Sinister Six turn 9

Story:
Slayer 7 swings his fist towards Electro, his metal hand impacts in Electro's body, he drops to one knee from the pain.
Slayer 6 swings at Rhino. His Metal hands forming claws once again, but his claws fail to hit their mark.
A deafening sounds of a wall being smashed through echoed through the base. Peter saw one of his slayers go down, and knew what that sound was. It was the Scorpian Thing!


Actions:
1) Slayer #7 close combat attack Electro. Att 9+1(FE)=10 vs DF 15 needs a 5+. Rolls a (2,5)=7. Electro is hit for 2 clicks.
2) Slayer #6 close combat attacks Rhino. Att 10+(FE)=11 vs DF18 needs a 7+. Rolls a (1,5)=6 miss.



1) Kraven will swing through the webbing to T3.
Free) Kraven will free the future mutant Vulture.

2) Rhino will push to attack the Slayer, borrowing Ock's 10 attack Roll is (3, 1) for a miss.

Free) Mysterio will outwit the Slayer's toughness
3) Sandman will attack the Slayer. Roll is (3, 5) for a hit, dealing 3 more damage to it. He'll share one IAP with Mysterio.

4) Mysterio will attack the same Slayer. Roll is (4, 5) for a hit and the KO.

5) Vulture will fly down to T5, dropping Kraven in U6.

Scorpion appears) 6+3+8=17, It's alive!

Standing Order) Electro will use Theme PC if Peter pushes to try to KO him. Also, if you knock Electro down to his last click I have a story post ready, so don't write one out yourself.

Sinister Six:
1) [6] R Mysterio (4/4) N14 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) O13 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) Q5
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (3/7) P10
5) V Rhino 150pts (7/8) R6 @@
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [3] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6 @
C) V Vulture (5/6) T5 @
Total: 537pts


Peter Parker and Slayers:

The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8,8) X8
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (3/8) S13
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (8/8) - Target Lady Oct R5 @@
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11 @@
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO: R11
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map:

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&u3=x-247y-364

Actually Rhino's on click 2 is only 17, so you actually hit him with the Slayer there. You've gotta watch for stuff like that

Impervious roll is (1), Slayer's B/C/F roll is (5), so Rhino takes 3 net clicks.

Sinister Six turn 9

Scorpion's action) He leaps to S12, basing Spider-Man. Since the rules say he "uses any powers he possibly can", he will pick up the LO as he passes it.

1) Electro will attack the Slayer in front of him as part of a HSS attack. 9 vs 16 (+1), needs an 8. Roll is (5, 2) to barely miss. He'll end his movement in U5.

2) Lady Octopus will leap over to S6.

3) Kraven will push to RCE Slayer #7, borrowing Lady Ock's 10 attack. Roll is (3, 1) for a miss.

Free) Mysterio will outwit Spiderman's Leap/climb

Sinister Six:
1) [6] R Mysterio (4/4) N14 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) O13 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) U5 @
5) V Rhino 150pts (4/8) R6 @@
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [3] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6 @
C) V Vulture (5/6) T5 @
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12 w/ LO @
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (3/8) S13
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (8/8) - Target Lady Oct R5 @@
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11 @@
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map: http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&u3=x-247y-364

Peter Parker Turn 10:

Thanks for reminding me about Rhino. I didn't even realized he took a click.

Story:

Peter knew the end was near he had way undestimated the 6 and their allies. As his Slayers hit them they each grew stronger, not weaker, Peter knew he had lost. His saw the Scorpian thing coming towards him and shot a web at it, but his out of shape body meant the shot was off target.
He waited for it to pound him.

Actions:
1) Peter Parker will Incap Scorpian Thing. Att 9 vs df18 needs a 9+. Rolls a (4,2)=6

Free) Mysterio will outwit Spiderman's Leap/climb

Sinister Six:
1) [6] R Mysterio (4/4) N14 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) O13 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) U5 @
5) V Rhino 150pts (4/8) R6 @@
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [3] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6 @
C) V Vulture (5/6) T5 @
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12 w/ LO @
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (3/8) S13 @
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (8/8) - Target Lady Oct R5
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map:

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...7&u1=x-176y-94

Sinister Six turn 10

Scorpion's action) Attacking Spider-Man with the LO. Roll is (3, 5) for a hit, dealing 4 damage for the KO (and kill).

"Yeesh, let's get outta here..." said Sandman, he and Beck backing away from the monster savaging Spider-Man's prone form.

1) Mysterio moves to N8.
Free) Mysterio outwits Slayer #6's invulnerability.

"It's a gross little bug, Rhino..." Mysterio intones, putting up a hologram around the robot to make it appear as a disgusting but weak looking insect. "Squash it!"

2) Rhino (borrowing Lady Ock's 10 attack) will punch Slayer #6. Roll is (6, 4) for a devastating hit. He raises a huge invulnerable foot and brings it down on the Slayer, smashing it apart for 5 damage. He shares 2 IAP with Mysterio.

3) Sandman moves to P9.

4) Vulture will charge to S5 to attack Slayer 6, borrowing 10 attack, and moving Kraven over one square to T6. Roll is (3, 1) for a miss.

Sinister Six:
1) [8] R Mysterio (4/4) N8 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) P9 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) U5
5) V Rhino 150pts (4/8) R6 @
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [3] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6
C) V Vulture (5/6) S5 @
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) [6] AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12 @@
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (-1/8) *ko'ed*
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (3/8) - Target Lady Oct R5
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map: http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t8=x-301y-142

Slayers turn 11

Story:
With their controller down, both Slayers revert to Self preservation mode. Slayer #6 swings at Rhino, as he determines his is the biggest threat, but misses. Slayer #7 moves next to Mysterio.

Actions:

1) Slayer #6 close combat attacks Rhino. Att 9+1(FE)=10 vs 18 needs a 8+. Rolls a (2,2)=4 miss
2) Slayer #7 moves to M9


Scorpion's action) Attacking Spider-Man with the LO. Roll is (3, 5) for a hit, dealing 4 damage for the KO (and kill).

"Yeesh, let's get outta here..." said Sandman, he and Beck backing away from the monster savaging Spider-Man's prone form.

1) Mysterio moves to N8.
Free) Mysterio outwits Slayer #6's invulnerability.

"It's a gross little bug, Rhino..." Mysterio intones, putting up a hologram around the robot to make it appear as a disgusting but weak looking insect. "Squash it!"

2) Rhino (borrowing Lady Ock's 10 attack) will punch Slayer #6. Roll is (6, 4) for a devastating hit. He raises a huge invulnerable foot and brings it down on the Slayer, smashing it apart for 5 damage. He shares 2 IAP with Mysterio.

3) Sandman moves to P9.

4) Vulture will charge to S5 to attack Slayer 6, borrowing 10 attack, and moving Kraven over one square to T6. Roll is (3, 1) for a miss.

Sinister Six:
1) [8] R Mysterio (4/4) N8 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) P9 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) U5
5) V Rhino 150pts (4/8) R6 @
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [3] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6
C) V Vulture (5/6) S5 @
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) [6] AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12 @@
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (-1/8) *ko'ed*
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (3/8) - Target Lady Oct R5 @
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11 @
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map:

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t8=x-301y-142

Sinister Six turn 11

1) Lady Octopus will move to U7, where she starts working on hacking the Time-Platform's security measures.

2) Rhino will push to stomp the Slayer into the ground. Borrowing 10 attack (from Vulture, chained from Kraven, Chained from Lady Ock) against 17. Roll is (1, 3) for a miss. Kraven will use my second Theme-Team PC to reroll, second try is (1, 6) to just hit, dealing 4 damage after toughness for the KO. Rhino takes a push click. RHino will share 3 IAP with Kraven for the assist.

3) Electro rushes to the aid of the time-travelers being menaced by the souped-up Slayer. He moves to P10.

Free) Mysterio will outwit the last Slayer's poison.

Sinister Six:
1) [8] R Mysterio (4/4) N8
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) P9
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) P10 @
5) [3] V Rhino 150pts (3/8) R6 @@
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [6] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6 @
C) V Vulture (5/6) S5
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) [6] AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (-1/8) *ko'ed*
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11 @
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map: http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t8=x-321y-289

Slayer turn 12

The Remaining Slayer picks the weakest target and attacks Mysterio, Slaming his hand into the bowl where Mysterio's Head is.


1) Slayer #7 close combat attacks Mysterio. Att 9+2(FE)11 vs Df15 needs a 4+. Rolls a (4,2)=6. Super Senses:3 Mysterio Takes 2 clicks.



Sinister Six:
1) [8] R Mysterio (2/4) N8
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [4] R Sandman (6/6) P9
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6 @
4) [16] V Electro 102pts (1/7) P10 @
5) [3] V Rhino 150pts (3/8) R6 @@
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [6] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6 @
C) V Vulture (5/6) S5
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) [6] AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (-1/8) *ko'ed*
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (5/8) - Target Rhino P11 @@
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map:

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t8=x-321y-289

Sinister Six turn 12

1) Electro will push (using willpower) to HSS over to punch the Slayer. 9 vs 16 (+2), needs a 9. Roll is (5, 6) for a hit! Wow! Slayer takes 3 clicks after toughness, and Electro will end his movement in O8.

2) Mysterio will attempt to land a quick retaliatory punch. Roll is (3, 4) for a miss. Oh well, it was a long-shot.

Free) Electro will use the SHIELD TA to boost Sandman's range +1.

3) Sandman will punch the Slayer. Roll is (3, 6) for a hit. Slayer takes 3 more clicks and is KO'ed, and that's the game!

Sinister Six:
1) [8] R Mysterio (2/4) N8 @
+ Ambush 5 pts
2) [9] R Sandman (6/6) P9 @
+ Entangle 8 pts
3) R Lady Octopus (4/6) S6
4) [19] V Electro 102pts (1/7) O8 @@
5) [3] V Rhino 150pts (3/8) R6
A) E Vulture (-1/5) KO
B) [6] R Sin Kraven (5/6) U6
C) V Vulture (5/6) S5
Total: 537pts


The Scorpion-Thing!
Special) [6] AU Scorpion-Thing 121pts (8/8) S12
+ Auto-Regen 12pts

Peter Parker:
1) U AW Spider-man 72pts (-1/8) *ko'ed*
2) + Tentacle #1 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
3) + Tentacle #2 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
4) + Tentacle #3 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
5) + Tentacle #4 20pts (0/1) *ko'ed*
6) R Mark-6 Slayer #6 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
7) R Mark-6 Slayer #7 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
8) R Mark-6 Slayer #8 {Predator X} 133pts (0/8) KO'ed
551 pts (6 Actions)

LO:
HO: I11, N11, R23

Map:

Old Team Totals (Post Issue #8)

Doctor Octopus
Ultimates Rookie 39 points
+Armor Piercing 10 points
IXP: 4 IAP: 1

Vulture
Infinity Challenge Veteran 24 points
IXP: 4 IAP: 3

Electro
Ultimates Rookie 33 points
IXP: 10 IAP: 1

Kraven
Sinister Rookie 48 points
IXP: 4 IAP: 3

Mysterio
Ultimates Rookie 44 points
Ambush 05 points
IXP: 15 IAP: 0

Sandman
Clobbering Time Rookie 61 points
+Entangle 08 points
IXP: 23 IAP: 3

Scorpion
Xplosion LE 36 points
IXP: 7 IAP: 2

Rhino
Sinister Rookie 57 points
+ Unstoppable 05 points
IXP: 16 IAP: 1

Calypso
Critical Mass LE 22 points
IXP: 3 IAP: 2

Henchman
Infinity Challenge R 11 points
IXP: 0 IAP: 2

TXP: 136 TAP: 3

End of Arc Bonus Rolls

Doc Ock: 1d6 = 6
Vulture: 1d6 = 1
Electro: 1d6 = 4
Kraven: 1d6 = 6
Mysterio: 1d6 = 1
Sandman: 2d6 = 2, 4 = 6
Scorpion: 1d6 = 5
Rhino: 2d6 = 1, 1 = 2
Calypso: 1d6 = 5
Henchman: 1d6 = 1

New Team Totals (Post Issue #9)

Doctor Octopus
Ultimates Rookie 39 points
+Armor Piercing 10 points
IXP: 5 IAP: 3

Vulture
Infinity Challenge Veteran 24 points
IXP: 5 IAP: 0

Electro
Ultimates Rookie 33 points
IXP: 11 IAP: 1

Kraven
Sinister Rookie 48 points
IXP: 4 IAP: 3

Mysterio
Ultimates Rookie 44 points
Ambush 05 points
IXP: 13 IAP: 1

Sandman
Clobbering Time Rookie 61 points
+Entangle 08 points
IXP: 23 IAP: 0

Scorpion
Xplosion LE 36 points
IXP: 8 IAP: 3

Rhino
Sinister Rookie 57 points
+ Unstoppable 05 points
IXP: 16 IAP: 3

Calypso
Critical Mass LE 22 points
IXP: 4 IAP: 3

Henchman
Infinity Challenge R 11 points
IXP: 0 IAP: 3

TXP: 148 TAP: 0

1/4 of opponents KO'ed this battle = 138 TAP

TXP: 182 TAP: 2


Upgrades and Recruitment
the best part of an arc ending

-Doctor Octopus spends 5 IXP and TXP and upgrades from Ultimates rookie to Clobberin' Time Experienced dial, also simultaneously unlocking Ultimates LE Otto Octavius at the same time.

-Electro spends 10 IXP and 10 TXP to upgrade from Ultimates rookie to Ultimates Experienced dial.

-Sandman spends 18 IXP and TXP to upgrade from Clobberin' Time rookie to Clobberin' Time Experienced.

-Mysterio spends 13 IXP and TXP to upgrade from Ultimates rookie to Ultimates experienced.

-Kraven spends 4 IXP and TXP to upgrade from Sinister rookie to Critical Mass rookie.

The team invests 80 TXP in recruiting R Shocker into the gang!

Doctor Octopus 44 pts; [0,3]
(R CT-22, R Ult-39, E CT-44, LE Ult-44)
w/ Armor Piercing 10 pts
Sandman 79 pts; [5,0]
(R CT-61, E CT-79)
w/ Entangle 8 pts
Rhino 57 pts; [16,3]
(R-Sin)
w/ Unstoppable 5pts
Mysterio 57 pts; [0,1]
(R Ult-44, E Ult-57)
w/ Ambush 5 pts
Kraven 52 pts; [0,3]
(LE Sin-39, R Sin-48, R-CM-52)
Scorpion 36 pts; [8,3]
(R XP-29, LE XP-36)
Electro 43 pts; [1,1]
(R Sin-30, R Ult-33, E Ult-43)
Vulture 24 pts; [5,0]
(R IC-15, E IC-20, V IC-24)
Calypso 22 pts; [4,3]
(LE CM-22)
Joey the Snake (Henchman) 11 pts; [0,3]
(R IC-11)
Shocker 40 pts; [0,0]
(R Sin-40)
Team Experience: [52,2]
Team Total: 465 pts
Squad Size: 300 pts

Nice Job! Fun Game! That team you had really packed a Wallop and it never got weaker. Great move with Electro!

Epilogue

(Musical Accompaniment: http://youtu.be/BoBsgWmY0us )

"hard to believe it came to this," Adrian Toomes said aloud, speaking directly out into the wind rushing past the gaping hole torn in the side of the building. He stood on the ledge, unafraid of the hundred foot fall in front of him, staring down at the deserted city streets and abandoned cars below. "We can't let this happen."

"Well yeah, for sure." Sandman said, several steps further back from Vulture's precarious perch. "Obviously the first thing we gotta do when we get back is make sure Octopus' wedding never, ever happens. That way none of us have to die!"

"We are going to die. Sooner or later." Toomes scoffed, shaking his bald head. "I'm talking about this, this police state, this choking web that has strangled the city with absolute law. This is what happens when costumed 'heroes' are allowed free reign over a place, with no one to knock them off their pedestal. One madman deciding what is right and what is wrong for everyone. I won't stand for it."

"Sure... but what can we do?" Sandman agreed.

"You can change it." answered Electro, stepping past Sandman and approaching his former mentor. "None of this has to happen. This can all just be a dark possibility that you warn me about when you get back, just in case. Here," Electro handed Toomes an envelope, "take this. Read it in private when you get back. Don't share the contents with anyone, especially my younger self. Watch, and when the time is right, act on it."

Toomes took the envelope carefully. Temporal paradoxes were a tricky thing that he did not want to muck about with. But since this was a future they were actively trying to prevent, perhaps it was for the best. Either way, he would hang onto it for now. If he should change his mind, he could always toss the letter in the fire, unopened. For now, Vulture tucked the envelope and its secrets away inside his costume.

"No offense to your crapsack future, but is the time machine ready yet? I wanna get the heck out of here." Sandman complained, shifting about nervously. "Sooner or later that Scorpion-Thing is gonna get hungry again."

"I doubt it likes the taste of sand." Electro said with a dark chuckle, though his eyes also drifted around apprehensively. "Let's go check on their progress anyway."

Deeper into the Spider-Man's former lair and workshop, what was once the laboratory of the legendary scientist Reed Richards, the remaining members of the Sinister Six past and present were scattered about talking or watching the two Doctor Octopuses work. Though weak and swaddled in a filthy blanket Otto's brilliant mind was nevertheless crucial in assisting his young protégé in making her adjustments to the antiquated Doomtech Time Platform.

"Since we know we can't send you back to a point in time where you already exist, we'll have to aim for some time shortly after you left." Carolyn explained, closing a couple open panels on the machine and wiping her dirty hands off on her pants. "Any time in particular that would be good?"

"How about after Ock repairs the sub? I'd prefer to skip the manual labor if it is all the same to the history books." said Mysterio, already standing on the time platform.

The senior Dr. Octopus heaved a labored sigh. "That, is actually correct. I should have known it was your laziness that stuck me with weeks of work." Mysterio smiled to himself and Otto continued, "send them to 25 days, 8 hours and... 32 minutes after their original departure. To 'The Princess' bar in Madripoor."

"Got it. Everyone step aboard who's going aboard!"

The four time travelers climbed onto the repaired time-platform and shrugged an awkward goodbye to the future that they hoped would never exist.

**********************

"Another round for my friend and I!" the man called The Wizard slurred drunkenly. The bartender glared with his one good eye at him and his drinking companion and wordlessly poured them each another shot.
"What were we thinking?" Otto mused, staring into the dark liquor in front of him. "Who did we think we are? Assembling our teams of criminals, robbing banks, picking at the leftovers of a real supervillain's plans. We weren't criminal geniuses. We weren't even regular geniuses. Stranding our followers in who-knows-when. Leaving them marooned in time, to be some dinosaur's snack or trampled by a mammoth."

"We did get away clean from SHIELD. And we got the sub all fixed up. That's pretty good." Wizard offered optimistically.

"Pretty good for mechanics! We were supposed to be scientists! We had everything we needed to rebuild the time machine and even working together we couldn't fix it. We're useless." Otto spat, then grabbed his glass in one metal arm and tossed it down. "That's it. I'm not subjecting any more allies to a fate worse than death. I'm gonna sell the sub, move to New Zealand, and raise sheep."

"Well I'm going to move to Canada and farm maple trees!" Wizard said with a nod, holding up his shot glass as a toast and slinging it back. "And I'm going to stay blissfully drunk, forever. I will invent a new form of perfect alcohol that never leaves your system."

"No more inventions! Inventions are what caused this." Dr. Octopus insisted with an angry shake of his fist. "Hey... you'll come visit me on my sheep farm, won't you?"

"Of course brother, of course." Wizard reassured him. "And we will drink, and remember the good times, and honor the memories of the men we lead to their doom. "

The bartender just rolled his eye at the pathetic display of the two drunks. From the looks of things they would stay there drinking and weeping until dawn. That is until a flash of unnatural white light lit up the dank tavern. Shattering glass sounded as the bartender dropped the liquor bottle in surprise, and both inebriated scientists turned on their stools to see what had caused it.

"Last call, boozy." said Vulture, glancing around the filthy dive bar with distaste. "Time to get you sobered up and back to work."

"Toomes! My men! You've come back!"

"Yeah no thanks to you." griped Mysterio, "Why the hell did you come all the way to Madripoor? I happen to know there are several dozen perfectly serviceable dive bars back in New York."

"I've decided to give up my life of crime. I (hiccup) will live clean, starting tomorrow!" Otto declared, raising his glass high. "Come my friends, join us for a drink!"

"Oh no, you've got work to do." Vulture insisted, grabbing Ock by a tentacle and pulling him off his stool. Ock collapsed onto the ground and stayed there, even as Vulture dragged him across the dirty floor towards the exit. "We're getting you sobered up, then back to New York. It's up to us to keep the criminal fraternity alive!"

"Wait, I don't understand." interrupted the Wizard, "If you four are here, what happened to my Frightful Four? Weren't they with you?"

"They are in a Syrian prison." Kraven mentioned to him as he grabbed a half-empty bottle of vodka off the table of a frightened drunk. "I would expect you should free them before they are extradited to somewhere more secure." With that Kraven and the rest of the Six dragged Octopus out the door and off in the early morning hours to find their docked submarine.

Wizard gaped bleary eyed at the now empty room, at a total loss for what had just happened. "Syria? ...What?!?