Six Lonely Runaways (Marvel;Re)/Issue 0

This issue of Six Lonely Runaways is a prequel issue to all future stories of this publication. It is written by MarvelDCandFantasyFanBoy12 and Jacky 50A and can be considered a continuation of the Talon of Blood one-shot from Marvel Spotlight.

Synopsis
The Runaways: a cadre of lonely heirs to the supervillain cartel known as the Pride. AIM: the world's premier think tank terrorist organization. By destiny's strands, these two groups are forced to contend with one another due to a shared legacy of theirs. What did the Pride have to do with AIM? What is RAID? How did the Runaways be who they are today? And who exactly is the Scientist Supreme? Why are there more than a single MODOK?! Who is the Scientist Superior?! And most importantly... what is Alex Wilder, the de jure leader of the Runaways, exactly up to?

Unknown Base
Within an unidentified facility, a figure in yellow apparel and a gas mask walks alone through a pipe-laden hallway, greeting other workers wearing similar gear to him along the way with a warm but time-efficient salute. After making his way to his office, opening a door labelled Scientist Superior, the man sits down on his desk and looks through the windows beside him. Looking at the exterior, it's clear that the base is not on Earth. The man, Chet Madden, grunts as he sits and claps his hand twice. The sound signal is received by the desk, which transforms itself from a regular-looking wooden desk into a high-tech, state-of-the-art electronic platform which contains a supercomputer. The computer turns on, greeting Chet and revealing the name of RAID on the monitor.


 * Supercomputer AI: "Good afternoon, Scientist Superior Chet Madden."

Chet does not respond whatsoever and the AI seemingly notices this, deciding to deliver its messages via texts, which are displayed on the screen.


 * Supercomputer AI: "(Text messsages) You have received fifteen e-mails today, two of which are marked highly important."
 * Chet Madden: "(Verbally) Show me."

The AI displays an e-mail window where at the top of the list, two important messages can be seen. Chet opens the first one, which contains the following message:

From: M. Midas (midascosmicman@midasfoundation.com)

To: C. Madden (scientistsuperior@raid.com)

Cc: V. Halfling (pantheonlord@dodekatheon.com)

Subject: An Invitation

Greetings and salutations,

''I, Midas, the Cosmic Man, hereby invite you to the Cabal as members of our enlightened society, which seeks to remake this world to that of our own image. A new world of peace and prosperity under our guidance and will. Your participation will be greatly rewarded in the new era that is to come, and our vision will nonetheless be realized by our united strengths. If you refuse, we respect your decision. If you accept, we welcome you with open arms into a brave new world.''

''I will grant you three days to consider this invitation. If you accept the offer, send me another mail to confirm your participation. Then shall I give you the date and coordinates of our first assembly.''

With regards,

Mordecai

Mordecai Midas

CEO of the Midas Foundation

+49-163-5552-524

In a good day, maybe Chet would be happy at this invitation. But for now, he's not too keen on joining any secret societies, so he deletes the email.


 * Chet Madden: "Who even is this guy? (Sigh) Now, what do you have for me, sweety?"

Chet proceeds to check the next most important mail, sent by a RAID operative close to Chet himself, Mandy O'Connor.

From: M. Madden (mandyoconnor@raid.com)

To: C. Madden (scientistsuperior@raid.com)

Subject: Concerning the Pride's Children

Dear Scientist Superior Madden,

''It has come to my attention that the children we were seeking six months ago has arrived on this facility at 1300 hours our time by magical means. Their leader, designated Nico Minoru, teleported with five other children, designated Alex Wilder, Chase Stein, Gertrude Yorkes, Karolina Dean, and Molly Hayes. We have detained the children in our penitentiary brig, and they are unharmed as of now. I predict that by the time of this writing, your lazy backside has reached the office and sat down on your comfortable couch. Knowing that, I inform you that they are still waiting for your audience as one of them, Chase Stein, referred to you as uncle and wants to speak with you with his runaway friends. You may contact me through the intercom system after you are done reading this.''

''PS: Uncle Madden? Seriously? I thought you said you've no other living relative. You still have me, though, and I know you know that that's enough.''

Thank you,

Mandy

Mandy Madden

COO of RAID

You know my number.

TBA

Trivia

 * The phone number of Midas, the Cosmic Man, is a fake one and should not be dialed whatsoever. For a fact, its ISD code (+49) is of Germany's.
 * Midas, the Cosmic Man, and Mordecai Midas are merged in this continuity in name only.