were he can hide.

"Fate has decided to leave me with no options..." Eliminator stated, looking into the void. There is no were left to go, assuming there is still anything out there.

"I can save you Jack," the voice told The Eliminator "All you have to do is trust me..."

"Wonderful, I have completely lost it!" Eliminator huffed to himself, sitting down on the cold pavement "I can't even find solace in my own head..."

"You haven't lost anything Jack my boy..." a vaguely familiar voice from his past answered, trying to comfort him. "The war isn't over until every solider is down..."

"What else could I possibly be but down and out? I've failed..." Eliminator sobbed to the fatherly voice.

"Not necessarily," the snake like voice hissed "there is a great opportunity for you in the void, all you have to do is trust me..." the sound echoing in his skull

Eliminator's head was sagging low; it rested on his arms slightly "This is crazy!" he said standing up with a sigh "What do I need to do?"